How Your Perception of Wealth Changes as You Build It: Lessons in Success
One could say that wealth is a very evolving concept with experience. When we are young, just starting out, it indeed seems like the ultimate thing one could strive for is indeed wealth. But the more wealth one builds, often the perspective changes: it's not about gathering money, but keeping work aligned with passion and pursuing that which truly fulfills them. This article examines how such a shift takes place and what we can learn from those who have experienced it firsthand.
Following Passion Over Profit
To one extent or another, we all think of ways by which we can make more money at the beginning of our careers. Let's face it, there is no shame in admitting such a thing. However, very seldom does pursuing wealth as an end completely result in long-term success. Political commenters are a very good example of people who do not start off or very rarely expect great wealth but thrive in that area, because that is where their creativity and passion lie.
Thing is, every time you try to pursue money without having it aligned with what truly sets you on fire, you often tend to fail. Success actually happens when the work is thrilling and really inspires you. It is just that in most personal stories, landing law or high-paid jobs out of necessity-not as a result of an inspired passion-can be miserable, even though the incomes are good. One Harvard Law graduate said she was employed full-time with a really prestige law firm for over $180,000 but felt unfulfilled. She quit and took a job for a third of that salary following her passion for radio production. It led to far greater success-both financially and personally.
Stepping Back to Move Forward
Success does not always move along a straight line. Oftentimes, to achieve what one desires, he or she must go backwards for a time financially. One may need to take the time to learn and perfect his craft so that he may be successful at his chosen profession. Many successful, wealthy individuals can look back and find turning points related to failure or financial sacrifice. After false starts and multiple tries, they pierced.
Politicians and the Myth of Job Creation
Another myth in regard to the creation of wealth is that politicians, or for that matter government programs, create economic success. Actually, the American economy's backbone is a small business that constitutes 54% of its GDP. All too often, politicians take credit for jobs created, while in fact, business owners or entrepreneurs create those jobs and spur growth.
Small businesses, operated by enterprising and ambitious people, are very important for supplying jobs and for economic growth. Interestingly enough, this same question was posed to a small business owner who responded that he is tired of hearing politicians claim the success or failure of his business; no political party ever made his business successful-it was he who made intelligent, and sometimes not so intelligent, decisions that determined success.
The True Nature of Wealth: It's Not About Luck
It might appear as though someone got all the luck or was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but that is simply not true. Of course, some people are born lucky, but it's all in the approach to life that matters. The choices you make, the will to do something-that is far more instrumental in your financial success than any other factor beyond your control.
As one successful entrepreneur put it, "You can't teach hungry." You can give people the skills and knowledge, but you cannot instill in them the will to succeed. In many ways, that hunger has been beaten out of too many Americans over the course of time, yet the entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. It is through rekindling this passion and drive that personal and financial success can be achieved.
Work-Life Balance: A Misunderstood Concept
The term "work-life balance" has been co-opted by today's culture to broadly imply that work is some kind of nefarious thing and should be minimized. Work is a major part of life, and joy from your work is one of the vital keys to happiness over a lifetime. If you are in a field you love, your labor will feel so much less like work and more like an opportunity to meet a challenge. While it's important to take time with the family, just as important is finding that balance where the work becomes rewarding for one's self.
People fantasize about having an easy, handed-on-a-silver-platter life, but in truth, life consists of work, hardships, and growth. It's just plain human nature to struggle-which, oddly enough, is what teaches us appreciation for what we do have.
A Gratitude Reminder
Sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in any one of the numerous aspects that are less than perfect about our system and to forget how lucky we are to live in a country where the opportunities for success are so great. For while no system is perfect, the honesty, consistency, and fairness in our system are far greater than in much of the world. Corruption, for example, has become such part of the daily life in some countries that one needs to get used to bribery. A police officer in America would most likely put you behind bars if you try to bribe them, which should be an indication of how much solid morality and law enforcement are put into place. It is this level of integrity that allows people to succeed if they work hard and make smart decisions.
Where else can you make it if you can't make it in America, with all these opportunities available?
Conclusion
Wealth isn't just about money; it's all about making the right choices, following your passion, and being willing to take risks. It is about deep responsibility and the urge to create something worth having. Basically, your choices, work ethic, and how you look toward life will determine how successful you become. All it takes to unleash your potential and set yourself up for financial freedom with personal fulfillment is that unquenched hunger for success.