In a previous article, we talked about what success is and in this article, I’d like to ask if money earned is the best way to measure success. Many social media platforms and movies give us the impression that being wealthy means you look, sound, and smell great in all areas of life with no challenges, the quintessential perfect life. Tragically though, basing your success on money earned is a flawed method to define success for various reasons, let’s discuss why.
Is money earned the best way to measure success
The Elusive Nature of Success
To many, success encompasses a broad range of factors such as personal growth, emotional well-being, fulfilling relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Yet when we have conversations with each other, one of our first questions is “How much do you make?”. If success encompasses many factors but we reduce it to a single factor, do the others actually matter to us?
The Almighty Dollar: The Common Measure
Money has become the go-to measuring stick for success in our modern society. How often do we hear statements like “He’s so successful because he makes six figures” or “She must be doing well; she drives a fancy sports car”?
Money has undeniably established itself as a prevalent standard for gauging success.
Why is this?
In my experience, it’s due to a person’s money mindset. For the most part, how you view money is a big indicator of how you are going to interact with others. Specifically, if you follow the same beliefs: it takes money to make money, there’s only so much money to go around, you’ve gotta get your piece of the pie, and high risks equals high returns, then you are more likely to compare yourself to others around you or in the media based on how much they are spending.
You make say things like “I can’t afford that” or “Money doesn’t grow on trees”, perhaps even “Do you think I’m made of money”. These are all a direct result of your money beliefs and precede how you talk about money.
I see the opposite happen when people either have lots of money or are just learning about how it really works. They will begin saying “How can I afford this” or “How can I create or get money for this”.
Due to these different money mindsets, they have totally different discussions when talking to others.
Since the majority of us think in a sense of lack regarding money it becomes our singular focus. We see life through that lens of lack and gain more and more resentment towards those that have more, or even appear to.
Check out my first article on what success looks like to you and start defining a better way forward for yourself.
Shattering the Illusion
Money is the result of value created. For most, we go to a job and work for weeks at a time before getting a paycheck, but value created doesn’t always have to be paid in dollars.
What about the work you put into your relationships? The value you create in raising children, building a business, learning a new skill, etc. All of these examples require much upfront effort and have a different payoff.
So if money is only a representation of the work you are doing in exchange for dollars, but doesn’t reference the value given in raising/teaching other people(arguably the most valuable thing we do), how then is it the best indicator of success?
Money as an Indicator of Success
A Symbol of Financial Stability and Security
Money serves as a tangible measure of success because its visible to the uninformed. Most of society is following traditional financial planning, unaware of what money is, how its created, and what it actually a representation of. It’s easy to keep people running in circles chasing the almighty dollar because having money to meet our basic needs, pay bills, and live comfortably, is a great way to maintain control through marketing.
We all want financial stability that allows us to have peace of mind knowing that we can handle unexpected expenses and emergencies without falling into financial distress. Knowing that and having a financial system that works opposite to how most people think of money allows those controlling it to manipulate the masses. Basic needs, personal growth, possessions, and status are things we are shown is the ideal life which is used to keep us chasing money.
Meeting Basic Needs and Living Comfortably
Having enough money to meet basic needs is crucial for our well-being. It ensures we can afford food, shelter, healthcare, and education for ourselves and our families.
Money enables us to lead a life free from constant worry about making ends meet or living in survival mode. We can focus on pursuing opportunities for personal growth, exploring new passions or hobbies, and investing in education or skill development—all of which contribute to our overall fulfillment.
Opportunities for Personal Growth and Self-Fulfillment
Beyond meeting basic needs, money opens doors to opportunities for personal growth and self-fulfillment. It provides the means to invest in education or training programs that expand our knowledge base and skills.
With financial resources at hand, we can explore different paths in life—start new businesses or ventures—that align with our passions or values. Money grants individuals the freedom to take risks and try new things without fear of failure due to a lack of resources.
Possessions: Acquiring Assets and Enjoying Luxuries
Material possessions are often viewed as symbols of success—whether it’s buying a dream home or driving a luxury car. Accumulating assets gives individuals a sense of pride in their achievements.
