Imagine coming home after a long day of errands, completely exhausted and ready for sleep. But you realize that you can’t fall asleep until you’ve taken a shower. This simple habit that quietly governs your decision even in the face of exhaustion is culture. Culture is the way we live, built on everyday actions like saying a prayer before a meal or following a specific bedtime routine. These habits show what a community values and believes in, quietly guiding our choices and shaping our lives.The greatest thing about culture however, is that it can shift. 

Mahatma Ghandi’s teachings were paraphrased in this lengthy quote;

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become your Character.”

This quote shows the progression of how a culture is formed or built. You’ll notice that repetitive patterns are essentially what make up a culture. This means that to change your habits you will first have to change your beliefs. Attempting to change your habits without first dealing with the root of your beliefs will result in temporary solutions, discouragement and eventually frustration. 

Peter Drucker once said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” The idea? No matter how brilliant a strategy is, it’s the underlying culture that determines whether it succeeds or fails. This concept can be both advantageous or disadvantageous depending on how you use it. 

Leveraging culture

Have you ever found yourself going through a routine you didn’t even know you had? You’re not overthinking each aspect you’re just doing, moving swiftly in a confidence that comes from familiarity and constant practice. 

Now imagine being able to apply that in your business, your career or your personal finance goals. 

If you want to build wealth, strategy alone isn’t enough. You need to cultivate a culture of investing.

When strategy and culture align very few things are unachievable.  

Let’s take a look at Switzerland, a country known not only for its beautiful landscapes and top-notch chocolate but also for its impressive financial stability and high number of millionaires per capita. In a population of almost 9 million citizens about 1.5 million have assets valued at a million dollars and above. To break it down further this means that 1 in every 7 adults in Switzerland are millionaires.

What’s their secret? It’s not just smart strategies — it’s a widely endorsed culture of disciplined money management, long-term investing, and financial literacy embedded into everyday life.

The Swiss Money Mindset

Switzerland’s wealth isn’t an accident. It stems from a cultural mindset rooted in:

1. Financial Literacy from a Young Age:

Swiss children are introduced to banking concepts early on. Savings accounts for kids are common, teaching them that money isn’t just for spending — it’s for growing.

2. Long-Term Thinking:

The Swiss value stability and patience. They’re not chasing quick wins or get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, they focus on long-term, low-risk investments — a strategy that steadily builds wealth over time.

3. Frugality Without Deprivation:

Swiss culture balances enjoying life with living within one’s means. People prioritize saving and investing before luxury spending, ensuring their money works for them first.

4. Diversification:

Switzerland’s investors lean into diversified portfolios, spreading risk across different asset classes. This reduces vulnerability and protects wealth.

Building Your Own Culture of Investing

So, how can you apply this mindset to your own life? Here’s where culture comes in.

1. Start Small, Start Now:

The Swiss didn’t build their financial strength overnight. Begin with what you can — whether that’s setting aside a small percentage of your income for ETFs, or mutual funds. Allow these low risk opportunities help shape your new money beliefs.

2. Automate It:

Make investing a habit by automating contributions to your investment accounts. When it happens without thinking, it becomes part of your financial DNA.

3. Prioritize Knowledge:

Commit to ongoing financial learning. Follow credible finance blogs, read books, or listen to investing podcasts. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. Your financial thoughts would have more material to help shape your financial actions.

4. Normalize Investing Conversations:

Break the silence around money. Discuss investments with friends and family—just like the Swiss do. When investing becomes a regular topic, it feels less intimidating and more like a natural part of life.

5. Think Long-Term:

Wealth-building isn’t about timing the market—it’s about time in the market. Focus on consistent investing, even when the market dips.

Strategy follows culture

You can have the best investment plan on paper, but if you don’t build a culture that supports it, sticking to that plan becomes a struggle. The Swiss prove that wealth is more than a strategy — it’s a way of life. By shifting your mindset and fostering an investing culture, you’re not just planning for wealth. You’re creating an environment where building wealth becomes inevitable.

So, what kind of financial culture are you building for yourself? If you start shaping it now, your future self will thank you.

Bravewood provides Nigerian professionals with low-risk, high-return investment products, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.