Business Opinions: Money – final target or just a bonus to a beautiful journey?

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. –Franklin D. Roosevelt

            We all need money; we need it to pay bills, to buy food and presents for loved ones. We need money for a house and car. But is it the right way to look at money as a final goal in what we do on a daily basis? Do we need to focus so much on making money by all means? I believe that the amount of money we make is not the way in which we measure success, look at someone winning the lottery, is he a successful man or just hit a jackpot?

            No matter how much money we make, deep down we are the same persons, we have desires and dreams and most of those cannot be bought with money. Einstein said “try not to become a man of success, but a man of value”. Success can be measured in money but it is also a shooting star. Value will always be a long lasting factor that defines you. And a man of value will always reach success; it’s just a matter of time, persistence and patience.

            When you work for money you have only two choices. Make money and become a man of success or not make money and be seen as a failure. On the other hand, doing something you like and becoming a valuable asset for the community or business will give you satisfaction at a deeper level. And when you are a man of value others will look for your council. You just have to find a way to monetize your knowledge.

            Remember the things you were planning before starting your job or business. We wanted to make a difference, to change, innovate and make money. Deciding which path to choose, in the romantic period, was not mainly about making money. We want to be the best lawyer, sales man or journalist, and on the way make a lot of money.

            Enjoy the journey, concentrate on small things, take small steps and remember who you were when you started. Don’t fail your younger version, he put all his hopes and dreams in your hands and expected you don’t lose track of those initial plans. Your mission should be making yourself today a better version than you were yesterday. Success might not hit you as soon as you wanted, or could only stay for a short period, but in the end you will be a stronger, better and more experienced human being.

            When all is said and done how do you want to be remembered? The annoying self centered successful and rich guy or the one who made a difference? You think that after you die those that inherit your money will be happier? Yes, you don’t get to take your money in the afterlife but you might get a chance to live forever in people’s memories. Make money a tool to live better, don’t live to make money.

            I work on becoming a man of value. I want people to want my company because I bring value to their lives and not because I can pay for dinner when we go out. I take on the journey with all my flaws and qualities and hope I make the right choices in life, and if that will bring success I will be even happier. Aim high and be yourself no matter what, you can live a full and beautiful life without a Ferrari. Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that. –Norman Vincent Peale