The Wealth You Can't Buy But Can Build

Last week, I wrote about subtraction as a superpower. How saying no and removing things from your calendar creates space for what actually matters.
Turns out, I wasn't done with that thought. It's become a bit of an obsession lately, for reasons that'll become clear in a minute.

I was flipping through some old notes this week and found a story I'd scribbled down that hits differently now. I’m sure some of you may have heard it before:

The Parable of the Mexican Fisherman

An American businessman is on holiday in a small coastal Mexican village when he notices a fisherman docking his small boat. Inside are a few large fish.

The businessman compliments the fisherman on the quality of his catch and asks how long it took him to catch them. "Not long," the fisherman replies.
"Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" the businessman asks.
"I have enough to support my family and enjoy my life," says the fisherman.

The businessman asks what he does with the rest of his time.
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, and stroll into the village each evening to sip wine and play guitar with my friends."

The businessman scoffs. "I'm a Harvard MBA. I can help you.
You should spend more time fishing.
Then buy a bigger boat.
Then several boats.
Eventually, you could open your own processing plant, move to Mexico City, then to LA and eventually New York, and run a massive operation."

"How long would all that take?"
"15–20 years," the businessman replies.
"Then what?"
"Then you could retire, move to a small coastal village, sleep late, fish a little, play with your grandkids, take siestas with your wife, and sip wine in the evenings."

The fisherman smiles and walks away.

I've been thinking about this story a lot lately. We're all playing the businessman, aren't we? Drawing elaborate maps to destinations we're already standing in.

It reminded me of something the writer Nassim Taleb talks about – true wealth often comes through "via negativa" – removing things rather than adding them.
The wealthiest person you know might actually be broke.

Let me explain. And fair warning, this gets a bit personal.

I haven't had a steady income in 18 months.
It's all on me, though. I chose to start a business, knowing the risks. And like 98% of startups, it didn't work out as planned.

There have been days (more than I care to admit) when I've been absolutely consumed with stress about providing for my family. Days when I've questioned every decision that led me here. Dark days when the bank balance made my stomach twist.

But here's the strange part.
In losing what I thought was essential, I discovered what actually is.

Worriless Sleep

I know people spending thousands of dollars on special mattresses or weighted blankets that promise "better sleep." Meanwhile, you probably have a neighbour named Dave, who earns half what you do and sleeps like a stone because he's built a life he doesn't need to escape from at night.

During the toughest months, sleep is always the first thing to go. No weighted blanket could silence the inner voices screaming at me about where I’m at.

What finally helped wasn't a purchase.
It was building days worth being present for, and the quiet confidence that comes from facing what I feared most and surviving it.

We throw money at sleep aids, white noise machines, and blackout curtains.
But the real wealth? A quiet mind at 3am.
Many people would pay $$$ for that.

Quality Friendships

You realise who your true friends are when you’re not at your best. They’re the ones who call or message every day. The ones who check in just because they know you need an outlet.

Making the choice to spend a chilled dinner with a close friend or two may not advance your career or get you more clients, but the return on that investment will be guaranteed to last far longer.

True wealth is having four people who'd help you move a body at 3am, not 400 who'd buy your product.

Muscle Strength

Here's something most 25-year-olds won’t understand: muscle strength isn't only about looking good in photos. It's about being able to pick up your grandchildren when you're 70.

Your body is the one piece of kit you'll own forever. Investing in it now pays dividends; your future self will thank you.
Muscle strength is directly correlated to how well you age. It's the gift you give to the person you'll become. Having the time and energy to build muscle is wealth that compounds better than any investment.

Time With Your Children

Big jobs and bigger paychecks often equates to scheduling "quality time" with your kids. As if they don’t notice you checking emails while pushing them on the swing.

My financial runway might be shorter, but my days with them are longer.
I’ve watched swimming lessons and dancing practices and had conversations I'd have otherwise missed.

The wealthiest parent isn't the one who can afford more expensive gifts. It's the one whose kids still want to tell them things.

Focused Time with My Best Half

The startup struggle can put any relationship through its paces. But it also strips away the distractions. Just us, facing our fears together, having tough conversations that bring us closer together.

That focused time, sometimes tearful, sometimes doubled over with laughter at the absurdity of it all, has built a foundation money could never buy.

Look, I'm not romanticising financial stress. It's hard AF, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But I am grateful for what it's taught me about real wealth.

Although it's been hard, I've realised how little we actually "need" to have a fulfilled life. The fancy dinners and status symbols? They're nice, but they're not the wealth I once thought they were.

Real wealth is built in the quiet moments between all the hustling.
It's in home workouts with minimal equipment rather than expensive gym memberships. It's in clearing mental space rather than filling our calendars.

I've been keeping a "wealth log" this month – writing down moments of true richness that didn't cost a thing. Try it.
It's humbling how much abundance we walk past daily.

See you next week.

Peace, love and growth.

And, that’s all folks!

Thank you for reading the latest edition of my newsletter.
As always, comments and feedback are welcome.

And, please don’t be shy to share this with a friend or family member. Each week, I’ll share something that helps us find balance.

Jazza