Balance

This week, much of the reading and video material we covered in class was on achieving a work-life balance. I wondered at first if that were not a misnomer. The concept of separating work from life seems futile since so much of our lives are spent working.

I then came to understand that it is the focus that matters most. Are you focused on winning money, power, prestige, esteem of your fellow man? Are you trying to provide for your family in good stead? Are you striving to achieve financial independence for the benefit of serving the Church, God, and building Zion?

Many people get lost in the why while perfecting the how. If they could just keep sight ofboth I think they'd find what they are truly looking for. 

I would like to earn a complete grade by addressing the following questions:

1. What is your attitude toward money?
     A: Money is the physical representation of the value of my labor, compared to the labor of everyone else in my immediate labor market. I use it as a medium of exchange. I'd like to have more of it, but not too much at any one time.

2. How can your view of money affect the way you live?
     A: I think when someone begins to prioritize the quantity of money or the triumph of earning money over it's utility to honor God and provide for our families, they have entered a dangerous place. Money isn't evil, it's the love of money. Money is just an exchange medium for our labors. Where are we dedicating our labors?

3. What rules are recommended for prospering?
     The Richest Man in Babylon is a book by George Samuel Clason; it is a consummate classic in the recommended methods for sound financial decision making. There are no shortcuts, do-overs, or "mullligans" in life. You earn what you get, or you lose what you had. Nearly every lottery winner can attest to that. The principles taught in this book, saving, investing wisely, refraining from greed or miserly behavior. All are wonderful counsel.