Category: Self-Improve

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Di Tran’s Deep Gratitude: The Tri Ân Monument Legacy

Di Tran, a proud board member of Tri Ân and author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS,” stands on the brink of another significant achievement with the imminent release of his new book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH.” As an influential figure within the Vietnamese-American community in Louisville, Kentucky, Tran is an individual of deep-rooted values and indomitable spirit.

On this July 4th weekend, as the United States celebrates its Independence Day, Tran finds himself standing on the site of the nearing completion Tri Ân Monument at Veterans Memorial Park in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. This particular setting seems emblematic of his life’s journey – a testament to freedom, gratitude, and shared heritage.

As Tran describes himself, he is a “version 1.5 immigrant,” born and educated in Vietnam until the age of twelve, after which he migrated to Louisville, KY. Here, he completed his secondary education and went on to earn multiple college degrees, showcasing his relentless dedication to self-improvement and resilience.

For Tran, America stands as the top country on Earth – a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and strength. Being part of the Tri Ân Monument, especially under the leadership of fellow Vietnamese immigrants and revered Vietnam veterans, is an overwhelming experience for him. The presence of esteemed military generals, for whom Tran holds deep respect, elevates the importance of the project for him.

The Tri Ân Monument, with its towering walls, is a palpable representation of Tran’s Vietnam roots. Its stones, twice the height of Tran and sourced directly from Vietnam, symbolize the gratitude he feels towards Vietnam War veterans from both his birth and adopted countries. The phrase “Tri Ân” means “deep gratitude” in Vietnamese, an emotion Tran profoundly resonates with.

This monument, due for completion in October 2023, isn’t merely a physical structure. It’s an enduring generational signature for the Vietnamese community in Louisville, KY, and across the United States. It’s a tribute to America, the nation that has given them so much, and a token of gratitude to the brave soldiers who protected freedom and democracy.

Di Tran hopes that the Tri Ân Monument will also serve as a teaching tool for young Vietnamese-Americans. It is a concrete symbol of their ancestral roots and their present lives, reminding them of the importance of hard work, gratitude, and giving back to the United States. As Tran so often emphasizes, the monument embodies the spirit of dropping fear and focusing on faith.

The Tri Ân Monument and Veterans Memorial Park can be visited at 10707 Taylorsville Rd, Jeffersontown, Kentucky 40299. Its profound message of gratitude and unity reverberates well beyond its physical boundaries, reaching the hearts and minds of those who understand its significance. As it stands, it is a testament to the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of immigrants like Di Tran, who continue to write their remarkable stories in this land of the free.

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The Intersection of Leadership, Service, and Faith: Di Tran’s Insightful Encounter with Coach Jeff Brohm

Di Tran and Jeff Brohm - U of L football head coach
Di Tran and Jeff Brohm - U of L football head coach

A recent meeting at the Rotary Club of Louisville, held at the historic Woman’s Club of Louisville facility, provided an occasion for a unique and enlightening exchange between two dynamic personalities. One, Di Tran, a motivational speaker and author of inspirational books, and the other, the newly appointed Head Coach of the University of Louisville’s (U of L) football team, Jeff Brohm. The confluence of their shared wisdom was indeed a powerful source of inspiration.

Jeff Brohm, born on April 24, 1971, in Louisville, Kentucky, is a distinguished name in American football. With a noteworthy playing career spanning several NFL teams and a transformative stint as a coach for institutions like Purdue University and Western Kentucky University, Brohm has left an indelible mark on the sport. Today, as the head coach for his alma mater, U of L, he continues his commitment to excellence in football and beyond.

In this meeting, Di Tran, preparing for the release of his upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH,” had an opportunity to listen to and understand Brohm’s life philosophies, principles that align seamlessly with Tran’s own teachings and ideas.

Brohm, known for his diligent and hands-on approach, shared several nuggets of wisdom that day. First, he stressed the importance of living by one’s preached values. In his case, it meant having clear answers for his team or finding them quickly if he didn’t have them.

Brohm’s second key focus was on the extra work, consistently pushing the limits to gain an edge that others might not be striving for. The concept of always giving more and striving for improvement resonated deeply with Tran’s teachings in his already released book, “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS.”

Additionally, Brohm highlighted the significance of mental and spiritual focus, service, and giving back, especially for young players. When players see value in service and personal growth, they inherently see value in all their undertakings, leading to more fruitful outcomes on the football field.

