About the Author and Introduction

I write this article from a privileged position. Having navigated both sides of the financial spectrum, I have come to understand that true wealth goes beyond financial success. This piece is inspired by a recent conversation with an entrepreneur who, despite his success, still needed to hit a specific financial target to feel wealthy. This realization led me to reflect on what true wealth means to me and to share my insights with you.

Real Wealth Isn’t Just About Money

Understanding your definition of wealth is crucial because it helps you set realistic goals. Money is undoubtedly important, but it doesn’t often equate to true happiness and satisfaction. Here are several aspects that I consider vital to true wealth:

Not Being Insecure About Having Enough

One valuable lesson I learned from the experience of my father-in-law, who was diagnosed with stage-four cancer, was the importance of contentment. As Ryan Holiday highlights in his book Stillness Is The Key, Joe Heller articulated that what he truly valued was the security in knowing he had enough. This is a sentiment that aligns with true wealth, which is the absence of insecurity rather than the abundance of money.

Love, Team, and Alignment with Purpose

Doing Work You Love: A fulfilling job isn’t just about the money but also about the people you work with and the purpose of your work. My team is small and efficient, and we are selective with the people we choose to work with, ensuring that we have a shared drive and purpose.

Family Time: Family time is invaluable. For those who are chasing money, they often sacrifice time with loved ones. A wealthy life isn’t about having the most money but about having meaningful relationships and experiences. My family’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration highlighted the importance of such connections.

No Need to Work with Assholes: Working with toxic people can drain your energy and undermine your mental health. The ability to choose who you work with is a sign of true wealth. Seamless collaborations and amenable working relationships contribute to a more enjoyable and fulfilling work environment.

Health and Time Management

Self-Care: Regular exercise and prioritizing well-being are essential. Even a simple routine like a 30-minute run every day can lead to long-term benefits for your health and overall wealth.

No Need to Say Yes to Everything: Effectively managing your time is a measure of wealth. Be mindful of your commitments and refuse tasks that don’t align with your goals. This allows you to focus on what truly matters.

Freedom from Unnecessary Pressures

No Pressure to Build a Unicorn: The tech industry often pressures people to chase unrealistic goals. True wealth is about aligning your efforts with your priorities, not just financial gain.

Taking Vacations Without Stress: Vacations are restful and rejuvenating. People who take work calls during their vacation are not experiencing a true rich life. True wealth includes the freedom to enjoy downtime without worry.

The Definition of Wealth

Setting Your Own Priorities: True wealth ultimately comes from being able to make choices that align with your values and goals, rather than those imposed by external pressures. Financial freedom can provide some of this optionality, but it isn’t the sole determinant of wealth.

Let me know how you define true wealth. Are there elements that resonate with you? Leave a comment below, and let’s continue this conversation.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

In defining true wealth, we recognize that it extends beyond financial success. It includes the ability to enjoy life, work with people you respect, and prioritize your time and health. True wealth is a personal journey, and it’s important to define your own standards of what it means for you. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about investing, feel free to reach out. However, please consult a financial advisor for professional investment advice.