Be Careful or You’ll Never Have Enough Money
By: Nathan Burriston
Tags: Self-awareness, Happiness, Money, Success, Self Improvement

Find your true source of happiness

“Don’t think money does everything or you are going to end up doing everything for money.” — Voltaire

The desire for money is a game of association. We feel fulfilled and excited when we get more money. But we never actually want the money. We want what it can buy. And for the most part, we don’t actually want to own many things. We just want the joy we get from using those things.

So the trick is to figure out what actually makes you happy. What does your ideal life look like? Of course, you could always get a bigger house, softer bed sheets, and the fanciest toaster. But after a certain point, the added happiness you get from an 80inch TV over a 60inch one is insignificant. Especially if you’re breaking your back at a stressful job to afford it.

Take note of what brings you happiness. Write it down if you have to. Remind yourself each day what you’re working towards, and don’t waste your time on anything else. It’s a lot harder to get lost in the rat race when you constantly remind yourself where your happiness truly lies.

Set yourself up to love the journey

“If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.”― Anatole France

Success is relative. The personal fulfillment you get from success depends on your perspective. So a helpful strategy is to set achievable goals with milestones. Doing this allows you to celebrate all the victories along the way and enjoy the journey instead of bemoaning what you don’t have yet.

When you fall in love with the process, it doesn’t become about money anymore. You feel fulfilled by the wins and you fight through the setbacks.

In our obsessive wish to arrive, we often forget the most important thing, which is the journey. — Paulo Coelho

How happy you are along the journey depends on your ability to celebrate what’s meaningful now and appreciate every moment as it comes.

You shouldn’t put a ceiling on how far you can go. But falling in love with the process means you’ll stop when the destination isn’t worth the soul-wrenching trip.

Giving back keeps you grounded in reality

“No one has ever become poor from giving.” — Maya Angelou

Don’t wait till you’re rich to start giving back. Whether it’s supporting your brother’s dreams or serving your local community, giving is the best way to keep you connected to what life is about.

I admit. I struggle with this. When I’m trying to save for a car and my children’s future, it’s hard to spend money on others. Surely it makes more sense to wait till I’m in a better financial position before I help others, right?

But if you create a habit of giving back when you don’t have much, it naturally follows you into your financial success. When helping others becomes part of your character, it translates into you being more grounded when you’re wealthier.

With this habit, you won’t get lost in the chase. You’ll reach for the stars but stay rooted in what actually matters.

Besides, what you do and where you go don’t matter nearly as much as who you’re with. Your relationships will give you the most happiness and fulfillment in life. And financially supporting others when they need it is a great way to show how invested you are in them.

The stronger your relationships and your ability to be selfless, the less likely you are to lose sight of yourself.