How Breast Cancer Transformed My Mindset & Financial Future

The impact of Breast Cancer on my business brain

Yesterday marked the end of my chemotherapy journey. Yep, just yesterday.

As I lay in bed last night, my mind brimming with ideas and an overwhelming urge to embark on new creative endeavours, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of renewal.

It’s as if I’ve been given a chance to start afresh and embrace life with newfound vigour.

I walked to the hospital to have my last round of chemo with immense gratitude for the treatment I have been able to receive. Knowing full well that back in my grandmother's day, she wasn’t so lucky.

Something changed

Before you say it, one thing at a time, I know.

But the truth is: I WANT TO DO SO MANY THINGS!!

In the most magical, heartfelt, heart-fulling way.

The truth is, I am overflowing with an insatiable desire to pursue numerous endeavours.

But, something is different…there’s a distinct change in the air.

I’ve altered the way I perceive these aspirations.

I feel smarter, sharper, more cunning, and more hungry.

Maybe it’s because I know just how precious this sweet life is. And just how valuable time is?

Here’s the most beautiful realisation I’ve had in recent months:

We can have multiple lifetimes.

Just because I once had a café and catering company, or worked for technology start-ups, doesn’t mean I can’t explore new ventures now. It doesn’t mean I can’t open another café in the future or embark on a six-room hotel project. Who’s to say I can’t create an exclusive spa house here in Marseille? Or become an author?

But seriously, if you want to open a Spa House, please write to me ;)

Let me share with you my 3 financial goals

1. Acquiring assets

I understand and many of you may also be aware that a traditional 9–5 job is unlikely to make you rich. However, there’s a lesser-known secret to achieving wealth, and it involves “acquiring assets.” The key lies in generating CASH FLOW.

In “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” Robert Kiyosaki introduces the concept of the Income Statement Chart to highlight the differences in financial thinking and behavior between the poor, middle-class, and rich individuals.

Here’s an explanation of how the income statement chart applies to each group:

• Poor: The income statement chart for the poor typically shows minimal or negative cash flow. Their expenses often exceed their income, leading to a situation where they struggle to make ends meet.
• Middle Class: The middle-class income statement chart generally shows a balanced or slightly positive cash flow. They earn a steady income from employment or self-employment, and their expenses typically align with their income. However, their expenses may increase as their income rises, resulting in a stagnant cash flow.
• Rich: The income statement chart for the rich displays a significant positive cash flow. They have developed multiple sources of income, often including passive income from businesses, investments, and assets. Their expenses are typically well-managed, and they focus on investing in income-generating assets.

The rich prioritise growing their cash flow by acquiring assets that appreciate in value or generate ongoing income, such as real estate, stocks, or businesses.

Robert emphasises the importance of distinguishing between assets and liabilities and developing a mindset that focuses on acquiring income-generating assets rather than accumulating liabilities.

Use debt to acquire assets

Robert discusses leveraging debt to acquire assets and using other people’s money to grow wealth. He highlights the importance of using debt strategically to invest in income-generating assets like real estate and businesses. By utilising equity and accumulating assets, individuals can leverage their investments to acquire more assets and potentially increase their wealth. Kiyosaki also mentions the tax advantages associated with real estate investments, which can help reduce overall tax liabilities.

This very little chart, which really is so bloody simple, really changed the way I see money. Changed the way I view debt, and change the way I view banks.

Now, it is very important to note that while Kiyosaki promotes the strategic use of debt and leveraging, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of financial literacy and risk management.

And before my husband and I jump into anything we will use our network and talk to professionals to gather as much information as possible, about, well everything.

2. Multiple streams of income

Ah, the good old concept of “multiple streams of income” that you often come across on Medium and various blogs.

It’s something I’ve always aspired to have. I used to believe that a membership would be the perfect avenue for recurring revenue.

However, I kept facing the same question: What should I offer? What should the membership be about? I experimented with different options, but if I don’t genuinely have a passion for it (which I didn’t), it won’t have long-term sustainability.

Having multiple streams of income means I must allocate time for the different tasks that I would like to generate revenue from.

I actually had to ‘allow’ myself to do this. Because I had the feeling that I couldn't do too many things.

I like hopping from task to task, and with my ADHD I do get hyper-fixated on a certain task and can be at my computer until the cows come home, so the method below works wonderfully for me.

With this, I am able to move effortlessly between tasks. This helps with my productivity. Obviously, this is not for everyone.

For this, I now use the Pomodoro Technique (time management method). But not in the way you think.

There’s a timer here you can use online.

I do the 25 minutes on and 5 minutes off. After the fourth time, I take a longer break (lunch/snack or coffee).

I do the first round of Pomodoro (4 x 25 mins on, 5 mins off) with one job, and then I move on to another one of my jobs. During the 5 mins off I check my other jobs or emails, LinkedIn, social media, etc.

I can build on my multiple streams all at the same time because all these streams are a part of the long game of generating revenue.

Francesco Cirillo, who created the Pomodoro Technique recognised that time could be turned into an ally, rather than a source of anxiety. The technique essentially trains people to focus on tasks better by limiting the length of time they attempt to maintain that focus and ensuring restorative breaks from the effort.

I’m not doing what's cool, I’m doing what works.

I changed my mindset around creating something that’s “cool,” instead I am doing what works.

In the realm of business, it’s common for people to gravitate towards what’s considered trendy or cool, sometimes at the expense of what truly works.

However, I have made a conscious shift in my mindset. Instead of chasing what’s cool, I prioritise what actually produces results.

I have come to realise that success in business is not determined by following the latest fads or trying to fit into a particular image. It’s about understanding what strategies, actions, and approaches yield tangible outcomes and propels businesses forward.

It’s not about being cool; it’s about being effective and efficient in reaching my objectives.

3. Passive income

The third financial goal is essentially a combination of the first two. When you have both assets and multiple streams of income, it leads to the holy grail of financial independence: passive income.

Absolutely beautiful with a cherry on top.

Imagine being able to create a meaningful source of income that continues to flow in effortlessly, benefiting your family for years to come. By staying laser-focused on my financial goals and embracing the long game, there’s no doubt that I (and you!) can achieve this coveted state of financial independence.

I have gained a greater sense of clarity regarding my goals, and my husband and I have already begun formulating a plan to achieve them.

In an upcoming article, I will delve into the specifics of my multiple streams of income and provide regular updates on our progress towards our goals.

As I resume my work, I am also preparing for the next phase of my treatment. In approximately 4–6 weeks, I will begin radiation therapy, which will span over a period of 7 weeks.

Please feel free to leave any questions or thoughts in the comments section. :)

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If you like, you can buy me a coffee here, — I like an oat latte :) To see what I do when I’m not working, follow me on Instagram.

Michelle