The sooner you internalize this idea, the sooner you you get to reap the benefits.
Happy (Recent) Lunar New Year!
I figured this would be as a tie to write about the topic of money, after many of us in the world received money (In Chinese culture, you get red envelopes from your elders!)
In the context of Asian cultures money represents a lot! A ramble of ideas such as:
Security. Money means you can provide a roof over your head for you and your (future) family. You can provide food, good food, holiday food!
Power – Not only meaning power over other people (You can get them to do stuff for you, owe you favors etc), but it means other people don’t have power over you. You stand on your own feet!
Achieving a dream – Often times Asian families, especially in the West, start on the bottom. Living in poor conditions sucks no matter how you put it; particularly, you don’t get to dictate your lifestyle, you just get what you get. When you have money, you have the means to shape your lifestyle.
Status – You’ll look good and make your parents proud, and be the talk of the town*
*I’m not exactly on board with this as being necessarily a great thing, but it is a result
Yet, we often think of the above in terms of practical applications. In fact, all of the above are feelings!
More importantly thought is to recognize that it’s trying to use EXTERNAL circumstances to change or sooth INTERNAL feelings. This works in the moment, but not for the long run.
A couple examples to illustrate:
If you are a gambling type, and you hit the right card or number – you probably feel great!
If you miss – you probably feel like “aww shucks” to “ ahhhhh shit noooooo!”
When you get free money, such as a red envelope, or a bonus at work. You feel great! Will you base your happiness on this bonus…. 8 weeks from now?
Think about your current financial circumstances right now. Now, think about your financial circumstances when you were 16 years old. I’m guessing you had less money and assets back then, compared to you do now. Was 16 year old you THAT unhappy? Are you THAT much happier now?
As a generalization, your feelings are all valid, but generally don’t stand up to the test of time. Hence, you will hear a lot of living in the “now”.
Some questions to ask yourself is:
Will more money soothe your feelings, insecurities, and anxieties?
For those who say yes, can you recall the last time it really worked?
How much money do you need to make until your are happy and secure?
Has this benchmark been a moving goalpost?
Can a financially power person be happy?
Can a financially well of person be unhappy?