I Gotta Make Money

But When Can I Do What Truly Fills My Heart?

The call to chase money solely for the sake of acquiring it often whispers an alluring promise of security and freedom. Yet, for those who live with a deep sense of inner purpose, this pursuit can feel hollow, a betrayal of the soul’s longing for alignment with something more meaningful.

I’ve found myself grappling with this existential conflict: How do I navigate a world where financial necessity pulls me toward projects that fail to spark my inner fire?

Danielle LaPorte, a thought leader on conscious living and author of one of my all-time favorite books called “Fire Starters,” reminds us, “If it doesn’t light you up, you’re not the right person for the job.” Her philosophy challenges us to honor the passions that fuel us, suggesting that our greatest value lies in what comes naturally to us.

Similarly, Lao Tzu might counsel that any path not aligned with the Tao—our true nature—is fraught with resistance. The Taoist Sage advises us to surrender to the flow of life rather than force our way through it.

“The way of the Creative is to win others’ hearts through following the truth within ourselves,” says the I Ching. But what happens when society pressures us to prioritize cash over calling?

Zhuangzi offers a profound insight here: “Forget the years; forget distinctions. Leap into the boundless and make it your home.” This wisdom suggests that life is not about accumulating wealth or accolades, but about living in harmony with what brings us joy and peace.

Meditation has become a lifeline for me in addressing this conflict. Through consistent practice, I’ve learned to observe troubling thoughts—about money, insecurity, or obligation—as fleeting clouds across the vast sky of awareness.

Meditation creates space for clarity, a stillness in which the chatter of societal expectations fades, revealing the quiet yet resolute “Inner No.” This concept from the I Ching speaks to the deep, instinctual refusal that arises when something is not aligned with our higher purpose. It is a guidepost, a reminder to trust the wisdom within.

When tempted to take on work that dims my spirit, I reflect on the I Ching’s Sage and Helpers. The Sage symbolizes the wise part of ourselves that knows the path forward, while the Helpers may take the form of supportive relationships or serendipitous events. Listening to the Sage requires courage to say no, while embracing the Helpers often reveals opportunities aligned with our passions.

Danielle LaPorte’s insight that “your most valuable currency is what comes most naturally to you” is both a permission slip and a directive. It reminds me that the energy we bring to our work is what truly transforms it into value. If my heart is not engaged, the work lacks the spark necessary to inspire others or even myself.

So how do we avoid projects that don’t light us up? The answer lies in discernment and trust. Discernment to pause and listen for the “Inner No,” and trust in the Tao—that saying no to what doesn’t serve us creates space for what does. By aligning with what feels most authentic, I’m reminded that financial prosperity can flow as a byproduct of inspired action, rather than as the sole aim.

Ultimately, this is about honoring life itself. We are not here to merely survive but to create, to connect, and to thrive. When we let go of projects that don’t light us up, we make room for the ones that do—those that align with the Tao and draw others toward us like moths to a flame. And in this way, we win hearts, including our own, by following the truth within ourselves.

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Diamond- Michael Scott — aka The Chocolate Taoist