Brohm also underscored the crucial role of academic focus. Emphasizing the need to balance play with academics, he spoke about his staff’s commitment to monitor and push academic progress, aligning with Tran’s emphasis on continuous growth and learning in his forthcoming book.

Brohm’s emphasis on social focus, personal networking, and socializing with others reiterated the importance of community engagement, wealth building, and mental health stabilization. This message was an echo of Tran’s philosophy of focusing on the “OTHERS.”

Finally, Brohm emphasized his team’s goal to always compete at a high level, to win in all things, a sentiment Tran deeply aligns with in his teachings.

The reflective encounter between Di Tran and Jeff Brohm revealed an engaging alignment of two thought leaders. It showcased the potential of merging leadership, service, and faith in both football and life’s broader context, proving that the field is not just for athletic performance but a platform for life-changing lessons as well.

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Embracing Faith Over Fear: The Path to Compassionate Action

The soon-to-be-released book by Di Tran, “Drop the Fear and Focus on the Faith”, unearths a profound principle of our human existence. Fear and faith often exist in a delicate balance within us, and the sway of this balance has deep implications on our ability to be kind, compassionate, and take advantage of opportunities.

As Tran insightfully points out, “The first no-sayer is self.” We are often our biggest adversaries. The negative thoughts and fears we foster within ourselves can manifest into actions, consequently stifling our capability for kindness and compassionate deeds.

Fear Stifles Kindness

When fear grips us, our instinctual response is self-preservation. While this mechanism is crucial for survival, it often suffocates our capacity for kindness. Fear keeps us preoccupied with our issues, leaving little space for empathy towards others. We retract into our shells rather than reach out, blocking the potential acts of kindness that could add value to our lives and those of others. By letting go of fear and focusing on faith, we can tap into the divine energy of kindness that fuels positivity and love.

Fear Halts Compassionate Action

Compassionate actions stem from not just understanding another’s pain, but actively trying to alleviate their suffering. Fear, however, puts a halt to this noble cause. When under the grip of fear, we start to fret about the potential consequences of our actions. We wonder if our deeds will be positively received or if they might lead to unforeseen outcomes. This fear-induced paralysis often prevents us from taking compassionate action that could be beneficial to others. By replacing fear with faith, we can trust in the inherent goodness of our actions and their ultimate impact, thus enabling us to act compassionately amidst uncertainties.

Fear Raises Defense Mechanisms

Fear stimulates our defense mechanisms, compelling us to erect walls around ourselves. While these walls may shield us from potential harm, they also alienate us from growth, learning, and connection opportunities. They hinder the free exchange of thoughts and emotions, preventing understanding and mutual respect. By discarding fear and embracing faith, we lower our defenses and expose ourselves to a variety of experiences that enrich our existence.

Fear Prevents Opportunities

Fear encourages a negative mindset, causing us to overlook opportunities even when they are right before us. The fear of failure or rejection deters us from seizing opportunities that could lead to personal growth and success. However, by focusing on faith, we reinforce our belief in our capabilities and the universe’s inherent positivity. This shift in perspective allows us to identify and grab the opportunities that life offers.

The divine energy originating from our souls can be used to either propagate fear or faith. It can give rise to negative emotions and actions, or it can be harnessed to create positivity and acts of kindness and compassion. The choice is entirely ours.

As Di Tran suggests in his enlightening new book, it’s time to drop the fear and focus on the faith. Not only does this path lead to personal growth, but it also contributes to creating a more empathetic and compassionate world. Adopting this mindset allows us to be more open, receptive, and proactive, transforming the dance of fear and faith into a harmonious symphony of love and understanding.

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A Lesson from Di Tran’s “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”: Embracing Responsibility and Empowerment

Di Tran, in his soon-to-be-released book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” imparts a vital lesson he once learned about fear: the fear of dirt, the fear of germs, the fear of untidy surroundings, and the fear of taking responsibility for oneself. This profound realization came to him through an allegorical tale shared by a priest during a Sunday mass at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Destin, Florida.

The tale spoke of a man who, after entering a public restroom, was taken aback by its deplorable state. The man cried out to God, questioning, “God, why is this restroom so dirty? How can I use it? I thought you created all things for me, as you have always stated in the Bible.” In response, God shared a profound wisdom, “I created you first, and so you create things just as I do.”

