We’ve talked about mindset, rituals, and redefining wealth – but how do we carry those principles into everyday life, beyond isolated moments of focus or luxury? The answer lies in intentional living. To live intentionally means to make choices on purpose, aligned with your values and goals, rather than drifting on autopilot. It’s realizing that how you live your day-to-day life is itself a form of wealth. Think of each morning you wake up with clarity, each evening you spend in reflection or quality time, as deposits into your wealth account. This kind of wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but in fulfillment and purpose.
Consider this: every dollar you spend and every hour you use is casting a vote for the life you want. When you choose to buy from a Black-owned business or invest in a course to improve your skills, you’re intentionally building the world (and future) you believe in. When you refrain from a purchase because you realize it’s just filling an emotional void or seeking status, you redirect that energy to something that truly matters – maybe saving for your business idea or donating to a cause you care about. This doesn’t mean depriving yourself; it means prioritizing yourself – your real self, the one with long-term dreams and a heart for meaning.
Intentional living also shows up in the small habits. It’s in taking a pause to breathe deeply when you’re stressed instead of reacting in anger, because you value your peace. It’s cooking a healthy meal because you cherish your body (your first home) and want the vitality to pursue your mission. It’s setting aside time to read, learn, or pray, because growth and groundedness are part of your personal wealth. Each of these acts might seem ordinary, but collectively, they create a life that’s rich and rooted.
There’s a quiet boldness in this way of living too. It means sometimes swimming against the current of others’ expectations. Maybe friends tease you for “budgeting” or not upgrading your car when you could, I know they do with me! But you know what you’re doing – you’re building true wealth, not just the appearance of it. You’re practicing patience, foresight, and self-respect. In a culture of instant gratification, you’re playing the long game. And that’s powerful.
The beautiful thing is, intentional living doesn’t feel like a chore once you embrace it; it feels empowering. Every deliberate choice reinforces that you are in control of your story. You’re not just accumulating days and dollars; you’re curating a life that reflects who you are and what you care about.
How does New Money fit into this? Think of it as one tangible piece of your intentional lifestyle. You put it on in the morning to remind yourself: today I live by design, not by default. The scent might fade by night, but the mindset remains. You’ve decided that from the air you breathe to the money you spend to the dreams you chase, everything is in alignment. That alignment – the authenticity between your values and actions – is the greatest wealth of all. With each intentional breath, you’re living proof that “new money” isn’t just something you have, it’s something you do, every single day.
The Black Negotiator 