This post is part of the “13 Money Resolutions for 2013” series.
I appreciate my small home
We live in a society where we always seem to need more—a new phone every year and a half, a 2500 square-foot house, a new car every other year. But here’s a secret: you don’t actually need all of that. Once you realize this, you’ll find a lot more happiness.
Personally, I have a $20 basic phone, a 600 square-foot house, and no car. Still, I lead a rich, happy, and simple life because I am satisfied with what I have. When I want more, it’s not because my neighbors have more. For instance, I fixed my leaky roof and installed electricity and water because I needed them, not because someone else had them.
After addressing these small issues, I found contentment in my little house, my garden, and my chickens. Even if I won a million dollars, I wouldn’t change much. I’d probably travel more and attend more social events, but that’s about it.
Being content with your life can prevent many issues like jealousy, debt, stress, and clutter. Take a moment to reevaluate your life. If you’re still unhappy with a long list of things, check out that post on Fearless Men.
Grateful and satisfied now? If you have a roof over your head and food on your plate, consider yourself lucky.
Live your life on your own terms. What brings you joy? Is it working 12-hour shifts to afford material things, or a part-time job that allows for a simpler life? There are many ways to live, and only you can determine your ideal balance.
Some individuals thrive on the stability of a 9-to-5 job and its benefits. Others crave the excitement and unpredictability of a different path. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re not satisfied with your current situation, only you can change it. There are no excuses. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, though it will require time, effort, and persistence.
From your list of goals, remove anything that doesn’t make you truly happy. I love cooking, so having a deep freezer and a blender makes me happy. But I know people who have these items and barely use them. They bought them because they thought they “had to,” or they might use them “someday.” That’s not worth the expense.
Be happy with what you have and only buy what truly adds value to your life. Make sure it’s worth the effort you put into earning the money.
So, what makes you happy when it comes to money?