Intrigued by this response, the man embarked on a transformative journey. He began to assume responsibility for his surroundings, cleaning up where he could, wiping mirrors, keeping public places tidy, and picking up litter. It was a small change, but it reflected a significant shift in his mindset.

This story resonated with Di Tran significantly. It spoke volumes about our innate human capacity for creativity and influence, as well as the responsibility that comes with it. Through this tale, he came to a critical realization: we are the creators, the power, and the reason. We are the source of everything good and not-so-good in our lives.

Di Tran’s book underscores the notion that the fundamental essence of human life is the human being itself. Our fears, insecurities, and apprehensions often obscure this truth, causing us to shy away from taking charge of our lives. But by dropping the fear and focusing on the faith, as Tran suggests, we can assume responsibility for our lives and our environment.

The fear of dirt, germs, or an unkempt environment, at its core, is a fear of loss of control. This fear can become debilitating, leading to anxiety and a sense of powerlessness. However, the story illustrates that we are indeed in control. Just as the man began to clean up the restroom, so too can we take action to confront our fears, clean up our messes, and create a better world.

Di Tran’s lesson teaches us that we are not helpless bystanders in the world; instead, we are active participants and creators. By acknowledging this, we recognize our inherent power and responsibility. The conditions we fear are often those we have the power to change. By choosing to engage with our surroundings and taking responsibility, we can alter the situations we initially feared.

In conclusion, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH” serves as a reminder of our potential and our ability to effect change. Through a simple act of cleanliness, we can learn to let go of fear, embrace our power, and cultivate a spirit of positivity and faith in our lives. As Di Tran compellingly demonstrates, it is through these actions that we become the creators of our reality.

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Shedding Fears, Embracing Faith: A Guide to Personal Transformation

In his upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”, Di Tran enlightens readers on the vital journey of personal transformation and self-realization. Di Tran explores how we often limit our potential by submitting to various fears that stem from prolonged exposure to restrained thinking and societal norms.

Small thinking has a domino effect on our lives. Being around ‘small’ for too long cultivates a fear of loneliness, a fear of blazing our unique trail, and an anxiety of being excluded from a group. These fears are deeply ingrained in our psyche and restrict us from reaching out for what we truly desire or who we genuinely aspire to be.

Tran articulates that sometimes our rapid growth may lead to discomfort among our peers. Our advancement could serve as a stark reminder of their stagnation. This distance that grows can create an apprehension of no longer being valued or being left behind by the group we were once part of.

One of the most influential factors holding us back is the pressure to conform. We are often expected to slow down, maintain our current pace, and stay within predefined lanes to fit into societal expectations. This desire to ‘belong’ can be a shackle that stunts our growth and hinders our progress.

With these fears entrenched, the notion of seeking and integrating into a new group or breaking into a new category becomes all the more daunting. Yet, this step is crucial on the path to personal transformation. The fear of this unknown territory can be intimidating, but embracing it can pave the way for substantial personal growth.

In his insightful book, Di Tran also delves into the fear of quitting — of being perceived as weak or a failure, especially when pitted against others’ achievements. This fear can lead to a relentless pursuit of goals we aren’t genuinely interested in. As Tran questions, why should we continue to climb a mountain that we have no desire to conquer, especially when the view from the top holds no appeal for us?

The urge to validate ourselves in others’ eyes often pushes us into endeavors without a meaningful cause or purpose. This unnecessary proving ground can exhaust our potential and energies. Tran prompts readers to shift their focus from proving their worth to embracing their passions and finding a purpose that genuinely resonates with their inner selves.

“Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH” emphasizes the importance of faith in our journey. As Di Tran suggests, it is essential not to prove but to have a purpose, not to conform but to have faith in one’s unique journey. By dropping the various fears that bind us, we can shift our focus to faith – faith in our growth, our unique path, and our potential.

Di Tran’s book provides a holistic and empowering approach to personal transformation. By focusing on faith, embracing our fears, and following our purpose, we can indeed drop the fears that have held us back for so long. This shift from fear to faith can open up a world of possibilities, setting us on a path to living an authentic, fulfilling life.

Shedding fears is not an easy task. It requires determination, resilience, and above all, faith. However, as Tran emphasizes, the journey is worth it. So, let’s drop the fear and focus on the faith!

