Who Needs Money? You Do!

We’ve been talking about the four quadrants of living a prosperous life.  Last post we explored the first quadrant, wellness.  Now let’s dig into the second: Resources.  And by resources, I mean money and material things...

Let us begin by continuing the discussion about why the common belief that money isn’t required for prosperity is crazy.  Batshit crazy. (Frequently demonstrated with expressions like “money can’t buy happiness,” or “I know lots of miserable rich people.”)  As you’ll soon see, money and material things are essential for living a prosperous life.

The erroneous belief above is often reinforced with another bad premise, namely that being poor is somehow inherently noble or spiritual.  This argument is usually made by using examples like Pope Francis, Gandhi, and Mother Teresa who chose to live lives of austerity.  All three are certainly examples of living a virtuous life, but it must also be said that they could do so only because of the tremendous financial support provided by their followers.  (Sad but true: An important element of most beneficial movements is devoting a large block of effort to fundraising.)

To be fair, there are many prosperous things we can experience without cash.  Walking in nature, playing with a kitten, noticing the clouds, sharing a hug, and millions of other abundant experiences can be had without the aid of money.  It’s important to slow down and relish these moments as they are available, and never take them for granted.  But we should also be realistic and acknowledge that there are many more and greater experiences of abundance that can be savored when you have greater resources.

Let’s begin with the survival and security aspects of resources... 

To live a prosperous life, you need to be able to afford healthy food, safe transportation, proper medical and dental care.  If your children aren’t safe playing in the yard, your home is at risk of break-ins, or you don’t have sufficient money for rent, food, or utilities – your ability to live a prosperous life is seriously compromised.  Toss in freedom from debt to this category as well.  No one who is paying the minimum balance to the pawn shop or the credit card companies each month is living in prosperity.

There are many talented people working in low-paying jobs or even unemployed because they don’t have the money to buy eyeglasses, hearing aids, or prosthetics which could allow them to contribute to society in a more meaningful way. (With dignity.)  Resources would allow them and society to become more prosperous.

There are many other things that may not technically be required for prosperity, but can dramatically improve your quality of life considerably...

Things like booking the ocean view room versus the dumpster view, buying the apartment on the higher floor with the better view, or treating yourself to a spa day after completing a difficult project aren’t necessary for survival, but certainly can enhance your life.

If you accept the premise that money and material things are a necessary element of prosperity, start with your mindset because living a prosperous life begins with a decision. Part of that decision involves making a commitment to transform from working for money to having money working for you.

Are you willing to make that commitment?  If so, please declare it in the comments below.  Then in the next post, I’ll suggest an Action Plan for making that happen.

Peace,

- RG