I recently gave a talk to a group of post-exit founders discussing conscious capitalism.

The net worth of the entire room was probably around a billion dollars!

I believe for there to be a more conscious system we have to understand the unconscious forces driving our current systems.

I have a unique perspective on what those are and how we got here. 

I see our current system as a kind of emotional reaction. 

Let me explain:

As humans, we're wired with certain basic instincts, these biogenic traits are coded in our DNA and shape our behaviors.

Things like the need for food, safety, connection, and reproduction.

These instincts are driven by our hormones - our emotions.

Chasing what feels good, and avoiding those things that feel bad.

Our cultural belief in capitalism grew on the back of these instincts.

Money became the means by which to attain or avoid these emotions.

Every commodity that sells can be traced back to inducing pleasure, escape and avoiding discomfort. 

Our cultural belief therefore is the belief that through consumerism, we can be comfortable and happy.

Our current economic system is deeply rooted in these emotional drivers. Industries that thrive tap into our basic desires:

Pleasure: The pursuit of comfort and enjoyment drives many consumer choices, from gourmet food and designer goods to luxurious homes and thrilling travel.

Connection: Our need to belong fuels social media, fashion and beauty, and exclusive brands often cater to this desire by offering a sense of exclusivity and status.

Safety: The desire for security drives a desire for power through economic wealth. Industry capitalizes on our fear based brains. The 24 hour news cycle, defense bills become the main platform of a political party demonstrating the amount of fear there is amongst its citizens.

The only way emotions can keep motivating you is if they come and then go.

If you did something and it made you feel good and that feeling remained forever, you would never need to repeat that act.

By looking inward and identifying our own motivations we can better understand the struggle of prioritizing goals beyond profit, such as promoting social well-being, environmental sustainability, or making a positive impact on specific communities.

I believe the individual is a reflection of the whole.

It’s easier to talk about changing the greater system but to reflect on what truly motivates your individual actions and if you would be willing to re-qualify your priorities.

Initially, this group I was speaking with was hesitant about this idea. 

However, after further discussion, they realized even with their financial security they were still being driven by these primal human fears. 

They still grappled with the traditional notion of wealth growth as the ultimate measure of success.

I’m not saying wealth should not be part of the equation, but just to understand that this is our dominant measure of success in business because we are following our emotional impulses.

My experience working with high-net-worth individuals has shown me that material wealth alone cannot bring lasting fulfillment. 

True fulfillment comes from making a meaningful impact on others' lives. 

The challenge lies in shifting from the belief that money equals happiness to the understanding that true fulfillment comes from contributing to the well-being of others.

Let me know if you agree.

Paul

P.S. If you haven't already, check out my 12-week program, Limit-Less. It's a simple, guided routine that helps you identify the emotional drivers holding you back and establish new habits that create positive change