In today’s fast-paced world, especially in Nigeria, many young people are trapped in the cycle of living a “fake life” — a life that’s more about appearances than real substance. From renting flashy cars to borrowing money for designer clothes, the obsession with showcasing wealth on social media has reached alarming levels. This fake reality is not only damaging individuals but also eroding the very fabric of our society.
A recent wellness conference I attended exposed a shocking truth that many of us are turning a blind eye to — the growing financial epidemic among Nigerians, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40. We’re not spending on assets that build lasting wealth but rather on appearances that are fleeting and ultimately unsustainable.
In this post, I will break down why this fake life is ruining the lives of many Nigerians, and more importantly, I’ll share four practical ways to break free from this cycle of financial and emotional destruction.
The Fake Life Epidemic
The alarming reality is that many young Nigerians are spending their inheritance, not on assets or investments, but on appearances. People are obsessed with the need to show off at parties, on Instagram, and Facebook. Whether it’s renting expensive outfits, booking VIP sections at parties, or buying an iPhone they can’t afford, the drive to project wealth has overshadowed the importance of financial stability.
What’s worse, many Nigerians are borrowing money to create a false image of success. Celebrities, influencers, and even friends are contributing to this toxic culture. These individuals often spend millions just to show up at events they weren’t even invited to — all for the sake of social validation and clout. Behind the scenes, they are drowning in debt, unable to meet basic financial obligations, and struggling with their mental health.
The Silent Reality of True Wealth
The truth is that real wealth doesn’t scream for attention. Have you ever noticed the quiet person in your neighborhood, perhaps a middle-aged man who drives an old car and wears simple clothes? You’d never guess that this man might own multiple properties or have investments in top companies, earning passive income every month.
True wealth is silent, and it’s built over time through strategic investments, not flashy purchases that provide instant gratification but lead to long-term financial stress.
4 Ways to Break Free from the Fake Life
Now, let’s talk about how to break free from this cycle of fake living and move towards financial freedom and peace of mind. Here are four practical steps you can start implementing today:
1. Live Below Your Means
If your monthly salary is 300,000 Naira, ensure your expenses, including rent, food, and transport, do not exceed 150,000 to 200,000 Naira. Anything beyond that is a recipe for financial disaster. The first step towards building wealth is ensuring that you live within your means, no matter how tempting it is to splurge on appearances.
2. Invest in Assets, Not Appearances
Instead of spending a large sum on designer clothes or the latest iPhone, why not invest that money in assets that will generate income over time? Consider putting your money into fixed deposits that yield a steady return, buying stocks in reputable companies like UBA or GTB, or even starting a small business. Investment in assets like land, treasury bills, or shares can provide long-term financial security.
3. Delay Gratification
One of the key habits of wealthy individuals is their ability to delay gratification. They don’t buy things they don’t need just to impress others. Instead of splurging on items you’ll only use once, save that money to invest in something that will appreciate in value — like land or stocks. Delayed gratification is essential for building wealth and securing your future.
4. Grow in Silence
Not every achievement needs to be flaunted on social media. The truly wealthy aren’t concerned with social validation; they’re busy growing their assets quietly and steadily. Take a page from the book of Nigeria’s billionaires like Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga, who lead low-key lifestyles despite their immense wealth. Their focus is on investments and cash flows, not on flashing designer suits or attending every event.
Conclusion
The pressure to live a fake life is strong, especially in the age of social media, where everything is about appearances. However, it’s crucial to understand that real wealth is built on smart financial choices, patience, and long-term planning, not on impressing strangers or keeping up with trends.
If we want to change the narrative and move towards a future of true wealth, it’s time to stop overspending to impress people who don’t care about us. Let’s start investing in ourselves and our futures by making smarter, more sustainable financial decisions.
Remember, true wealth is quiet, and it’s within your reach if you focus on the right things — financial stability, patience, and long-term growth. So, let’s break free from the fake life and embrace a life that’s real, grounded, and fulfilling.