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Fear, Faith, and the Unspoken Art of Negotiation: A Paradigm Shift

Di Tran, the renowned author of “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH,” unveils a daring perspective on life that many often shy away from – the concept that everything in life is, in essence, a negotiation. This negotiation is not limited to business deals, real estate transactions, or boardroom discussions. Instead, it permeates every aspect of our existence – friendships, family ties, romantic relationships, and even our interactions with ourselves.

However, not everyone is comfortable admitting this truth. There’s an underlying apprehension that acknowledging this ongoing negotiation somehow diminishes our authenticity. This fear runs deep, distorting our ability to candidly discuss matters involving financial stakes or business undertakings, especially in social settings.

This fear, however, isn’t just limited to money or business discussions. It’s a pervasive, all-encompassing unease that encroaches into our social interactions. The dread of losing people’s support, the worry of being misunderstood, the anxiety of not conforming – all these concerns stem from a fundamental fear of standing out, of being different.

The fear of silence, the fear of speaking up – these paradoxical fears often coexist. The dread of being ostracized for not advocating certain ideologies or causes, or the fear of speaking the truth when you have the solution, because of a perceived backlash, reflects an unfortunate reality of our social dynamics. It suggests an unwillingness to be truly helpful or constructive because of the looming fear of attracting hate or being different.

Furthermore, there’s the unsettling fear of being loved, of being friendly to others. It might seem counterintuitive, but the fear of standing out, even for positive traits, can hold us back. These are the silent fears that we often refuse to acknowledge, let alone confront.

However, Tran suggests an audacious solution – break the frame. To conquer these fears, one must shatter these societal and self-imposed barriers. If your goals are set for three years, why not push boundaries and aim to achieve them in six months?

This philosophy is not about hastening recklessly. Instead, it’s about challenging oneself, about not being content with merely playing by the rules but reshaping them instead. It is about overcoming our innate fear of judgement, of standing out, and embracing the power of faith – faith in our capabilities, our dreams, and our vision.

People often know the answers to their dilemmas. Deep down, we know what needs to be done, how the negotiation needs to take place. But we wait – we wait for someone else to make the first move, to ask the question. This waiting, this hesitation, is yet another manifestation of fear.

Tran’s philosophy is a call to action, a plea to abandon the fear and lean into the faith. The negotiations of life need not be a fear-fraught process. It can be a dynamic journey of faith and self-realization. By acknowledging the fears, we can begin to dismantle them. By focusing on faith, we can start navigating life’s negotiations with confidence, authenticity, and, ultimately, success.

In the end, the goal is to create a space where fear no longer holds sway, where we can freely discuss the matters that influence our lives, where being different is not a cause for anxiety but a badge of courage. Only then can we truly be ourselves, authentic and unapologetic.

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Dispelling Fear with Faith: A Guided Path to Positivity and Possibility

By Di Tran, author of “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”

Fear is a curious entity. It doesn’t stem from a tangible source or a distinct occurrence. Instead, it arises from nowhere, from nothing, a phantom bred in the labyrinth of our mind. Accumulated knowledge and years of experience are often responsible for concocting this ghost. The more we learn, the more fodder we provide to our mind to logically weave fears that seem plausible and, often, overwhelmingly real. But it’s crucial to remember, fear, while seeming authentic, is a mental construct.

How do we then combat this intangible adversary? The answer lies in a simple, four-letter word – faith.

Transcending Fear through Faith

Faith, in its purest form, is the antidote to fear. It is the ability to believe, even when the odds seem stacked against us. Faith gives us the courage to step into the unknown, to conquer the mountains of uncertainties, and above all, to trust that the future holds good for us. It provides us with the conviction that the universe is not conspiring against us, but is instead aligning in our favor, if only we maintain the courage to keep walking ahead.

Unlearning to Learn: An Essential Step

In our quest to dispel fear, it’s necessary to unlearn some of what we have gathered over the years. We must scrutinize our learned patterns, especially the ones that hold negativity, that fuel our fears.

Recognizing and acknowledging these patterns is the first step. We need to accept that we have, indeed, seen, remembered, and maybe even cultivated these negative elements in our lives. Upon this recognition, we then need to agree, truly and sincerely, that we don’t need them.

This process isn’t about forgetting or denying the negative experiences or knowledge. Instead, it’s about consciously deciding to unburden ourselves from these unneeded aspects, to make room for positivity and opportunity.

Creating Space for New Possibilities

By unlearning and letting go of the negative, we create space. Space in our minds for possibility, for learning anew, for opening ourselves to fresh experiences and opportunities. This open space becomes a fertile ground for positivity to bloom, letting us rebuild our mindset and our lives on a foundation of optimism and strength.

