Watch Me Become A Millionaire

We all have heard the cliche phrase - “Money doesn’t buy happiness”, or variations on that phrase.  I wanted to share my thoughts on that phrase.  I must say that, from my experience, that phrase has been true.  If you think of some of the happiest moments in your life, how often is it something that is intangible - Good times with friends, being close to loved ones, one’s pets, or the magical experiences of traveling somewhere.  While there is no doubt that money is an important aspect of making some or all of these experiences more enjoyable (For example, traveling does require some money), for the most part I have found that the most memorable moments were the ones that, as the credit card commercials states, “money can’t buy”. 

I have seen people who have had it all, so to speak.  Despite their vast amounts of wealth, some of these people weren’t overall happy with life.  They seemed to be in a constant race of attaining more wealth, never truly satisifed with what they had.  This observation lead me to decide that, above all else, one should be grateful and fortunate for what one does have on a daily basis.  This is not to say that you should not strive to attain goals and dreams of becoming financially independent.  On the contrary, it makes the attainment of this eventual goal all the more pleasant.  It isn’t the destination, but the journey.  How will each of us make this journey to financial independence? Will we try to take shortcuts, cheat, and use unethical means? Or will we strive to be the best person we can be, creating positive growth in our lives and in our careers or businesses?

I recently read a very insightful article by Steve Pavlina titled “Career Responsibility“.  In this article, Steve writes, “When choosing a company to work for, to partner with, or even to patronize as a customer, take a moment to consider the values you’re supporting and the long-term consequences of those values.”  I find a great deal of wisdom in this article and in that sentence in particular.  Each of us creates our destiny, and ultimately are responsible for our actions.  I for one want to be proud of my achievements when I attain the eventual goal of financial independence.  When I have achieved my goal, I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and say to myself, “You did it - Not by standing on the backs of other people, but by pursuing your dream while at the same time creating something of benefit for the world.”

You may be wondering what a topic like “Mind, Body & Spirit” has to do with becoming financially independent.  In my opinion, it has everything to do with becoming and staying financially independent and wealthy! I oftentimes read stories of business owners or company executives who achieve great success, yet neglect their health.  One article I read a while back featured an executive who was proud of having achieved a certain financial goal in a short period of time.  When asked about his lifestyle, however, he claimed that he was drinking in excess of 20 cups of coffee a day and his diet was not at all too healthy.

It is my firm belief that a quest towards financial independence must also include improving one’s mind, body, and spirit.  This is not optional; It is vital.  What is the point of being rich if you are going to be too sick and stressed out to enjoy it?

As someone who in his earier years grew up on all sorts of junk food, I am convinced that you really are what you eat.  I noticed a profound change in myself over the years by switching from unhealthy foods to ones that are healthier for me.  Don’t get me wrong - I am not advocating drastic measures such as chewing on alfalfa sprouts and not ever having so much as one cup of coffee ever again.  However, personal responsibility in taking care of one’s mind, body, and spirit is essential, in my opinion, to overall financial independence in the future.  Think of all the money you will save on those expensive restaurants and medical bills.

While we cannot predict what the future will bring, we can at least make an effort to improve our own personal well-being.  It is not only the financial gain, but the quality of life to be able to enjoy those gains that is important.