If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed. Edmund Burke
They say money can’t buy happiness, but it’s clear that’s not entirely true. Money can’t buy happiness, perhaps, but it does contribute to having peace of mind and access to many things that make people happier. However, some people are always after money instead of pursuing happiness, and that can be a problem. Do you think you are too money-focused? Let’s take a look.
Money is a means, not a goal
The first thing to consider is that money is not a goal in itself. Money is a means that allows us to achieve other goals, such as get a house, go on vacation, eat a delicious meal, or take a course and get certified in a specific profession. We can pursue money because it will take us to other things that we desire.
Sometimes, we lose sight of that and start pursuing money just for its sake. But this is not such a good idea. Money has value for the things it can get us, not for itself. Seeing it as a means is importan to build a healthy relationship with money and the ways in which we pursue it.
Money is not the only thing that matters
Another problem with pursuing money too intensely is that we lose sight of other things that matter. Sometimes, we value money too much, above everything. We lose sight of other things that matter, like relationships, time, energy, and health, among other things.
Money can buy many things but it cannot get us more time or better health. It also can’t help repair broken relationships. We should balance our pursuit of money with other things. For instance, making money should not compromise our health and it should not be something we do at the expense of essential relationship time.
Money is not an excuse to be nasty
One issue that can occur when we are too focused on money is that we become less pleasant people. We might be judgmental, especially when faced with those who have less, and let go of empathy for the sake of getting more cash.
However, this is also a negative mindset to have. When we become less empathic, we might also damage our relationships and find ourselves either isolated or in relationships based on convenience. That can harm our mental health and lead to many negative outcomes down the line.
Money is a tool
Pursuing money means getting a tool to solve other issues and problems. Money is not useful by its own, but rather thanks to what it can be used to achieve. You should not have your money just sitting at your bank account.
You can use it to get more money but also to have experiences and a better quality of life. Otherwise, there is not much of a point to it. Saving money and using it to feel happier, safer, healthier is better than to simply have it.
Money does not make you better or worse
An important issue is that we can see money and the people who have it through different lenses. Some see the rich and the well-off as evil or unethical people, so money for them is something not just unpleasant but downright wrong. Others have the opposite view, and see those without money as less capable or less worthy. Both mindsets can be quite damaging.
When we see money as more than it is, it can affect how we perceive ourselves. Anyone can go through times of wealth and poverty, and it doesn’t diminish their worth as a person. It’s important to consider and examine the beliefs we hold related to money. It can be useful to change those ideas that limit us or make us feel guilty, ashamed, or judge other people.
Money is very important for most people. It’s not something we can just ignore. But it should not become the driving force in your life. It is just a means to much better and worthier ends, like happiness, health, and stability.
