1. Choosing to have good times over having nice things
Would you instead go on a family trip to a new place or drive a fancy car? Schwab found that for 70% of Americans, being wealthy is more about having fun than having nice things.
Even if it’s not something rich people do, like space tourism, having time to try new things or do what you already love can make you feel satisfied and happy. It’s up to you to find things you like to do, and if you can’t always afford to do them often, think about what it is about them that makes you happy.
Vacation might make me happy, but what does that look like, and why is it called vacation? It’s kind of like peeling off one layer and then another until we get to the core of what makes you happy.
What do you enjoy most about travelling? Is it the chance to learn about a different country and try new foods, or is it just the chance to get away from work for a while and relax? Once you figure out what you really want, you may find that you can get it for a much lower price.
2. Not having to worry about money because you have more than the people you know
You might feel jealous or competitive about money when you see expensive weddings on Instagram or fancy buildings in your city. But 70% of Americans say that having enough money to stop worrying about money is more important than having more money than their friends.
Again, a better salary or other way to get more money could help you stop worrying about money. But having more money won’t give you peace of mind just because your basic wants are met.
Money will give you stability, security, and resources, but you have to use the resources you get with that money.
There may be deeper problems that are making it hard for you to handle your money well. For example, you may want to talk to a doctor about these issues.
It’s a mistake to think that more money will solve your problems.
3. Having a good mix between work and life over making as much money as possible
In an ideal world, you might have a job that pays well and lets you have a good mix between work and your personal life. If they had to choose between the two, though, 69% of Americans say that a good work-life balance would be more important to them than making as much money as possible.
Before you think about changing your job, you should ask yourself what you like and don’t like about it. This is similar to the idea that you might have to dig deep to figure out what you love about certain things. It could be that you’re not getting paid enough, but it could also be that you’re doing too much work.
Does a holiday feel so good because you’re sunbathing on an island or because you’re unhappy where you work now? Finding a job that makes you happy and helps you get rich could mean making more money or taking a pay cut to work somewhere with a more open schedule. It’s all about figuring out what you care about most.
