We all have different types of friends — the fun ones, the listeners, the ones who bring drama, and the ones who just show up. There's always that one friend who stands out from the rest. Not because they've got it all figured out but you feel like they ignite something in you — a greater sense of awareness, a point of a different angle of view. For me, that friend is Kojo Antwi, one who inspires me to think money and not just to think about how to make it, but to understand it, respect it and ultimately master it.
I've had many friends over the years, but this one is different from the rest. Whereas the others may have brought gossip, newsy topics or petty issues, he brings up possibility. Every conversation seems like a seed being planted. It's not about trying to impress you about what he has, but more about what he has learned -- and that's a rarity. A fact I've come to understand is; one of the best pieces of value anyone can give you is not money but knowledge. Money you can run out of, knowledge shows you how to continue building it infinitely.
Today I passed his office after a long time, and I left with something valuable, a book from his collection. He is always reading, learning and always willing to pass it on. That has rubbed off on me. Books have become one of the best investments I make. Life becomes busy sometimes, distractions occur, but I make the time to read even if it is just a chapter a day, that's that matters. This is because I have come to embrace something profound: if your mind isn't growing your life isn't either.
It's not just about getting money, it's about thinking money. That is to understand how it works, what mindset/activity keeps you broke, and what habits propel you forward. The problem is too many people want the outcome, not the understanding. They want income but no discipline. They want wealth but no wisdom. That is one reason why learning and unlearning become so important. One of my friend's once said " If all you have is money and no mindset, you can lose it all in one storm."
That hit me pretty deep. No longer do we need to just chase money. We need to build our capacity, financial literacy, managing our emotions, and develope a long-term thinking. That is the wealth that stays with you for life. So the reflection of today is simple. If you have that friend that encourages your thinking - stay close to them. Don't just admire their lifestyle, ask questions, read what they read, listen closely.
Because at the end of the day it isn't what they gave you that will change your life , it's what they ignited in you. And if you don't have that friend yet, maybe it's time that you become one for someone else. We rise by not only earning more but learning more. Let's value the knowledge that empowers us instead of the money that impresses us.