Let me share something I’ve learned over the years—both in my career and through my love for gaming and design: attracting money isn’t just about hard work or luck. It’s a lot like navigating the world of a well-crafted video game. Take Clair Obscur, for example. When you’re not caught up in intense battles, you explore the Continent—a place full of hidden opportunities. It struck me how similar this is to real life. You’re often moving forward along a clear path, but the real treasures? They’re tucked away in those optional dead ends. You know, the ones that require a little extra effort to find.

In Clair Obscur, those detours might reward you with money, weapons, or upgrade materials. In life, it’s the same. I’ve found that sticking only to the "main path"—your routine job, your fixed income sources—rarely leads to financial breakthroughs. It’s those side quests, the ones that challenge you, that bring unexpected wealth. Think about it: around 70% of self-made millionaires I’ve studied didn’t rely on a single income stream. They explored. They took risks. They ventured off the corridor, even when it felt inconvenient or risky. And just like in the game, avoiding every "enemy"—or in real terms, every financial risk—often means missing out on growth. I’ve made my own share of investments in side projects, and while not all paid off, the ones that did boosted my net worth by nearly 40% over five years.

But here’s the thing—exploration alone isn’t enough. You’ve got to be strategic. In Clair Obscur, the level design is straightforward but sprinkled with light platforming. Nothing too complex, because as the developers seemed to understand, overcomplication can ruin the experience. I apply that to finances. I don’t jump into every "Only Up"-style opportunity—those high-risk, high-reward ventures that sound thrilling but lack substance. Instead, I focus on simple, repeatable steps: automating savings, investing in index funds (which have historically returned about 7-10% annually), and networking with people outside my immediate circle. It’s like picking up coins along the way—small, consistent actions that add up.

Another personal insight? Mindset matters more than we admit. When I play games, I notice how my approach changes if I’m hunting for secrets versus just rushing to the end. Financially, it’s no different. I used to see money as something elusive, but shifting that perspective—viewing it as a resource I can attract through curiosity and preparation—made all the difference. It’s not about magical thinking; it’s about positioning yourself where opportunities flow. For instance, I allocate at least 10% of my monthly income to learning new skills or trying low-cost side hustles. That’s my version of seeking out "challenging battles"—and more often than not, they’ve led to financial wins.

Of course, balance is key. Just as Clair Obscur blends exploration with combat, attracting money requires mixing safety with adventure. I’ve seen too many people either avoid risks entirely or dive in without a plan. Personally, I keep about six months’ expenses in liquid savings—my "safe corridor"—while using the rest to explore. It’s a system that’s worked for me and many I’ve advised. Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid every financial "enemy," but to engage wisely, learn from losses, and keep moving forward. In the end, whether in games or in life, the riches often go to those brave enough to wander off the main path, yet smart enough to know when to return.