How Small Actions Build Wealth Without Sacrificing Freedom
Money. We all like earning it, but our reasons are different. For some, money means freedom: not having to check prices at the supermarket, being able to travel, or simply not having to deprive ourselves. Of course, deprivation can be a challenge, but it can also be a way to live more simply. Some people, when they have no limits, end up doing anything and everything. So, I’m not saying money is good or bad. What matters is being prepared for it—especially if you’ve never had much before. If you’ve learned to manage your money well, if you didn’t grow up with a silver spoon, it’s easier to keep your spending in check even as you earn more.
We’re all different, with our own habits and mindsets. But here’s the real question: how can you bring value to others? Whether it’s through coaching, starting a business, or opening new markets in countries with less competition, there are always ways to make a difference. Sometimes, the rules are less strict elsewhere. For example, opening a real estate agency in France or the US is tough—you need licenses and paperwork. But in some Latin American countries, you can register your business and start right away, even if you weren’t in real estate before.
This opens doors. If you spot a gap in the market and are willing to invest your time and money, you can build something valuable. You can do it alone, with partners, or even delegate everything and just be the owner. Many people do this with bars, restaurants, and other businesses—hiring managers and directors while they remain the main shareholder.
Everyone has something they’re better at than most people. Sometimes, it’s right in front of us, but we don’t see it because we think it has to be complicated. But it doesn’t. Even if it seems simple, there’s competition everywhere. And competition means there’s demand. You just have to do things differently. People might buy from you because of your story, your charisma, your experience, or your unique knowledge—things your competitors might not offer.
Think about shopping malls. You’ll find the same stores everywhere, sometimes even the same supermarkets right next to each other. In Australia, for example, you’ll see Woolworths and Coles in the same shopping center. They’re direct competitors, but they coexist just fine. Some people shop at one, some at the other, and some switch depending on promotions. The same goes for fast food: McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and others all side by side. Or sodas: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper—all lined up together. It’s the same with restaurants, clothing stores, and more.
So, competition just means there’s a need. You can stand out. What matters is your approach, your knowledge, and your strategy—especially how you attract future customers. If you’re a freelancer, say in data science, what can you offer that others can’t? On platforms like Malt or Comet, everyone looks at prices, but also at profiles. Why would a company choose you over someone else? Maybe you reply faster, are more professional, have a better portfolio, or even just a better profile photo.
First impressions matter. Like judging a book by its cover, people make snap decisions based on what they see first. If you’re visiting an apartment and the building looks terrible from the outside, you might not even go in—even if the inside is beautiful. It’s the same for your online presence. On YouTube, the thumbnail is the first thing people see, then the title. On LinkedIn or Twitter, your profile photo is front and center. For me, I use a yellow background—it stands out and works well for conversions.
If you have an app, the icon is key. On websites, the landing page is crucial. For physical products, it’s the label. When you go to the supermarket, you might pick a product just because of its packaging. For hotels on booking sites, the first three photos matter most. On Airbnb, too, images convert. So, pay attention to these details—they can make a big difference for your freelance business or any project.
Your skills are important, but so is how you present them. Think about your portfolio, your profile, your product’s appearance. The best time to take action is now. Don’t put off what you can do today. If you want to go further, keep learning and improving. Track what works and what doesn’t, and adjust as you go. That’s how you get better and bounce back from setbacks.
In the end, the goal is to be happy. We only have one life, so go for it.
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
— Epictetus
Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.
— Unknown
Key Takeaways
- Money brings freedom, but managing it well is key.
- Everyone has unique value to offer—find yours and don’t overcomplicate things.
- Competition means demand; stand out by doing things differently.
- First impressions matter: work on your profile, product, or business appearance.
- Take action now—don’t wait for the “perfect” moment.
Action Steps
- Identify your unique skill or value.
- Improve your online and offline “cover”—profile photos, product packaging, etc.
- Track what works, adjust, and keep moving forward.
Reflection
What small change can you make today to stand out? Are you presenting your skills and products in the best possible way?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Entrepreneurship #Financial Freedom #Mindset #Money #Nomad #Personal Development #Self-Transcendence #Small Actions #Tasks #Tech #Wealth