Deserve vs Earn: From Entitlement to Empowerment

The battle between ‘deserve’ and ‘earn’ extends beyond the boundaries of personal finance, infiltrating various aspects of our lives. Deserve vs earn is a duel between passive entitlement and proactive achievement.

This article will explore how shifting from a ‘deserve’ mindset to an ‘earn’ one not only empowers us financially but also enriches our lives in general.

The Psychology Behind ‘Deserve vs. Earn’

Deserve vs. Earn – two powerful concepts with profoundly different implications.

To ‘deserve‘ often means expecting rewards or outcomes based on perceived entitlements or societal norms.

In contrast, to ‘earn‘ is to gain through effort, action, and merit.

This distinction is particularly significant in personal finance. A financial mindset grounded in ‘earning’ promotes active engagement with one’s financial future, while a ‘deserve’ mindset often leads to passive expectations and disappointments.

The Pitfalls of a ‘Deserve’ Mindset

The ‘deserve’ mindset is subtly reinforced through everyday messages.

Consider the common advertising slogans: “You deserve a new car,” or “You deserve a dream vacation.” These phrases, while seemingly harmless, instill a belief that we are inherently entitled to certain luxuries or lifestyles.

This thinking can extend to personal relationships and career aspirations, with beliefs like “I deserve a perfect partner” or “I deserve a high-paying job” becoming prevalent.

However, this mindset is disempowering. It places the outcome of our desires in the hands of fate, luck, or the actions of others, rather than in our own.

When we believe we deserve something, we are less likely to take proactive steps to achieve it, often leading to a cycle of unmet expectations and financial strain.

The Empowering ‘Earn’ Mindset

In contrast, an ‘earn’ mindset is inherently empowering. It acknowledges that personal effort, diligence, and strategy are key to achieving goals.

This mentality is crucial for financial independence and success.

When individuals believe they need to earn their financial stability, they are more likely to engage in prudent financial strategies, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and seeking education and career advancements.

Real-life examples abound of individuals who adopted this mindset and achieved remarkable financial success. These stories often involve consistent effort, smart financial planning, and a commitment to personal growth – hallmarks of the ‘earn’ mentality.

Humorous Interlude: The Deserve vs. Earn Debate

Imagine if life really worked on a ‘deserve’ basis. You might wake up thinking, “I deserve a day off,” and poof! Your boss calls to say, “Take the day off, you deserve it!” Or, “I deserve a pizza,” and suddenly, a pizza delivery guy knocks at your door.

While amusing to think about, reality operates more on the ‘earn’ spectrum – work hard, and then maybe your boss will agree on that day off, and you can certainly buy yourself that pizza with the money you’ve earned!

Privilege and the ‘Deserve vs. Earn’ Mentality

In contemporary discussions, ‘privilege’ is often used to describe unearned advantages that individuals may have due to their background or identity.

This concept intersects interestingly with the ‘deserve vs. earn’ debate.

While it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone starts from the same place, attributing everything to privilege can sometimes echo the disempowering aspects of the ‘deserve’ mindset.

It suggests that outcomes are predestined by circumstances, overlooking the potential of effort and action.

On the flip side, recognizing privilege shouldn’t be about guilt but about understanding different starting points and working towards personal achievements despite them.

Life Examples Where ‘Earn’ Triumphs Over ‘Deserve’

1. Career: Getting that dream job often requires more than just feeling deserving – it’s about acquiring skills, networking, and hard work.
2. Relationships: Healthy relationships aren’t just deserved; they’re cultivated through understanding, communication, and mutual effort.
3. Personal Achievements: Whether it’s running a marathon or learning a new language, these goals are achieved through dedication and perseverance, not merely by feeling entitled to them.

Identifying the ‘Deserve’ Mindset in Yourself

Recognizing a ‘deserve’ mindset in oneself is the first step towards change. This can be done by reflecting on past decisions and attitudes.

Ask yourself: Have there been times when you felt entitled to a certain lifestyle or purchase without considering the financial implications?

Do you often attribute financial shortcomings to external factors rather than personal choices? These reflections can reveal underlying ‘deserve’ thinking patterns.

Transitioning to an ‘Earn’ Mindset

To transition from a ‘deserve’ mindset, start by examining your beliefs. Do you often catch yourself thinking, “I deserve X for Y reason”?

If so, try to reframe these thoughts into what actions you can take to achieve X.

Remember, entitlement is easy; effort is empowering.

Shifting from a ‘deserve’ to an ‘earn’ mentality requires intentional effort. Here are some practical steps:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Begin by setting achievable financial and personal objectives. This could involve creating a budget, setting savings targets, or planning for career advancement.
2. Embrace Responsibility: Understand that your financial well-being is largely within your control. Accepting responsibility for your financial decisions is empowering and central to the ‘earn’ mindset.
3. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power, especially in finance. Educate yourself about budgeting, investing, and other financial strategies to make informed decisions.
4. Take Action: Finally, take proactive steps toward your goals. Whether it’s seeking additional education, investing in the stock market, or simply cutting unnecessary expenses, action is the essence of earning.

Deserve vs Earn: Embracing Effort for Genuine Achievement

In summary, the ‘deserve’ mindset, though tempting, often leads to stagnation in various aspects of life.

On the other hand, an ‘earn’ mentality brings about empowerment, responsibility, and active engagement in our own journey.

Shifting from feeling entitled to embracing effort is key to achieving genuine success.

Remember, life usually rewards our efforts, not our wishes.

While it’s easy to float on the idea of ‘deserve’, it’s on the solid ground of ‘earn’ where real achievements take root.

This principle applies across the board – in relationships, career, and personal goals. So, the next time you think, “I deserve…,” consider if you’ve truly earned it.