In the Excelerated Life™ framework, building a reserve means cultivating a mindset and lifestyle that frees you from the grip of scarcity, allowing you to live more fully and purposefully. But what does it mean to truly have “enough”? How do you strike the balance between simplicity and sufficiency, between having what you need and avoiding the trap of endless accumulation?
Title Photo by Sotiris Gkolias
A Squirrel in a Snowstorm
Picture this: It’s the middle of a bitter winter, and a small, agile squirrel is leaping from branch to branch, expertly navigating the icy landscape. While the wind howls and the snow piles up, this little creature is unfazed. Why? Because it spent the warmer months diligently gathering acorns, building up a reserve that will carry it through the harshest season. Now, instead of scrambling for scarce resources, the squirrel is free to focus on survival — even to thrive.
Now, you and I aren’t squirrels, but the principle is the same: when we start building reserves — whether financial, emotional, or physical — it empowers us to face life’s inevitable storms with confidence and poise. Yet, how many of us actually have the reserves we need, not just to survive, but to excel?
The Art and Philosophy of Reserves
When I began to take the first small steps toward having a reserve, I collected physical resources. But Thomas Leonard, the “father” of life coaching, explains that stockpiling is the process of accumulation, a step toward building a reserve, but not a reserve in itself.
A reserve is a feeling. Building a reserve is an integrated process that strengthens your foundation. Stockpiling is an exercise in accumulation, which is a step toward building a reserve. “You may need reserves to experience a reserve,” says Leonard, “but reserves themselves are not enough.” [Leonard] Having enough to “get by” is not a reserve.
In the Excelerated Life™ framework, building a reserve means cultivating a mindset that frees you from the grip of scarcity, allowing you to live more fully and purposefully. But what does it mean to truly have “enough”? How do you strike the balance between simplicity and sufficiency, between having what you need and avoiding the trap of endless accumulation? You start by defining what “enough” is.
What Does “Enough” Mean to You?
Have you ever stopped to define what “enough” looks like in your life — financially, emotionally, or otherwise? How might your life change if you embraced the idea that you already have enough?
The accumulation of a reserve is not done out of fear, but so you have an understanding of the abundance that is already in your life. Are you accumulating resources out of fear of lack, or are you thoughtfully building reserves to enable growth and opportunity?
Building a reserve frees you to pursue higher purposes. Imagine if your basic needs were so well met that you no longer had to worry about them. What higher aspirations might you pursue?
What Reserves Should You Build?
Building reserves isn’t hoarding; it’s ensuring that you have what you need when you need it, so you can focus your energy on living your best life. Here are some specific areas to consider:
Financial Reserves
Having a solid financial reserve can be a game-changer, whether you’re saving for retirement, dealing with unexpected expenses, or simply ensuring that you have the freedom to make choices without the constant pressure of scarcity. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Do you have an emergency fund that could cover 3-6 months of living expenses?
- Are you consistently saving a portion of your income, or are you just scraping by each month?
- What would it take for you to feel financially secure?
Action Steps:
- Start by setting aside a small percentage of your income into a dedicated savings account. Even 5% can make a difference over time.
- Review your spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back to boost your savings.
- Consider consulting a financial advisor to help you strategize your savings and investments.
Time Reserves
Time is one of our most precious resources. As the saying goes, “You can get more money, but you can’t get more time.” And yet it’s often the one we most squander. Building reserves of time can be as simple as learning to say “no” or as complex as restructuring your daily schedule.
- Are you constantly feeling rushed and overwhelmed?
- Do you have “buffer” time built into your schedule for rest and reflection?
- How might having more control of your time allow you to focus on what truly matters?
Action Steps:
- Identify one activity or commitment you can cut from your schedule to free up time.
- Dedicate at least one day a week where you have no obligations — time that is purely yours to use as you see fit.
- Use a time-tracking app to monitor where your time goes each day and find opportunities to reclaim it.
Emotional and Social Reserves
Your emotional well-being is just as important as your financial stability. Building emotional reserves means cultivating strong relationships and a solid sense of self, so you’re less susceptible to the stresses and challenges of life.
- Do you have a support network you can rely on in times of need?
- Are you regularly investing time in activities that replenish your emotional energy?
- How might building stronger relationships enrich your life?
Action Steps:
- Make a list of the people who truly uplift and support you, and make a point to spend more time with them.
- Set aside time each week for activities that nurture your spirit—whether it’s reading, meditation, or simply enjoying nature.
- Consider working with a coach or therapist to help you build emotional resilience.
The Bigger Picture: Reserves as a Path to Self-Actualization
Ultimately, building reserves isn’t just about survival — it’s about self-actualization. When you have enough — enough money, enough time, enough emotional support — you free yourself to focus on the things that truly matter: your purpose, your passions, your legacy.
Start Building Your Reserves Today
Building reserves might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small. Pick one area of your life where you feel vulnerable — financially, emotionally, or in terms of time — and take one concrete step this week to build a reserve in that area.
As you begin to see the impact of these small changes, you’ll feel more empowered to tackle larger areas. Over time, these reserves will not only provide security but will also serve as a foundation for a richer, more fulfilled life.
Building Excelerated Reserves™ is not simply accumulating wealth or possessions; it is to help you create a life where you have the freedom and security to pursue your higher purpose. It’s about having enough in every area of your life so that you can focus on what truly matters. So, take the first step today. Choose one area of your life and start building a reserve. Reflect on what “enough” means to you, and make a commitment to yourself to create the foundation you need to live your Excelerated Life™!
In what area of your life do you feel a particular lack?
How is it keeping you from embracing your Excelerated Life™?
What is one step you could take to start building a reserve in that area?
Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
Excelerated Reserves™ — moving from scarcity to abundance — is one practice for creating your Excelerated Life™, a life of flourishing and well-being, and a life of meaning, purpose, and service.
Read more about the Excelerated Life™.
Resources:
Leonard, Thomas. The 28 Laws Of Attraction. New York: Scribner, 1998.
This blog post includes research information and suggestions provided by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. The content was generated with AI assistance and is intended to provide information and guidance. Please note that the suggestions are not official statements from OpenAI. To learn more about ChatGPT and its capabilities, you can visit the OpenAI website.