Fire: A Metaphor For Wealth Building

February 19, 2007 at 5:54 am | In Journal Entry |

Whosoever has attempted in his life to build a fire under the watchful eye of nature (i.e. not in a fire place) has in my opinion all the tools and temperament with which to build extraordinary wealth.

Imagine the times you have set out to build a fire at a campsite. Were the conditions perfect? Rarely are the conditions perfect for such an endeavor. And rarely does the world present opportunity for wealth building in a manner other than one requiring patience, hard work and a little bit of luck and skill.

Do you remember now the task of building that fire? Did you have all the necessary tools? There are tools one needs in the forests of this world and the jungles of this culture. Tools are needed to start and maintain a fire and to begin the upward spiral toward wealth. Axes, saws, matches, books (not to burn!), knowledge and mentors all are necessary to achieve the goals of warmth, safety and peace of mind.

Let’s build a fire. I am a dreamer and idealist and have decided to throw some downright massive logs into our fire pit. Try and try as I might I will have created much smoke but little fire. Now I am the type of person who will give all my energy in short bursts and soon lose track because of the greener grass on the other side. So I put lots and lots of dry grass and flammable kindling and watch as my fire by all outward appearances looks like a genius created it. But wait just a minute and see the fire diminish and my enthusiasm return to the dream state. Not a good way to create a fire or wealth.

Now let us build a fire properly, patiently and with the expertise of those who have come before us. We must gather some wood, a metaphor for the energy and effort required to get our fire of wealth burning. In order to build a fire that will become the foundation of our warmth building efforts, (a metaphor for income) we need some kindling. Next we need some slightly larger sticks and finally some logs. In order to build fire or wealth one step must come before the next or the flames will never grow. We grow each stage in increments each calculated to set the next level ablaze. We must begin growing wealth with some tools and knowledge using baby steps like kindling to get the ball rolling. Next we must put on some bigger branches to keep the fire growing. This step is like putting several key action steps together to create a deal. The final step when the fire is still growing will work only if the first goals have been attained. In this final step of wealth building we use the resources, the heat and energy, of the first steps to create residual wealth and heat. When we’ve attained this third degree the fire takes on a life of its own. Now there is little left to do but sit back and enjoy the heat of our efforts and the residual income we have created to sustain us through the long winter of our lives.

Cheers,
Shawn of Hypno-Freedom

2 Comments »

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  1. Good analogy

    Comment by Baby on the way — February 19, 2007 #

  2. Interesting metaphor Shawn, one that I can identify with for sure.

    Comment by Eric — March 6, 2007 #

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