The drive to become richer exists within all of us, but for various reasons. While for the majority earning money means to sustain a healthy lifestyle, there are those who have more than they need yet want to have even more.
Their lavishness is displayed on social media, TV, and films in such a romanticized manner that we are tempted to imitate their lifestyle, disregarding the negatives associated with it.
While all may seem nice and easy in the lives of our elite, that is only because we view their lifestyle from a distance. We imagine them to be so much happier than we are simply based upon the pictures and videos we see of them. However, many times rich people complain of being unhappy, and many fall into depression with some even ending their lives as they can no longer bear the pain.
While all may seem nice and easy in the lives of our elite, that is only because we view their lifestyle from a distance
Psychologists explain this desire to become richer and richer by describing the mechanism of a treadmill. According to them, wanting more and more money is like running on a treadmill thinking it will take you somewhere.
The same principle applies to money: after a certain threshold, the level of your happiness remains the same regardless of how much money you have. So then, how do we achieve sustained happiness?
Aristotle’s Perspective
According to Aristotle, human happiness is of two kinds: one is the temporary happiness we receive whenever we receive something of material substance, such as buying a designer dress or a vintage car, while the other is a more sustained form of happiness, a state which Aristotle called Eudaimonia.
The latter is a state of mind which remains happy all the time, and is independent of any external material catalyst. Getting a new bag or carrying a 10-year old one does not make a difference once a person has achieved Eudaimonia.
How to Achieve Eudaimonia
Let’s be honest, we cannot take money out of the equation entirely as it continues to remain very important when it comes to achieving happiness. After all, you need money to fulfill your necessities as well, such as getting healthy food, a house, and means of transportation.
However, what matters is how you spend that money. If you spend it on buying expensive things as you believe that will make you happy, that state of happiness will not stay for a very long time.
According to Aristotle, human happiness is either temporary happiness we receive whenever we receive something of material substance a more sustained form of happiness called Eudaimonia
Instead, there are some things which offer a more sustained feeling of contentment, and you need to invest your money in those in order to achieve perpetual happiness.
Have Great Experiences
Social connectivity is one of the basic human needs, and going on road trips with friends and family members, or even alone if you are comfortable doing that, is a great opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level.
Another basic human need is excitement, as we seek excitement in everything that we do. Going on a trip or experiencing different things even within your locality is a great way to remain excited, as exposing yourself to the unexplored will offer you a chance to experience the unexpected, and every trip you take will have that surprise element.
Also, such experiences usually involve you for a much longer time compared to material things, resulting in a longer-lasting state of happiness.
Social connectivity is one of the basic human needs, and going on road trips is a great opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level
Give To Others
No matter how much money you have, if it remains more than what you need, then it won’t harm you if you give some of it to those who are in need.
Remember, compassion and empathy is also a basic human trait, and fulfilling that requirement of giving back to the community will offer unparalleled satisfaction to your soul.
Being generous is universally recognized to give human beings a deeper sense of happiness, and the more people you help the happier you’ll end up.
Make Time With Money
While a lot of our time is invested in earning money, it is advisable that you also spend it on increasing your free time during the day.
There are many people who would love to lend their services to you in exchange for a price, and delegating those tasks which don’t require your personal involvement is a good step in creating some breathing room for yourself in your hectic schedule.