Redefine Wealth for Yourself Summary

Is true wealth only about money, or does it encompass a life rich with health, relationships, faith, and purpose?

1. Health Fuels Your Life's Desires

Your mental and physical health forms the bedrock of everything you aim to achieve in life. Without it, you may lack the energy and confidence to pursue your goals or enjoy your successes.

Patrice Washington emphasizes that both body and mind must be in top shape to fully embrace life's opportunities. Using an example from her own life, she explains how neglecting routine health checks nearly led to a life-threatening condition. Her prolonged fatigue and fertility struggles were related to a medical issue she had ignored. This episode highlighted how wellness is indispensable for personal and professional growth.

Keeping your mind healthy is equally essential. Washington recommends using positive affirmations to rewire the brain, boost confidence, and overcome old mental hurdles. Something simple, like repeating “I am capable of great things,” can have a profound impact over time. You must also directly address mental health challenges—whether through therapy, support groups, or reflection—to maintain clarity and emotional balance.

Examples

• Washington’s ER visit revealed low hemoglobin, which had far-reaching effects on her life.
• Affirmations like “I am focused,” reinforce positive change through consistent repetition.
• Mental wellness practices like journaling help process difficult emotions and build resilience.

2. Strong Relationships Create Abundance

The quality of your relationships influences not only your happiness but also your growth and opportunities in life.

Washington points out that fostering deeper relationships means actively listening to others. Many people feel unheard in their daily interactions, which can harm trust and connection. She shares a humorous yet telling example where her own child noticed she wasn't paying attention to a story—a reminder to be present and attentive with loved ones.

Beyond personal circles, your network should include people who align with your values and goals. Building this support system might involve joining professional groups or seeking mentors. It's also important to recognize your role in these relationships: are you adding genuine value, or are you treating connections as transactional?

Examples

• Surveys show that over half of people feel they're rarely truly listened to.
• Washington emphasizes punctuality as a way of respecting others’ time.
• Join groups or communities that align with your passions for shared growth.

3. Your Environment Reflects Your Standards

The spaces you occupy play a big role in your overall sense of calm, focus, and readiness.

Washington explains that clutter in your home, office, or even your schedule can hinder progress. Creating an organized and pleasant space fosters positive energy and reflects the level of success you expect for yourself. Start small—cleaning out a sock drawer, for instance—and let the small wins build momentum.

She also encourages designing spaces with personal motivation in mind. Early in her career, Washington reimagined her own workspace to better reflect her vision as a successful businesswoman, an act of stepping into her future potential. Bringing inspirational elements—be it art, scents, or music—into your environment further amplifies the positive energy.

Examples

• An average person spends two and a half days annually looking for misplaced items.
• Redesigning a workspace to match professional ambitions inspires efficiency.
• Adding sensory touches like flowers or calm playlists can shift the mood of a space.

4. Faith Aligns You with Purpose

Faith helps you stay grounded, focused, and persistent even as you face life’s challenges.

Washington refers to her personal relationship with Christianity, though she notes faith doesn’t have to be tied to a specific religion. Faith, to her, is believing in something greater and aligning your actions to a higher purpose. For those seeking clarity, exploring different spiritual paths can be a meaningful way to uncover a belief system that speaks to them.

Consistency is key when practicing faith. Daily rituals—such as prayer, meditation, or journaling—keep your core values front and center. Living in alignment with your faith means demonstrating it through behaviors in relationships and decisions. Washington also speaks to the power of expectancy, holding space for opportunities to appear, while trusting outcomes to her higher power.

Examples

• Washington aligns her actions to the Bible's promise about using gifts to create opportunities.
• Journaling and meditation help people reflect and connect with their higher purpose.
• Transparency about life’s struggles allows others to learn from your journey.

5. Work Should Align With Your Calling

Instead of chasing passion alone, focus on your gifts and purpose to create fulfillment.

While passion is valuable, Washington explains it isn’t always the driving factor for success. Instead, she encourages readers to identify their unique talents—things that come naturally to them. These talents, when combined with purpose, create a sense of calling that allows individuals to earn a living while making an impact.

Aligning your career with your gifts and goals requires deliberate planning. Begin by exploring your strengths, defining your purpose, and visualizing your ideal work environment. If changes aren’t immediately possible, find smaller ways to integrate your calling into your current role or through volunteer opportunities.

Examples

• A would-be rapper spent years chasing unfulfilled passion at the expense of true gifts.
• Define your ideal job environment to guide your professional decisions.
• Volunteer opportunities can help integrate purpose into daily life.

6. Money Requires Intentionality

Money is a powerful tool, but it shouldn't overshadow other aspects of your life.

According to Washington, money is often mistaken as the ultimate goal, but creating a balance in other life areas leads to healthier finances. Cultivating a strong “money mindset” involves identifying and challenging limiting beliefs about wealth. Negative associations may block growth and need active rewriting.

Managing money well starts with awareness. Create a detailed budget that lays out income, expenses, and spending habits so you can take charge of your financial situation. A structured approach to savings, debt reduction, and spending helps create pathways for eventual financial freedom.

Examples

• Addressing bad spending habits often heals unmet emotional needs.
• A clear budget shows areas for savings and shifts in priorities.
• Financial therapy can tackle deeper behavioral issues tied to money.

7. Listen and Lead with Empathy

Empathy serves as a cornerstone in both personal and professional settings.

When you show genuine care and take the time to listen thoughtfully, relationships improve. This allows you to lead with understanding and build trust with others. It might sound small, but active empathy strengthens connections and opens pathways to future collaborations or deeper bonds.

Examples

• Thoughtful listening increases trust and connection.
• Leading with care often fosters collaboration in professional settings.
• Empathy builds bridges between diverse personal backgrounds.

8. Organize Your Schedule with Intention

Your calendar reflects your priorities—fill it with purpose.

An intentional schedule makes all the difference in achieving stability across different areas of life. Prioritize moments for fitness, faith, relationships, and self-care alongside tasks, ensuring you have time for personal and professional goals.

Examples

• Overbooking prevents giving full focus to moments of importance.
• Scheduling time for mental breaks ensures productivity doesn’t decrease.
• Small adjustments allow time for self-discovery or hobbies.

9. Generosity Fuels Fulfillment

Giving enriches not only those receiving but also the giver.

Whether it’s through time, talent, or financial support, generosity creates cycles of abundance. But Washington advises being mindful; ensure generosity doesn’t detract from your primary goals. By giving without expectation, you’ll naturally attract support when you need it most.

Examples

• Writing thank-you notes strengthens connections.
• Offering support without expectations builds goodwill.
• Generosity rooted in authenticity fosters meaningful relationships.

Takeaways

1. Schedule regular health checkups to stay physically and mentally prepared for life’s opportunities.
2. Organize your space and time to align with the version of yourself you aspire to become.
3. Reframe your work by identifying your gifts, purpose, and the value they bring to others.