The sentences I grew up hearing
Money was described as scarce, expensive and capable of bringing conflict. Those messages often came from care and real limitation, not cruelty. Still, they could remain active long after the original circumstances changed.
“Inherited beliefs deserve gratitude for what they protected and scrutiny for what they now prevent.”
From consumption to value
My dreams included travel, a larger home and beautiful things, but the more durable shift was to connect income with value created for others. Spartan Monk could become financially sustainable only if it genuinely helped people. Giving and earning did not have to be enemies.
Gratitude with responsibility
I adopted a first-giver attitude and the phrase ‘arigato money’ as a reminder to release and receive with appreciation. Gratitude does not replace budgets, tax or risk management. It changes the emotional climate in which those practical decisions are made.
Question the inherited script
Financial beliefs often arrive through family stories and periods of real scarcity. Rejecting those stories can feel like rejecting the people who protected us. A more compassionate approach honours the origin while deciding whether the rule still fits current reality.
Try this: complete three sentences: ‘Money always…’, ‘People with money…’ and ‘I am the kind of person who…’. Mark which voices feel inherited. For each limiting rule, write a balanced alternative and one piece of evidence you can create through responsible behaviour this month.
Write three money phrases you absorbed growing up. For each, create a balanced belief that includes generosity, value and practical responsibility.
This original letter is one of Yacopo's personal reflections from the courses and practices he continues to study as part of becoming better and better. Each lesson is tested through his lived experience in science, Kung Fu, relationships and the Spartan Monk Method.
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