Would You Rather Be Rich Or Happy?
March 15, 2007
Today, I was chatting with some of my friends in school when a comment by one of my friends sent me into some serious thinking. We were just chit-chatting casually when one of my friends asked me how’s my online business doing. As usual, I was pretty excited about my online business plans and also the workshop that is currently ongoing.
I went on to talk about how we must really live out of our comfort zone in order to become successful and wealthy in life. Then one of my friend commented:
‘I do not want to be rich. I just want to be happy.’
For one instant, I was stunned. For some reason, I did not know how to answer her. Not because I agreed with her mindset. But because I was rather astounded by that comment. I mean, since when wealth and happiness are mutually exclusive??
Then another quote came to my mind,
‘Money will not buy you happiness’.
It seems like some people are having this misconception that being rich will actually rob you of your happiness. But is that truly the case? Take a look around, who are the majority of people who are constantly beset by problems? I believe that the majority of problems people face in life(relationships, health, career) are the result of LACK of money.
Today, divorces and crimes are influenced by the lack of money. Now, I’m not saying that all poor people are sad and all wealthy people are happy. I’m not as myopic as to equate happiness with wealth.
But, while I do agree that money will not buy you happiness, I do believe that not having money will not make you happier as well. Hence, I would definitely rather to be unhappy with money than unhappy without it. Though that’s besides the point.
Coming back to the comment, I just wonder how many people also share the same belief? Why can’t you strive to be rich and happy? I feel that people who share that belief are simply having some misconceptions about money.
You see, the true wealthy people do not think of money just as coloured pieces of paper. They see it as tools to fulfil every one of their dreams. The fact is, money itself is just a concept. A spiritual concept if you would like.
And money contains the power to do so much good. One got to look beyond the surface of money notes and see the benefits it can bring to one’s family and loved ones. If you do not think of yourself, at least think of others.
When you keep thinking that you only want to be happy rather than be rich, you’re simply only thinking of yourself. But, the reason why so many wealthy people work so hard for money is not for themselves! The cause is bigger than each individual!
Just take a look at Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, two of the wealthiest individuals in the world. They could have retired long ago, with the sheer amount of wealth they have built for themselves. Instead, they still continue to work. (though Bill Gates has recently stepped down from managing Microsoft’s operations) Is it because they are so money-minded that even with so much wealth they are not satisfied? Of course not!
People like to associate rich people with being materialistic and claim that these people worship money. But take a look around once again and you will realize it is the people who lack money who worship money. Who woks all day, year after year in a job which they hate, just for the monye? Who is constantly worrying about money? Who are those who constantly queue long hours each week to have a go at the lottery?
Is it those who are wealthy or those who have no money? I rest my case.
So why do Warren Buffet and Bill Gates still continue to work? It’s because of their passion and for a cause is greater than them!Why do I say that? These two men have pledged the majority of their fortune to charity.
Judging by their actions, do you think they are not happy??
Stop holding on to the belief that you just want to be happy and not rich. When you have that belief, you will NEVER be rich. And trust me, you won’t like that feeling.
Money can give you the power to touch so many more lives and fulfil your mission on Earth. I believe we were born not to just lead a normal life. If you want to be special, work for it. Stop letting these limiting beliefs impede your success.
I know only by being rich can I relieve my parents of the misery and burden they face due to financial problems. I know by being rich can I truly help the poor in the world. I know by attaining financial freedom can I have the time to accomplish more of the greater things in life. It’s because of these ‘whys’ that I operate differently from the majority of my peers, and I’m proud of it.
And the next time people criticise you for being materialistic just because you work hard for your goals, tell them to give you their money then. Since it’s not going to make them happy. Might as well relieve them of the misery. Enough said.
To learn more about adopting the right mindsets and beliefs about wealth, check out Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires. If it could create wonders in my life, likewise for yours. 
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