re:framing my money mindset

in this edition, i'm sharing:
- questioning the value of unpaid work
- re:framing money mindset
- i am broke not poor

recently, i had coffee with my friend sabela and told her i don’t feel needed anymore when it comes to my profession. somehow, no one seems to need me to bridge the gap between future tech and daily business - no consulting requests, no invites to speak on stage. i felt frustrated. she looked at me and said, “but your son needs you, more than anyone else ever did.” that hit me hard. it showed me just how much i’ve tied success to money. the only work i seem to value is the kind i get paid for. what the…?? and that’s exactly the problem with unpaid care work - it disappears into the invisible, even though it’s the most important work of all. so many nights, i’ve gone to bed feeling like i did nothing because i didn’t get around to working on business ideas or writing this newsletter. but what i did do was feed my baby at least eight times, change diapers, teach him how to communicate, help him grow through play and connection, take him on walks, and most of all give him my full presence to nourish his needs. on top of that, i made the house look like it runs itself. so, i did nothing? love, d.

RE:FRAME MONEY MINDSET

i don’t like the whole “mindset” thing. it can make you feel like if something’s going wrong, it’s just because of your thoughts. but at the same time, i do believe that your thoughts are powerful and can lead to success. when it comes to money though, i still find myself struggling. to be honest, i’ve had moments where everything flowed easily, and others - like now - where i have to make really smart decisions just to avoid going broker than broke. one thing i’ve learned: coming from no money always keeps you aware of how close the edge can feel. but what i have now is unbreakable - knowledge and a strong network.

i listened to the book “rich dad, poor dad,” and the author left me with some important thoughts that made me question my beliefs about money.

what i like about the book: it shifts people’s mindset from seeing money as something you earn and spend to something you grow and invest. instead of just working for money, the book encourages you to make money work for you by acquiring assets that generate income. it also challenges the traditional belief that a high salary or a stable job is the only path to financial security. instead, it promotes the idea of financial independence through smart investments and entrepreneurship. this shift in perspective can lead to more proactive financial decisions and a greater focus on long-term wealth-building.

money comes and goes, but financial education really matters. it’s how you stop working for money and start letting money work for you. over the past years, that’s exactly what i’ve been building. my biggest moves? educating myself, starting my own businesses, building a community, and investing in companies - either as start-ups or through stocks.

disclaimer: this is not financial advice - just my way to support her vision and it could be yours too.

but the book's advice doesn’t always account for the real-life barriers. like socioeconomic struggles, gender disparities, or systemic challenges that so many people face. honestly, most books written by men aren’t written for people who care for others. learning about how important sleep is for brain health doesn’t help much when you're a parent getting up multiple times a night to feed your baby. same goes for routines - they’re great in theory, but kids often have very different plans. and so on.

one of my early mentors - a 70-year-old privileged white man - used to say: “dajana, what would a same-aged white man packed with money do in your situation?” and honestly, it helped. even now, i use that simple question to shift my mindset from challenges to opportunities. because if you’re privileged a.f., you act like there’s nothing to lose and when you’re starting from scratch, it’s kind of the same.

next time someone says: „what if your little business fails?“ just say: „guess, i’ll get a normal job like you!“ remember, your worst case is already their reality.

remember the newsletter and chatGPT conversation about “new year but old self”? use it as inspo to re:frame your money mindset and goals.

NOTE2SELF

I AM BROKE, NOT POOR - radical transparency is part of my 2025 journey - it’s all about less bullshit.

a friend recently asked if i’m worried about my financial situation in this maternal leave. fair question after the challenges and lost money last year. and it made me think of something i wrote in my book:

“today, i am rich. maybe not always money-wise, but in experience and connections. i’m an expert in my field, with a strong personal brand and a solid standing. i live a privileged life because of my strong support system.”

yes, i know what poverty feels like. i know what fear of loosing my status feels like. but let’s be clear: that’s not where i am - and, honestly, it’s not where i’ll end up. because here’s the truth: i’m too experienced. too connected. too well-positioned. if i decide to found a new startup, people will back me. if i want a job, my network will open doors.

BITS & NUGGETS to make u SMARTER and more ARTSY

• use the code “bff50” to get 50% off on my webniars on personal branding including the masterclass.

• this time, olesja's newsletter covers her trip to greece and how ai helped her experience it in an extended way.

• anyways worth it: rich dad, poor dad by robert t. kiyosaki

i choose recommendations that invite you to invest in yourself - in knowledge, in creativity and in art.

you made a powerful decision for yourself by reading RE:FRAME to the end. let’s turn that power into action - add five more in: five forwards to friends, five shares, or simply your five mins of reflections. your next step matters.