A few weeks ago, the Money Mustache family “lost” twelve thousand dollars. Yet rather than feeling the sting of financial loss, they found themselves smiling and toasting glasses of wine. Why? Because that so-called loss was actually a conscious decision born from a place of strength—a deliberate choice to value relationships over profit, purpose over paycheck.
This isn’t just a story about money or real estate. It’s a philosophy of life.
The Deal That Didn’t Pay—But Still Delivered
Mrs. Money Mustache, a retired real estate agent who occasionally helps close friends, had spent months helping their neighbors find a new home. The couple eventually decided to buy the very house they’d been renting—a nearly-new place, conveniently located and reasonably priced.
When the landlord offered to sell privately—cutting out both buyer and seller agents—it meant a win for both parties. No real estate commission. Lower price. Smoother process. But it also meant Mrs. MM wouldn’t receive her usual 2.8% commission, which amounted to about $12,000.
Her friends were concerned. “Should we raise the price so you can get paid?” they asked. “Should we push the landlord to cover your commission?”
“Don’t worry about it,” she replied. “Just be happy. You found your home.”
No bitterness. No awkward conversations. Just joy in seeing others succeed—because she wasn’t operating from a place of need. She was operating from a Position of Strength.
What Is the Position of Strength?
The Position of Strength isn’t about having the most money, the biggest house, or the newest car. It’s about being free—from want, from fear, and most importantly, from the constant desire for more.
It’s about being so self-sufficient, so financially and emotionally secure, that you can give generously without keeping score. When you’re not clawing for every dollar, you gain the power to align your actions with your values. You make choices from abundance, not desperation.
And yes, money can be a source of that strength—but only if used wisely.
Abundance vs. Luxury: A Tale of Two Lifestyles
Imagine a seesaw.
On one end sits Mr. Abundance. He’s healthy, wears a worn-out T-shirt, rides a bike, and fixes his own house. He knows his needs are few, and his fulfillment comes from doing rather than buying.
On the other end is Mr. Luxury. Polished shoes. Designer suit. A car that costs more than most houses. He’s constantly chasing the next upgrade, yet never quite feels like he’s arrived.
The more you crave luxury, the more dependent you become on income, status, and external validation. It’s a trap that leads to endless stress. Abundance, by contrast, frees you from the chase.
Giving Is Strength. Taking Is Weakness.
When you give freely—your time, your knowledge, your money—you’re saying: “I have enough.” That mindset radiates strength.
Conversely, when you’re constantly trying to get more, hoard more, or squeeze value from every interaction, you reveal a deep insecurity. That’s weakness. Even if you appear wealthy, your foundation is shaky.
The Hidden Power of Voluntary Discomfort
Here’s where things get truly countercultural.
While modern society revolves around maximizing comfort—plush couches, climate control, one-click delivery—the real path to strength is found in choosing discomfort. On purpose.
That cold morning bike ride to school with your kid? That’s a badge of honor. Lifting heavy weights in a dim garage? That’s building armor. Crawling under your house to weld instead of calling a contractor? That’s reclaiming your competence.
Every time you choose the harder way—the less comfortable, less automated, less “convenient” option—you reinforce the muscles of self-reliance. You train your body, your mind, and your values to align with the reality of life: hardship is inevitable. Better to be prepared.
Why Most People Don’t Choose Strength
It’s not that people are lazy. It’s that our entire system—advertising, corporate culture, even social media—is designed to sell you on weakness. Buy this to be happy. Avoid struggle. Outsource inconvenience. Be comfortable.
But this comfort is a mirage. You become dependent. Fragile. Anxious. And when life inevitably knocks you off balance—job loss, illness, economic downturn—you have no reserves, no resilience, no fallback.
By contrast, when you live from a Position of Strength, you’re building an internal fortress. Not just with money, but with skills, health, and a mindset that embraces challenge. You don’t need to win every time. Because you’ve already won the game that matters: living on your terms.
Final Thoughts: Strength Is Fun
Strength isn’t about suffering. It’s about choosing your own discomfort on your own terms and discovering the deep, enduring satisfaction that comes from doing hard things well.
Mrs. MM could’ve demanded a commission. Instead, she chose generosity.
The MMM family could’ve upgraded to luxury everything. Instead, they chose competence, community, and cold-weather bike rides.
The world teaches us to pursue ease. But real joy—real badassity—comes from leaning into difficulty. That’s where strength lives.
And strength, as it turns out, is a whole lot more fun than comfort.
