Business Cliché’s: “Money doesn't grow on trees”

This cliché is usually used when parents talk to their children, trying educate them about the value of money. The expression “Money doesn't grow on trees,” is one of my favorite money clichés. 

You see, the first time I tried to educate my kids about money, we were at the office. As I was talking to my kids, someone said sarcastically “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Nowadays, kids think money grows on trees.” The funny part, is that was exactly what I was trying to explain to them. 

I’ve learned that money is just like the pouring rain - it falls hard everywhere and can be challenging to get around in. When there’s stormy weather, many of us enclose ourselves in a dry area where we are secure and comfortable. We’re not willing to go through the cold, heavy water because we’re worried about catching a cold. 

I am here to tell you that, yes, money does grow on trees. It is made of paper, isn’t it? So that means it does grows on trees, right? Maybe the problem is that you are choosing to look in the wrong trees. Perhaps, you are not willing to go through the cold water or are too worried about getting sick. Just as when it rains we’re scared to get out of our comfort zone, sometimes we’re afraid of putting in the many hours of hard work and determination it’ll take to find those unique trees where the money is growing.

Trees are like a smart investment, opening your own business, working wisely, willing to be paid by results not by hour - the list of these unique trees goes on and on. One thing is for sure and that is that no one grows economically if they are not willing to go through constant change, therefore getting out of their comfort zones. Just think for a second, the only thing that is for certain from the day we are born is constant change. 

Adapting to constant change is the key to success. It’s the key to become the one. The key to becoming the top in whatever you may do. It’s also the key to being recognized and respected, simply by putting in the effort.

Here’s what I started to explain to my kids about money: “Just like the process of getting a gold ring, everything starts in the middle of dirt, mud and hard rocks. It’s only after heavy hammering, going through the cold water and extremely high temperatures of fire, that the gold is separated from the rocks, dirt and other unsure substances. When you finally get the gold bar and you think you got it, the process starts all over again. This is the only way to get that gold ring on your finger.” 

As I finished the story, a fax came through with a form for me to complete a credit card transaction. My younger one picks up the fax and says: “Dad, see? Money also grows on these machines!” 

Hope you got motivated to look for the right trees!