The Power of Action and Constancy

In this transformative journey from fear to faith, the most substantial part is to act. Fear can paralyze, holding us in a grip of inaction. The antidote to this is to keep moving, to stay busy in the pursuit of a positive and higher goal.

It’s not enough to merely think or desire; we must step forward, take tangible steps towards our dreams. And in this journey, constancy is key. We must keep the faith, keep believing, keep striving, and keep moving.

We must trust in a higher power, in the goals that stem from deep within us, and in the divine infinity of the universe.

Our fears might be logical constructs, but so are our hopes, our dreams, and our faith. As we navigate through the labyrinth of life, let us choose to light our path with faith, not shadow it with fear. As the author of our life story, we hold the power to pen a narrative of courage, resilience, and hope, if we simply dare to drop the fear and focus on the faith.

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The Power of Self-Belief: A Key to Financial Success

Often, financial success is misunderstood. It is not always as straightforward as “You knew what to do, you simply do it”. This perspective, argued by Codie Sanchez in her writings on ‘Boring Biz’, is actually missing a key ingredient: self-belief. The belief in oneself, in one’s abilities and potential, forms the bedrock of financial prosperity and overall success.

“You have to believe you can do it”, is the mantra that many struggle to grasp. An unnerving fact is that only 1 in 10 people in the United States die wealthy, with most people passing away without a substantial amount of cash to pass on to the next generation. Many die young, and most die broke. This financial struggle is symptomatic of a greater issue — a lack of belief in one’s own potential.

Codie Sanchez’s life offers an exemplary depiction of the effects of this belief. Her journey from earning $37,000 right out of college, with her bank account frequently overdrawn, to becoming a successful entrepreneur demonstrates the power of self-belief. Overcoming her financial adversities required not just knowledge of her business, but a staunch belief in her own ability to achieve her financial goals.

Another significant story comes from Di Tran, author of the soon-to-be-released book “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”. After graduating college, Tran faced a challenging job market, sending out hundreds of applications, participating in seven interviews before finally landing a job for $45,000.

What stands out in his journey, is his undying perseverance fueled by his self-belief. Tran maintained the mentality of “I CAN and I DO”. This wasn’t a one-off mantra; instead, it required consistent verbal and mental affirmations, coupled with actions that reflected his goals and purpose. His relentless faith in his capabilities allowed him to weather the storm of rejection, land a job and set him on the path of financial success.

These stories shed light on the real secret behind financial success. It is not merely about knowing the right steps or strategies to acquire wealth. It is about fostering a belief in your ability to achieve financial goals, to overcome setbacks, and to persevere when things don’t go as planned.

In conclusion, financial success is attainable for everyone, but it requires more than just knowing what to do. It requires a belief in one’s ability to achieve, the strength to keep going when faced with obstacles, and the perseverance to continually work towards one’s financial goals. Let’s cultivate this belief in ourselves, because when we believe, we become our own greatest asset.

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A Family Tradition: A Colorful Connection to Vietnamese Culture and Love

For Di Tran, author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS,” and his wife, Vy Truong, their journey of cultural preservation and familial bonding begins in a vibrant and fragrant venue – their kitchen. It is here that they engage in a tradition that is as colorful as the culture from which it stems – preparing Vietnamese sticky rice.

Di Tran, a passionate writer who encourages shifting the focus from self to others, uses this culinary tradition as a platform to weave lessons of selflessness and consideration into his family’s routine. As Tran and Truong mold their family life, the sticky rice serves as a canvas, vividly illustrating their shared cultural heritage and values.

The process commences with their sons focusing on their homework, embodying Tran’s belief in the significance of diligence and commitment. The moment their work is complete, the air seems to fill with anticipation. The boys approach their mother with earnest faces, their request for the beloved sticky rice sweetened with three to five gentle kisses, underlining the importance of expressing love and affection.

The act of cooking Vietnamese sticky rice, or “xoi ngot,” is a cultural performance. A delicacy known for its radiant hues, sticky rice is a metaphorical feast of Vietnamese history and tradition. As the Tran-Truong family gathers to create this dish, they are immersed in a spectrum of colors that tell the vibrant story of their heritage.

