Is money the only measure of success?
Measure Of Success
During this time of year, I tend to reflect upon my accomplishments and goals. I take note of my accomplishments and goals. I often think about my parents and their achievements, as well as their influence on me. After a six-month battle with cancer, I lost my mother and was filled with grief and loss. As I update our personal portfolio, as well as other investments I manage, I ask myself, “
Is money the only measure of success??” After all, both my Mom and Dad had a certain level of financial success. However, they were much more than just their net worth. Sometimes, I find it difficult to separate my value from my net-worth! I also wonder, “Is money success, the true measure of success?”Contents
Measures of Success[hide]
- How is Success Measured?
- Money and Success
- Do you think those who earn more are more successful?
- Success is Not Measured by Money
- Time is Finite
- Multiple Measures of Success
- Related
- This article may contain affiliate links which means that – at zero cost to you – I might earn a commission if you sign up or buy through the affiliate link.
And as I also get closer to the end, than the beginning of life I ponder, “Why is money the most common way of judging success?”
How is Success Measured?
Look, I understand we all espouse a variety of success measures. Although I understand that we all have different ways of measuring success, let’s take a look at how to measure it. In fact, I often meet people who do amazing work in activism and social justice. They also excel in the arts, media, and community service. I have no idea if they’re rich or not. Realistically, I don’t really care. Try looking deeper at yourself and others, and allow your self-judgement to broaden and encompass more of what you bring to the world.
There’s so much more to you than your net worth. Spend time evaluating whether wealth and success go hand-in-hand, or not.
Ask yourself, “how is success measured, for you?” and “Is money the only measure of success?”
Money and Success
Money doesn’t equal success.
Here’s a sample list of success traits and values:
Giving back and contributing to society
- Being a good parent, neighbor, and friend
- Giving to charity, in both formal and informal ways
- Volunteering in the community
- Practicing persistent hard work
- Working out and physical fitness
- Continuing to learn
- Enjoying design, art, and creativity
- Doing your job well and appreciating the service that you provide to others
- I’m sure you have your own list.
But do you overweight financial success? Money and success can bring you happiness, but is it the only way?
Do you think those who earn more are more successful?
Believing that money = self worth is common in western cultures. It is hard to break away from this belief. Is it true? It’s not just lower-income workers who are happy. There are also unhappy millionaires. Secrets of the Super Rich is a book I wrote about this topic. Others find that happiness plateaus once they reach $100,000. The psychology and religion both suggest that attitude and mindset are more important than net worth and income in determining how successful you will feel. There are many ways to earn more money, but no one I know knows how to get more time. You’re finished when your time runs out. The accumulation of wealth cannot create additional time. Money is no different. Imagine that you’d like to accumulate a million dollars. Most people will raise the bar and set an even higher financial goal after reaching their initial goal. Are you satisfied after reaching your goal? Most likely not. If you’re raising the bar, it may be to reach another higher goal that comes with a bigger salary. Don’t be surprised if upon reaching that goal, financial and career, you don’t feel any more successful
Success is Not Measured by Money
The secret to success is not money. Living a life in line with your values is the key to success. Hanan Harchol, Rabbi Leora Kae, and others shared a great Jewish teaching in a recent article published on reformjudaism.org. They asked, “Who are rich?” Those who rejoice in their own portion.” In other words, if you are content with what you have, then you are wealthy.
Money is not good nor bad, but simply a tool to buy goods and and experiences, and to give to others. Believing that having money makes you successful, is a recipe for unhappiness.
Time is Finite
“Do you want to be the richest person in the graveyard?”
It’s certain that time is finite. It’s over when it’s gone. It was the death of my father a few year ago that made me realize how important it is to spend your time wisely. Couple that with the fact that no one knows how long they will live, and these realities underscore the importance of spending your time fruitfully.
I don’t have the answer to whether money is the only measure of success nor what is the best use of one’s time.
I resolve it by attempting to balance work, leisure, time with family, and time on hobbies.
Bonus; Go Beyond Keeping Up With the Jones’ – Change Your Perception, Change Your Net Worth
Yet, returning to the beginning of this story – while updating our portfolios I began to mentally project some of our annual income and realize that we have enough, and that having more money will not equal greater success, nor happiness.
Is the marginal time spent earning a few extra dollars more important than a precious afternoon spent with your family? Consider what really matters to you, and whether having greater wealth will give your greater happiness.
Yet this question also relates to your age and stage in life. You might want to work a second job if you are looking to purchase a home. If you’re determined to pay off your debt, every cent counts. Then every extra cent earned is important.
Multiple Measures of Success
There are so many ways to measure success, and yes, money may be one of those ways. The pursuit of a solution to the question, “How do you define success?
“, is multifaceted. The happiness research intertwines the importance of finding your purpose in life, having control, and making a contribution.
Does that mean that those who are happy are successful? No one is happy all the time. Realistically, success is not always directly related to money or wealth. She’s not likely to be swimming in cash, but her contribution to society is unquestionable. He’s definitely a success. He is definitely successful.
A mom who coaches her child’s soccer team or a dad who helps his children with their homework are both successful in the family. They also help the greater good.
Is Bill Gates one of the wealthiest Americans more successful than Mother Theresa.
In the broader sense every job has a positive impact. Doing your job competently and with enthusiasm can help you achieve success in all areas. The society needs plumbers, teachers, accountants, and trash collectors who are successful. You value and appreciate plumbers more than wealthy actors or high-paid company executives when a pipe bursts. Do not worry about what others are doing. Money can buy experiences and things, but it can’t buy relationships, time or true contentment. Money can buy things and experiences, but it can’t buy relationships, time or true contentment.
Related
How To Measure Investment Risk And Protect Against It
What Is True Wealth? You Are Wealthier Than You Think
Time Value Of Money In Financial Decision Making
Contrast The Differences Between Short-, Medium- and Long-term Financial Goals
When Might Be The Best Time to Start Saving For Retirement?Disclosure: Please note that this article may contain affiliate links which means that – at zero cost to you – I might earn a commission if you sign up or buy through the affiliate link. This is why I will never recommend something I do not believe to be valuable.