Owning a house, for example, provides stability and a sense of accomplishment that comes with building equity over time. Enjoying luxuries, on the other hand, represents the ability to indulge in comforts that enhance our quality of life—fine dining experiences, travel, or extravagant vacations.
Social Status and Recognition
Those without money are led to believe that having money puts you in a class above those without. This is a lie that keeps people stuck in the mode of chasing money.
Why aren’t we taught in the school system what money is?
How is money created?
How does a gold-backed currency differ from a non-backed currency?
What is currency for that matter?
These questions are just the start regarding what truly matters regarding wealth creation and protection. The above mentioned how money is the result of value created. Well, wealth then is the result of massive value created, and rarely is that done in a short period, more often done a little bit at a time over years if not decades or centuries.
What knowledge and understanding do the wealthy have that you don’t?
What is their understanding of the financial system vs your own?
If you measured your success by how much you learned this month, or year regarding how wealth is created and maintained how different would your outlook on life be (much less how different would your behaviors be regarding creating wealth)?
Limitations of Money as a Measure of Success
A Priceless Pursuit: Beyond Financial Achievements
When it comes to measuring success, money is undoubtedly a significant factor for many. For those that have built wealth up, especially if starting from nothing, talking just about “How much you make” is a great indicator of someone still in the financial rat race (particularly the mental rat race). More than anything it tells those that are wealthy what kind of money mindset you have and how to deal with you.
The Importance of Relationships, Health, and Personal Fulfillment
Success should be seen as a holistic concept encompassing various facets of our lives. A thriving social network filled with meaningful connections brings immense joy and support that money cannot buy. Consider the person passing away and how the only thing they can take with them is the love of those closest to them.
Likewise, good health is priceless; it allows us to enjoy life’s pleasures and pursue our passions without limitations. Personal fulfillment comes from embracing one’s passions, exploring creativity, contributing to society in meaningful ways, or nurturing spirituality—achievements that go beyond the mere accumulation of wealth.
Different Definitions Across Cultures and Individuals
The notion of success varies across cultures and individuals. What may be considered successful in one society could differ drastically in another culture’s value system. Similarly, personal definitions shift based on individual values and aspirations.
Some may prioritize family harmony or a sense of purpose over financial prosperity. Recognizing these inherent differences helps us understand that success cannot be confined to a monetary measure.
Factors Influencing the Perception of Success
Societal Norms and Expectations: The Cultural Designation of Success
Success is often shaped by societal norms and expectations. Cultures have their own distinct values that influence how individuals perceive achievement.
While some societies prioritize wealth accumulation and material possessions as indicators of success, others may emphasize concepts like harmony, community service, or spiritual enlightenment. Understanding these cultural variations allows us to question the universality of money as the ultimate measure of achievement.
Influence of Media and Advertising: Redefining Success through Imagery
Modern society bombards us with messages through media and advertising that shape our perception of success. These influences often emphasize consumerism, promoting material gains as symbols of accomplishment. The constant exposure to images portraying opulent lifestyles can distort our understanding of true fulfillment by associating it solely with monetary prosperity.
Personal Values, Priorities, and Aspirations: Defining Success on Our Terms
Personal values play a crucial role in shaping our measures of accomplishment beyond financial gains. Each individual has unique aspirations that extend far beyond monetary goals alone.
Some may prioritize work-life integration over climbing the corporate ladder or seek personal growth through learning new skills or engaging in creative endeavors. Aligning our definitions of success with our personal values allows for a more authentic and fulfilling journey.
Reevaluating the Measurement of Success
A Holistic Approach to Defining Success: Beyond Financial Metrics
To redefine success, we must adopt a holistic approach that considers multiple dimensions of well-being, encompassing financial stability, emotional health, intellectual growth, and social connections. Acknowledging that true success encompasses various aspects encourages us to pursue a life that aligns with our personal values without getting stuck on the image of success the media wants us to accept.
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