For Money or Fun?
My daughter has always hated school with a passion. I’ve always told her it was because she hated responsibility and to get over it. But this was more than just a passing whine with her. She would actually get physically down and depressed over it when there were added pressures like a paper or big exam.
So, brilliant me, I told her one year that I really didn’t care what grades she got. As long as she did her best.
Yes, you’re right. That was fairly dumb. All her grades dropped off a bit.
However, in the scheme of things, I have to step back a step or two for questions like this.
Is it the goal or the journey?
Well, most people with a six figure income would say it’s about the goal. Most the folks without a six figure income wouldn’t say it’s about the goal or it’s about the journey. They weren’t really actually thinking about it in the first place. Thus, no six figure income.
Now, after they finally did see the guy with the six figure income driving his sweet little baby down the street, they look on with envy–trying to figure some way to get the six figure income. The scramble starts.
So, the guy who set goals and got the six figure income does what? Obviously he notices the envy. So, guess what he does? He offers the little guy instruction in how to get what he has. In fact, without any effort whatsoever, he can deliver an automated system requiring no work that will make anyone a rich man. And it’s free to join! < <<—-See. I’ve even got one!!
Does it work? Sure! But mostly for the guy with the six figure income!
What’s my point?
Well, at the end of the day, we all want to have it all. But, at the end of the same day, most of us aren’t willing to pay the price.
I make a comfortable income. I pay my bills. I pretty well live at the edge of my means with a little left to save. If I lost my job or couldn’t work, I would be devastated in just a few months. My point is, I couldn’t just drop what I’m doing to do what I liked. I have responsibilities that won’t allow me to follow any dream that might still be lingering.
So, what did I tell my daughter?
I told her to always pursue what she loved doing and to hope that the path would bring an income. I told her this would keep her happy whether she had money or not. AND, if she started life like this, and always lived within her means, she would never be trapped in a job with no way out.
Boy was that dumb. She has a group of people that pay her to do things for them and works on the side doing things with the youth at a very large church. Basically she gets paid to go to church, and paid to help her friends. Hmm, maybe not so dumb after all.
So, which is it? I think we all have a false sense that money will bring happiness. It may bring more toys, but toys just leave us wanting more.
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” lofty words. Hopeful words. Life and liberty are mostly givens in the USA. Happiness, which really matters at the end of the day, isn’t any more a promise in the USA than it is in any other country.
No, for that you need contentment first. So, happiness is really a result of contentment. And, you’ll find nothing and no one can give you contentment. No. You alone can do that.
I’m going to tell my daughter to practice contentment. Yes, you heard correctly. I said “practice contentment.” Contentment can’t be given and it can’t be taken. When practiced, it brings happiness. Now, that’s not so dumb.
Regards.
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