Do you have a picture in your mind of what it means to be wealthy? In your daydreams, maybe you’re sipping champagne on a private jet. Or luxuriating on the white sands of your own island. Or dripping with jewels as you dine at world-class restaurants.
You want the good life! Riches beyond your wildest dreams. The celebrity lifestyle. Then you’ll know you’ve made it.
But is that really what it means to be wealthy?
What People Think Wealth Looks Like
Think of a person you know who appears to be wealthy. What do you see?
In all likelihood, you picture someone who lives a life of wild abundance and appears at least to be filthy rich. Maybe he’s got an expensive, flashy car and an imposing house. Maybe she’s always dressed in the latest fashions and enjoying extravagant vacations.
But how are you really judging Financial Success? Most of the time, it’s by the amount and quality of stuff someone has not only accumulated, but also put on display for the world to see.
Wanting for nothing? Having it all? It’s a mesmerizing dream. And having all that stuff can be incredibly alluring. After all, “living the good life” is an incredible fantasy. (Even the way we talk about that lifestyle sends a message!)
But the danger lies in thinking that appearing wealthy—no matter the cost—is the goal.
Here’s a secret: The amount of money you spend has almost nothing to do with how financially successful or wealthy you are. In fact, the vast quantities of money you need to create the appearance of wealth is all too often just the thing that tees you up for a financial disaster.
How Not To Gain Financial Freedom
Dr. Tony is the co-founder of MindShift.money and the best-selling author of three books on personal and business finances. Having achieved Financial Freedom at 27, Dr. Tony believes that through Financially Fit Bootcamp and Cash Flow Cure everyone can get there. He has made it his life’s mission to help others live a life where their money works for them—not the other way around.
Financial freedom means exactly what Dr. Pennells described in the article. Time is absolutely the most valuable, irreplaceable and limited resource we have. The more of it we can free up for our desired goals and life purpose the better our life fulfillment. Thanks very much.
We agree! Thanks for sharing!