Is Money The Only Measure Of Success?

Success Rate

At this time of year, I often reflect on my accomplishments and goals. I realize what I did well and what I need to improve on. I often think about my parents, their achievements and their influence on me. I lost my mother after a six month illness and I struggle with sadness, loss and emptiness from her passing. I still feel his presence, and that of my Father, who passed before, in my life every day.

As the new year approaches and I review our personal portfolio and other investments I manage, I ask myself, “Is Money The Only Measure Of Success?” After all, Mom and Dad achieved a certain level of success financially, but both Mom and Dad were more than their worth. Sometimes, I struggle to separate my value from my worth! I also wonder, “Is money success, the true measure of success?”

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And as I approach the end, rather than the beginning of life I ponder, “Why is money the standard way to judge success?”

How is Success Measured?

Look, I understand that we all use different methods of success. However, I encourage you to consider all of your qualities, not just those related to money and financial matters. In fact, I meet people all the time who are doing amazing work in activism, social justice, the arts, media and philanthropy. I don’t know if they are rich or not. And honestly, I don’t care. Try to look deeper into yourself and others, and allow your self-judgment to expand and include more of what you bring to the world.

There is so much more to you than your net worth. Spend time exploring whether wealth and success go hand in hand, or not.

Ask yourself, “how is success measured, to you?” and “Is money the only measure of success?”

Money and Success

Money does not equal success.

Here is a sample list of success factors and values:

• Giving back and contributing to the community
• Being a good parent, neighbor, and friend
• Giving to charities, in both formal and informal ways
• Volunteering in the community
• Practice persistent hard work
• Exercise and fitness
• Continue reading
• Enjoys design, creativity, and creativity
• Doing your job well and appreciating the service you provide to others

I’m sure you have your list.

But are you financially successful? Do you believe that money and success are the means to happiness?

Do you think money can buy happiness?

Is money the only measure of success for you?

Consider how you define success and ask yourself if it is useful.

Do you think those who earn more are more successful?

The belief that money = independence is common in western culture. This belief is hard to escape. However, is it really true?

After earning, saving and investing enough money to meet your basic needs, there is some evidence that more money does not equal greater happiness. There are unhappy and content millionaires and dissatisfied low-wage workers. In fact, I am writing about this topic and the secrets of the super rich.

A recent study, led by Matthew Killingsworth, at the University of Pennsylvania shows that there are unhappy people at all levels of wealth. For others, happiness levels decrease once $100,000 is reached. And finally, there is another group of increased happiness and greater income.

Both psychology and religion suggest that your attitude and mindset influence how successful you feel, not necessarily your worth or income.

Peter Cohan of Inc. magazine recently wrote in an article for Muse.com that he believes success is controlled by how you spend your time, not how much money you have. Ways to make extra money, but no one I’ve met knows how to make extra time. When your time is up, you’re done. No amount of additional wealth will create more time.

Have you set a financial and personal goal, and found that after reaching that goal, you are not satisfied. It’s the same with money. Imagine you want to raise a million dollars. After reaching that goal, many people raise the bar, and set themselves a higher financial goal.

The same goes for success, maybe you want to reach a certain career goal. After reaching the goal, are you satisfied? Probably not. You’re probably moving up a level to reach another higher goal, which may also come with a higher salary. Don’t be surprised if when you reach that goal, financially and professionally, you don’t feel successful

Success Is Not Measured By Money

The secret of success is not money. The secret to success is living a life that aligns with your values. The secret to success is defining what is important to you and appreciating what you have.

In a recent article on the reformjudaism.org website, Hanan Harchol and Rabbi Leora Kaye shared one of the great teachings of Judaism, “Who is rich? Those who enjoy their own portion.” In other words, if you are satisfied with what you have, then you are rich.

Money is neither good nor bad, but simply a tool to buy goods and knowledge, and to give to others. Believing that having money makes you successful, is a recipe for unhappiness.

Time out

“Do you want to be the richest person in the cemetery?”

It is certain that time is limited. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. I lost my father a few years ago, and seeing him during the last few years of his life drove this idea home. Combine that with the fact that no one knows how long they will live, and these facts underscore the importance of spending your time wisely.

I don’t have an answer to whether money is the only measure of success and what is the best way to spend one’s time.

I solve it by trying to balance work, leisure time, time with family and leisure time.

Bonus; Skip Keeping Up With The Jones’ – Change Your Vision, Change Your Net Worth

However, going back to the beginning of this story – while I was reviewing our portfolios I started mentally planning some of our annual income and I realized that we have enough, and that having more money does not equate to greater success, or happiness.

Is a little time spent earning a few extra dollars more important than a precious afternoon spent with your family? Consider what is really important to you, and whether having more wealth will give you more happiness.

However, this question is also related to your age and stage in life. If you’re looking to buy a house, maybe working that second job is more important right now. Or maybe you have a ton of debt and you’re willing to pay it off. Then every extra penny earned counts.

Multiple Steps to Success

There are many ways to measure success, and yes, money may be one of those ways. However, in pursuit of the answer,“How do you measure success?” has many aspects. The study of happiness includes the importance of finding your purpose in life, taking control, and making a contribution.

Does that mean that those who are happy are successful? Happiness is a fleeting feeling. No one is happy all the time.

And in fact, success may not be directly related to money or wealth.

Consider a single mother who is a social worker with several children. He may not be able to swim in extra money, but he is definitely contributing to the development of society. If he helps to place a child in a good home, he is a real success.

What about a community volunteer, who gives his time and works for the betterment of the community? You are indeed a success.

A mother who coaches the children’s soccer team and a father who helps with homework every night are successful within the family and help the greater good.

Is Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the US, more successful than Mother Theresa?

In a broad sense, every activity makes a contribution. And doing your job with passion and skill can make you successful in any area. Society needs efficient garbage collectors, school teachers, accountants and plumbers. When a pipe bursts, he appreciates and appreciates the plumber more than the highest paid company president or rich movie star.

Before you head headlong into your next job, think about the things you do that make your life successful. Don’t worry about what the other person is doing. Be aware of what other currencies can and cannot do. Money can buy things and experiences, but it cannot buy relationships, time or true satisfaction.

Related

• How to Measure Investment Risk and Protect Against It
• What is True Wealth? You Are Richer Than You Think
• The Time Value of Money in Financial Decision Making
• Compare the Differences Between Short, Medium and Long Term Financial Goals
• When Is the Best Time to Start Saving for Retirement?

Disclosure: Please note that this article may contain affiliate linkssaidthat – at no cost to you – I may receive a commission if you sign up or purchase through an affiliate link. Having said that, I never recommend anything that I don’t believe is important.