Does Money Buy Happiness?

Many people think so.  And they are right, yet only to a point.  Each of us needs to have enough money to live on and to take care of our family.  But as it turns out, money brings happiness to only a certain level.  That level can be debated, but it is usually enough to be able to live a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle.  Beyond that, money tends to lead to more satisfaction with how life is going, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to more happiness.

With significantly more income comes significantly more pressure and stress.   And that is usually enough to cause people to seek a better life balance.  A good question to ask yourself is how much money you really need to live a truly happy life.  At certain levels of increased income, people tend to experience a reduced ability to enjoy time with friends and family, and to participate in leisure activities and hobbies that bring them  joy.

Our happiness depends a lot on the small pleasures in life, often measured by good health, loving relationships, core competence in what we do, and respect and praise from friends and family.  The bottom line: money matters, but only to a point.  When that point is reached, a desire for life balance kicks in and true happiness usually follows.

The Truth Sets Us Free

Most of us won’t change the things we know we need to change until we are convinced about the truth of what we need to change.  This truth rarely reveals itself until someone very close to us intervenes.

We may have a marital problem, a financial problem, a drinking problem, an eating disorder, or any number of self-defeating behaviors that allow us to live undetected for years.  Unless a parent, child, spouse, friend, or group of friends have the courage and tough love to confront the issue, no real change will occur.

There is tremendous power in accountability because it allows each of us to be vulnerable when we least want it.  This is the truth we all need to hear and none of us is immune from it.  We have to face the truth.  Only then can we hope to improve in our area of need.  And only then will we really be free.

 
Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about…..

Business Tips:

• A leader’s conduct always affects those around her. And the greater the responsibility, the greater the impact on followers.
• If you want to be a good salesperson, learn to sell yourself. It’s the first and most important rule in selling.
• Even good managers need a disciplined approach to their daily routine. We all need to be accountable to someone.

Life Tips:

• If you’re troubled by materialism at this time of year, a good counter-balance to it is being generous to those who really need help.
• We are what we think. Our actions reflect what is on our mind. To change our behavior, we have to change our thinking.
• Consider leaving your children only enough money to allow them to be comfortable and secure, but not enough for them to do nothing.

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