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What are you striving for? I know for most people there are many things you are striving for, but if you could think about the number #1 thing, what would it be? Is it financial wealth, power, financial stability, or happiness?
As many of you think through your list you may even feel that one element may lead to another. You may feel that financial wealth is the key to your happiness or that financial stability is the first step on your way to having power.
However, are you sure that the thing you are striving for isn't deterring you from obtaining the other things on your list?
Does money affect happiness??
A University of Pennsylvania study suggests that all forms of well-being continued to rise with income, across a wide range of income levels, and it didn't plateau.
Another study shows that an increased salary leads to increased expectations in work hours and erodes the happiness that comes with socializing with family and friends.
Finally, another study states that emotional well-being rises with income. However, it grows logarithmically. That is, as an individual's income increases, their well-being increases at a slower and slower rate. And after income surpasses about $75,000 per year, data suggests, well-being stops increasing altogether (Kahneman & Deaton).
But how about this? Maybe what you are striving for causes you to totally ignore that the result already exists. Most people desire financial stability to be able to give their family liberty and thereby ensuring their happiness. Well, what if your kids are already happy with what you provide? Your family may very well not know you are limited.
I grew up with seven siblings in the projects where the boys had to share 2 rooms with bunk beds. My mom provided for us on her own and I don't doubt for a minute that she wished she had the financial stability to give us more. I don't doubt there were missed payments, but we had everything we wanted and needed. My childhood was extremely happy filled with large Thanksgiving dinners and laughter. My mom strived to make ends meet but she stopped to thank God for the happiness in our home and NONE of us would choose a different childhood.
Focus on what you are striving for and if you think that goal will ensure other things, stop for a moment to ensure you don't already have those things. Yes, money improves emotional well-being, but so do loving relationships and friendships.
I challenge you to take inventory of what you already have and find a blessing in it every day.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
Be thankful for what you have while you strive for things you don't. Both are possible.
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