Journey With Quila

Author, T. Harv Eker mentioned that the first step to wealth is consciousness—becoming aware of how you view money. And to be honest, it’s not something we acquire or choose. It’s something that’s programmed into us from the time we’re children, before we even understand how money works.

This programming is passed down from generation to generation, from our parents to us.

He suggested looking back and remembering how your parents and the people around you viewed and talked about money while you were growing up. That’s how you’ll understand how you were programmed when it comes to money matters.

Looking back, I remember my father had an unstable job. He was a construction worker, so his work was project-based. There were months he had work, and months he didn’t. When the waiting time between projects got longer, that’s when I would hear my parents arguing about money. I also remember my mother taking on side jobs just so we could get by. She worked as a nanny, a saleslady, and a laundry washer.

At our lowest points, we ate only porridge, or rice with soy sauce or sugar—just to have some taste.

That’s why I was always so happy when my father had work again. That was when we got to eat special food—like pork—and when my mother’s wallet was thick. But once the project ended and her wallet was empty, I knew the cycle was starting all over again.

Now that I’m an adult with a stable job, I realize I’ve learned how to budget my income for travel, monthly expenses, and to financially support my parents. But still, I haven’t been able to save properly for the future or for emergencies.

I dream of a stable life and having a lot of money, yet I’ve never truly aimed for a higher position at work.

Reading Secrets of the Millionaire Mind made me realize how my relationship with money was shaped. I saw that I often lack motivation to pursue what I truly want—because I don’t act until I’m already running on empty. It’s the same whenever I visit my parents or relatives and see their living conditions. That’s when I feel a strong drive to work hard, chase my dreams, and eventually help them. But when I return home, those feelings fade and I fall back into my old routine—planning in my head, but not really taking action.

However, during the early days of living with my partner—when we were barely getting by and waiting for my next paycheck (he didn’t have a job for a few months)—I managed to come up with different side hustles just to survive.

Looking back at all this, I’ve realized that between being a spender or a saver, I’m a spender. I don’t save or prepare for rainy days unless I’m almost out of money. That’s the mindset I grew up with—you only worry about money once it’s gone.

If you still have some left, that’s when you act. That’s also why I struggle with long-term planning. I’m amazed when others talk about their 5- or 10-year plans. As for me, my only plan has been to “save”—but without knowing what I’m saving for.

I save “for the moment,” but in truth, I end up spending as long as there’s something left.

This is why I’ve been unable to reach my financial goals. But learning this about myself has made me more conscious of the decisions I make about money.

Understanding my “money blueprint” has helped me see the root of my behavior. And as T. Harv Eker says, we hold the wheel of our own lives. We can change our course if we choose to. We just need to put in the work and create a new money blueprint that fits our current life.

Stop being a victim—start taking action. I’m working on mine now. I hope this helps shed some light for you too. I highly recommend reading the book if you want more guidance. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

For now, I’d love to know—have you taken time to reflect on your own money blueprint? Let me know!