THE WEALTH MONEY CAN'T BUY
Robin SHARMA’S eight distinct ways to evaluate wealth:
Growth: Humans are happiest and, he argues, genuinely wealthiest when we are steadily realizing our personal gifts and talents. The best way to start, he says, is to start – take the first step to growth in some facet of your life. Eliminate “I’ll try” from your vocabulary because it means you won’t commit and aren’t fully invested in growth. He tells his clients: Small, daily, seemingly insignificant improvements, when done consistently over time, lead to stunning results.
Wellness: If you don’t feel good physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, everything else you possess will mean nothing. Your genes, he insists, are not your destiny. Commit to installing healthier practices like early morning exercise or meditation, walks in nature, proper breathing, eating chemical-free and unprocessed foods, consuming less alcohol and taking a day a week away from digital devices.
Family: All the money in the world, he says, means nothing if you are alone. A strong, joy-filled and happy family life is vital. “To practice being more loving, create a love account. Each day, make a few deposits in this very special reserve by doing something small to add joy to the life of a loved one around you,” he writes.
Craft: All work is important and has dignity and purpose. It’s not a ball and chain but a possibility to make your potential real and contribute to the wider community. “Good things happen to people who do their jobs like they really care and are devoted to making a difference – even and especially when everyone around them is a checked-out cyberzombie,” he says. Stop following the pack and start leading the field.
Money: Yes, it counts, but use money to serve you rather than becoming a captive to the pursuit of cash. What really makes you wealthy is finding the feeling of enough – you have enough income to focus on the other forms of wealth. Heal your money wounds, the false beliefs and emotional injuries formed through the years that limit you today.
Community: Beyond family, you want a strong network of good people to support, encourage and champion you. A single conversation with one of them can change your life. “Select the people who populate your social network well. It’s an essential form of wealth,” he says. To maintain the friendships, always do what you say you will do.
Adventure: Joy comes not from material goods but magical moments that flood us with feelings of gratefulness, wonder and awe. Add more wonder to your life – be it travelling to new sites, reading a book that transports you to new places, starting a garden or learning to write poetry.
Service: Be helpful. “Being good to people makes you a wealthy person,” he writes.