In Vietnamese culture, each shade of the sticky rice holds a symbolic meaning. The green rice, tinted by the juice of pandan leaves, represents a fresh start and growth. Yellow, achieved through the use of turmeric, signifies wealth and success. Red, a color infused by gac fruit, is a symbol of love and passion. Through these colors, Di and Vy not only cook a dish but also depict a narrative of their roots.

In the Tran-Truong kitchen, the sticky rice’s preparation is an immersive family affair. Vy, a seasoned home cook, instructs her sons on the nuances of this traditional dish. She guides them through selecting the rice, soaking, and finally, steaming it. She then shares the unique process of naturally coloring the rice, revealing the botanical secrets behind the green, yellow, and red hues.

In these shared moments, the children do not merely learn to prepare a dish; they connect with their culture on a deeper level. The lesson surpasses culinary skills; it’s a vivid illustration of their heritage, an education in patience and precision, and a reminder of the value of hard work and love.

Once prepared, the multicolored sticky rice is not just a meal—it’s a cultural tapestry woven with ingredients that narrate tales of Vietnamese history and traditions. Every mouthful serves as a flavorful reminder of their ancestry, a testament to the richness of their heritage.

In their quest to sustain their culture, Di Tran and Vy Truong are nurturing their children’s understanding of their roots, integrating it with lessons in hard work, family love, and respect for one’s heritage. The sticky rice tradition in their household is a tangible, tasteful, colorful connection to Vietnam.

This practice is more than cooking; it is a heartfelt act of cultural preservation, an effort to instill their cherished values in their children. It is a generational gift from the heart of Vietnam, shared over dinner, passed from one generation to the next, ensuring the richness of their heritage remains a vibrant part of their family’s narrative.

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Demystifying the Fear of Money: Insights from Di Tran’s “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”

Fear has a peculiar hold over the human psyche. It often shapes our behaviors, molds our outlooks, and can even limit our potential. An unusual form of fear that is seldom spoken about, but silently impacts our daily lives, is the fear of money. This intriguing concept is explored in detail by the esteemed author Di Tran in his groundbreaking book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH.”

At first glance, the concept might appear counterintuitive. Money, after all, is a resource that offers comfort, luxury, and security. Yet, delve deeper, and you begin to understand the subtle anxieties connected with wealth and financial negotiations.

We inhabit a world where negotiation is ingrained in the fabric of our lives, and almost everything has a price tag. We bargain, trade, and negotiate, but as Di Tran rightly observes, “No one wants to say it straight.” We’re often reluctant to openly discuss money, especially outside of professional settings. There’s a deeply-rooted fear that discussions about wealth might lead to a loss of authenticity or might invoke judgments from others. This fear takes various forms, including the dread of dehumanization, fear of being misunderstood, and worry about losing social support.

The fear of dehumanization stems from the common perception that a money-focused individual lacks emotions. The worry of being perceived as “greedy” or “materialistic” discourages many from talking openly about money, creating a delicate balance between maintaining our humanity and pursuing financial success.

Then, there’s the fear of being misunderstood. Conversations about money can become uncomfortable in social settings. Many individuals fear that they might be misjudged or misunderstood based on their financial views or aspirations, which can be misinterpreted as avarice or materialism.

The fear of losing social support also contributes significantly to this complex web of anxieties. Society often discourages open discussions about personal finances, creating a fear of alienating friends, family, or colleagues by being too open or frequent in discussing financial matters.

Lastly, there’s the fear of losing authenticity. There’s an internal struggle, a conflict between our inherent traits or passions and our financial interests, fueled by the perception that money is a necessary evil and discussing it may dilute our genuine selves.

Di Tran, however, doesn’t just identify these fears; he provides an antidote. His solution involves not suppressing or denying these fears, but acknowledging and addressing them, by “dropping the fear” and focusing on faith.

Tran encourages us to accept that life is a series of negotiations and discussing money shouldn’t be considered a taboo. Faith in oneself, in one’s authenticity, and in one’s humanity, even while contemplating financial concerns or goals, is the key to overcoming this fear of money.

Money, as Tran clarifies, is just a tool, and the fear associated with it is a societal construct, which can be deconstructed. It is entirely possible to negotiate, to talk about money, and to have financial aspirations without losing our authenticity, our humanity, or the support of our loved ones.

The fear of money is genuine and widespread, but it doesn’t need to be debilitating. As Tran underscores, recognizing the fear is the initial step in overcoming it. Let’s embrace this recognition, concentrate on our faith, and build a healthy, fear-free relationship with money.