Money and life lessons from the ant

Have you ever tried to view the world as if you were an ant? If not, have you heard of Aesop’s fable about the grasshopper and the ant?

Here’s a quick refresher then:

The grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content one summer day when an ant passed by. It was carrying an ear of corn bigger than its size and it was on its way back to the colony.

The grasshopper invited the ant to chat with him instead of working but the ant refused because it was saving up food for the winter.

And when winter came, the grasshopper found itself dying of hunger, while the ants were enjoying what they have collected in the summer.

It is a very simple story but its lesson is very profound.

Like the ants, we are taught to save money and be good stewards of our resources. This is because we never know what will happen tomorrow. Emergencies like sickness and calamity happen unknowingly and we need to be prepared for any financial disaster.

Now, there are also lots of grasshoppers among us especially this season. There are people who spend and waste money without a care in the world, as if there is no tomorrow. This could lead to debt which could also be another potential financial disaster later on.

The latest gadgets, fashion trends, airline seat sales and the like are luring and influencing us every second to spend our money. There’s nothing wrong with rewarding ourselves every now and then, especially when we work hard for it. But one thing we must learn to do, with the many temptations around us is to SAVE (and then INVEST it too).

What can we learn from Ants then?

Organized Teamwork – A single ant can only do so much, but when they work as a team, they are able to achieve greater heights! Ants don’t just leave their “fellow ants“ alone when carrying huge objects, they help each other, making it possible for them to achieve their goals.

Can you imagine just how much your business as a whole can accomplish if you all have the same mindset as the ants have towards finishing their job?

Prepare for Rainy Days – I have already mentioned this above. But when applying this to business, it isn’t wise to keep on spending the moment you see the slightest available cash you can spend. Remember that you can never really tell what might happen in the future. That said, having your reserves-up will surely help you cope with unforeseen things.

Carrying bigger loads – Ants Aren’t Intimidated by the size of their workload. Despite its minute size, the ant possesses an immense strength of accomplishment, reminding you that nothing comes easy in life without putting any effort.

When there’s a will, there’s a way. Think about how ants tackle their seemingly impossible tasks and made it possible.

An ant is a symbol of strength, diligence, willpower, honesty, unity, patience, determination, stamina, sacrifice, and loyalty. Ants are awesome creatures as they are, but when humans get organized and work towards achieving one goal, we too can move mountains!

In this season of gifting and spending, let us not forget the lessons from the ant!

"Go to the ant, you sluggard!

Consider her ways and be wise,

Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler,

Provides her supplies in the summer,

And gathers her food in the harvest.."

- Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV)

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Vernon Joseph Go is an RFP®–Registered Financial Planner | Licensed Real Estate Broker | Content Creator | Podcast-on-the -go Producer & Host