Why Time, Love, and Curiosity Matter More Than Money

Money and attention are the two currencies of the world today. Everyone asks: how much money do you make, and how many people know or follow you? As an entrepreneur in real estate, I’m constantly aware of the attention part, since I spend a lot of time on video and social media. But as I get older, I realize what I truly value most isn’t what the outside world tells me is important.

Shifting What Really Matters

If I had to make a list, it’d be love, respect, and curiosity. I want to better know myself and the people I care about. I want to stay curious—about loved ones and about anyone I meet. I used to think it was more important to show others who I was, instead of being genuinely curious about them. Being in sales, I fell into that trap a lot.

This morning, as I listened to my favorite podcast, Exodus, over coffee, the host talked about mastering the two different worlds: the external (business, money, attention) and what he called the invisible world—knowing yourself. Very few master the invisible world, but when you do, the external starts to matter less, and you see life differently. About a year ago, I started putting more perspective into my own life. Maybe it’s age, maybe life changes. But I noticed something big as a business owner: we always want more, but that finish line just keeps moving.

Moving the Finish Line

"When I get here, I’ll be happy." I kept repeating that to myself. Each time I reached a goal, I’d push the finish line further. And don’t get me wrong, we need money to pay bills, be comfortable, and support our families—that’s important. But at what point do we sacrifice too much time for money? Most of my life, my time was sacrificed for business and making a living. Now, I want to change that. Honestly, time is now more important to me than money, and shifting that perspective has transformed my day-to-day.

The Power of Spending Time Alone

The first change: I started spending a lot of time with myself, which is the total opposite of how I used to be. I was always with friends, family, at events, networking, meeting clients, showing houses—never alone. This year, I realized avoiding time alone was just that: avoidance. When you spend time with yourself and really reflect, you’ll find things you like and things you don’t. This year, I’ve made it a point to pause and check in with myself four times a day—just to be present. Whether it’s reading, being in the backyard, or going for a walk, it’s changed the way I see the world. I’ve started to like and even love myself more. In turn, I’m more patient and curious with others. It’s been one of the hardest but most important things I’ve done.

Giving Attention to What Matters

Next, I’ve started focusing my attention on people who truly matter. Before, my attention was always about the next client, the next problem, always "what’s next?" Even when I was with my loved ones, my mind was elsewhere. Now, I work hard to be present—where my feet are is where my head is. When you do this, you notice things you didn’t before. You see challenges others are going through because you’re actually paying attention. It’s amazing how much deeper your curiosity about others grows when you’re not just focused on yourself.

Embracing Curiosity and New Experiences

I’m also pushing myself to explore new things. I got comfortable with the people and routines I knew. I was "the real estate expert," but that kept me from being curious. Now, curiosity is key. When I meet people who think differently, I don’t get defensive. I want to know why. This has brought me closer to others and has led to better listening and less judgment. If I could give my younger self advice, it’d be this: listen, be curious, don’t be judgmental, and don’t think you already have the answer.

What Really Counts at the End of the Day

Now, on Tuesday mornings with my coffee, I look at spreadsheets, bank accounts, and social media stats—the things I can track. But what really matters most are the things I can’t track: moments with my wife and daughter, working out in the backyard, trying a new hike or restaurant, meeting new people. Those are never on a spreadsheet, but they’re what stand out when I reflect on my week.

As I heard on the Exodus podcast, my week should be governed by love, respect, and curiosity. Of course, I still work and make money. But when I look back, it’s never the numbers I remember. It’s the conversations with loved ones, the new experiences, the things that didn’t go on a report. Think about your own week: what stands out more? The spreadsheet at the office, or something else entirely?

I’m Paco, and this is my new perspective.