Dear Friends,
We live as part of the wealthiest, most productive generation and period that the world has ever seen. A typical middle class person earning less than $30,000 a year can enjoy a higher quality of life than a billionaire that lived 100 years ago. However, due to our insatiable appetite for more money…more stuff…more growth., majority of people never seem to find the security and happiness that money is supposed to provide. I will use two short stories to illustrate my point.
- A king and his advisor: One day a king was consulting with his advisor and he told his advisor about all the conquest he plans on undertaking. He discussed war, industry, expansion of empire etc. His advisor now asked him, After you achieve all these, what would you do then? The king replied, enjoy drinks and have a good time with my friends. The advisor now asked…What is stopping you from doing that now? Why chase all these conquests?
- A Sailor and an Island Fisherman: Upon arriving on the island of Guam, one of my Naval Officers struck a conversation with an island fisherman. He said to the fisherman: You lazy man, why do only work half a day? If you applied yourself, you could go out there and build a gigantic fishing company. The fisherman now asked my friend, what do you propose I do after I build this massive fishing company. My friend said, then you can retire to living by the ocean and enjoying your success with your friends and family. The Fisherman now said, but I already do that.
I believe that in order to really enjoy the security and happiness money can bring, we need to reduce our needs and wants instead of perpetually pursuing stuff. When we reduce our needs and wants, we reduce the tension and fear that leads to insecurity and unhappiness. Increasing our needs and the pursuit of more stuff is the opposite of freedom, peace, wisdom and happiness. The more we fruitlessly pursue stuff, the less happy we are. When you reduce your needs, you have the freedom and creativity to pursue your dreams and passion. Below are five practical steps that we can take to achieve this.
- Be Content: This is the secret to a happy life.
- Be Simple: Living an exuberant and superfluous lifestyle only brings complications to life which reduces happiness.
- Don’t Be Attached To Money: Life is not linear, there are ups and downs. Build a lifestyle that even if you are going through financial hardship, it will not affect your quality of life, your happiness and your security.
- Don’t Wait Until You Have Money To Be Happy: I believe in delayed gratification, but waiting until retirement or until you are “rich” to enjoy and be happy is foolish. Enjoy yourself along the way.
- Build A Passive Income Business Or Investments: Investing in a business or investments like Rental Real Estate or dividend producing Stocks is the secret to wealth and financial security.
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Sincerely,
Victor Lofinmakin
Top Producing Agent
Tarl Anderson Properties
(832)788-1782