True Wealth
In the hustle and bustle of running and growing a business, it’s easy to forget what really matters.
Earning money is a necessity; you have to have some money to get through life. Pursuing money for money’s sake is delusional; there are better, more lasting things to devote your life energy to.
The problem with money is that it can only fix EXTERNAL problems. Problems like taxes, having food to eat, making payroll, etc. Money cannot fix INTERNAL problems.
- Money can’t make you happy.
- It can’t earn your children’s love.
- It can’t give you a sense of meaning.
- It can’t help you answer the great questions of life.
- It can’t give you self-worth or self-confidence.
My point: There are lots of things money can’t do. And in this post I want to make a distinction between fake wealth (money) and true wealth.
Net Worth and Self-Worth Are Not Related
Most people think their net worth is a reflection of their worth as people. This is not true. Your worth as a person is not determined by how much money you make. The fact that you are a unique individual created by God is proof of your value — apart from any other physical trappings.
You Are Somebody Already
A few days ago, I watched a promotional video by two Internet marketing gurus. One of them is my friend.
In the video, they were selling the opportunity to win an exotic car. As they built the dream of what it would be like to have and drive this car, one of them said:
What you have to get used to is being an instant celebrity. See, everybody is going to talk to you. […] They’re going to see you in this car and gonna go Wow! You gotta be somebody ‘cuz you have a Ferrari. And in fact, you will be somebody when you are able to drive this Ferrari.
If you read between the lines, what this man was really saying is that without this car, you’re just a nobody.
And that’s a dangerous world view to believe in.
Because money, fame, and possessions cannot make you somebody. For proof, just look at all the unhappy movie stars in Hollywood.
True Wealth Is…
- True wealth is having meaningful relationships with people who love you unconditionally.
- True wealth is being able to do meaningful work without regard for its financial reward.
- True wealth is health and energy, passion and purpose.
- True wealth is being able to laugh with others — and laugh at yourself.
- True wealth is having the freedom to make mistakes, to be “not okay” sometimes.
- True wealth is knowing your value as a human being and not worrying about impressing other people.
- True wealth is knowing your Creator personally and experiencing His infinite love apart from religion or the empty traditions of men.
What Happens When Money Is Worthless?
Have you ever taken the time to imagine what your life might look like if money wasn’t worth anything?
It’s an interesting mental exercise. Maybe you could indulge me. Just imagine for a moment what would change in your life if the dollar was worth less than the paper it was printed on.
- What would you do to survive?
- How would you spend your time?
- Most importantly, how would you feel?
- Would you feel a sense of loss? Or liberation?
I believe a day is coming when dollars will indeed be worthless. Years of labor and billions of dollars in retirement savings will evaporate. And if you’ve tied your happiness and self-worth to money, you’re going to be in for quite a shock. Which is why I feel it’s important to engage in this discussion.
Remember: There is nothing inherently wrong with money. It’s wrong beliefs about money that have the potential to hurt us. So let’s work toward a better understanding of what true wealth really is.
-Ryan M. Healy
