Recently, I came across a book called The Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth, and it really got me thinking. The book explores how our finances and our sense of happiness are intertwined, and it inspired me to dive deeper into this topic.
In this post, I want to share some of the insights I’ve gathered about the balance between wealth and happiness. How does having money or not affect our sense of fulfillment? And can experiencing both sides of this spectrum give us a clearer view of what true success really means?
Let’s explore how the journey through financial ups and downs can shape our understanding of what it means to be truly successful and happy.
When we compare two aspects of life, like wealth and happiness, it’s important to understand that true comparison can only be made after experiencing both sides. The debate often revolves around whether happiness lies in wealth or poverty. To have a fair comparison, one should first experience both wealth and poverty before drawing any conclusions.
It’s easy to point out examples like, “Look, that rich person isn’t happy, but I am happier even though I’m poor.” However, we often seek the majority perspective, and generally, wealth tends to bring a certain kind of comfort and happiness that poverty struggles to provide.
Experience Both Sides Before Judging
Before making any judgments, try to achieve wealth first and then compare it with poverty. Your perspective on happiness might change once you experience the financial freedom that wealth can bring. Changing your mindset towards growth is crucial. Happiness from money often comes when you can spend it on your loved ones, like your parents. When you see the joy on their faces, you’ll realize the happiness that money can buy. Only then should you compare whether money brings happiness or not.
The Peace of Hard Work
Another aspect to consider is the satisfaction that comes from hard work. Work diligently for three to six months, putting in regular efforts day and night. After that, reflect on the quality of sleep you get. You’ll notice a significant difference between wasting time and actually utilizing it. The mental peace and sense of achievement that come from hard work are unparalleled.
Many people say that success is not about money but happiness. However, it’s not just about being happy it’s also about being financially stable. When we look at successful individuals, we often refer to people like Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, or Elon musk. Why? Because they have achieved a lot of wealth. On the other hand, we rarely label someone without money as “successful,” even if they are happy.
Success is More Than Just Happiness
Success and achievement are often tied to financial stability, not just happiness. While festivals and celebrations bring joy, they are not necessarily indicators of success. We don’t equate happiness with success in the same way we equate wealth with success.
Achieving success requires more than just following a routine. Sticking to a 9 to 5 job without investing in personal growth will not lead to significant progress. There’s a time for everything both for enjoying life and for working hard. If you’re in a low-paying job or even a regular job, it’s not the time to pause and start enjoying life to the fullest. You must continue striving for more.
The Joy of Giving Back
One of the greatest joys of wealth is being able to provide for your loved ones without them having to worry about finances. The ability to plan trips, fulfill dreams, and give your parents the comfort they deserve without financial strain is immensely satisfying. That’s the kind of enjoyment that comes with financial success a feeling that’s hard to understand until you experience it yourself.
This level of happiness is not something everyone can achieve easily. It requires a lot of sacrifices letting go of certain pleasures, putting aside the short-term joys of partying, and focusing on long-term goals. Once you achieve this, the pride your parents feel in your accomplishments is priceless. It’s a different kind of fulfillment when you see that your hard work has helped your parents live the life they always dreamed of.
Conclusion
In the end, life is a balance between finding happiness and achieving success. But success is often measured by the ability to provide comfort and security for yourself and your loved ones. So, enjoy your life, have fun, and party if you want to. But remember, the real satisfaction comes when you can look back and see that you’ve not only enjoyed life but also made significant progress in it. The pride of your parents, the fulfillment of their dreams, and the peace that comes from hard work are the real rewards of success.