leadingtoday.org
Leadership Tip of
the Month
March 2005
Copyright 2005 ã weLEAD, Inc.
Can Money Buy
Happiness?
A common myth in our society is that monetary affluence
has a direct effect on our level of happiness. It has been said that “money
can’t buy happiness… but it makes a great down payment!” The truth as various
facts and studies prove, is that an influx of money may bring a temporary rush of contentment. However, this
achievement soon becomes a normal expectation and the rush quickly declines.
Some economists call this “hedonic adaptation and social comparison”. Once we
receive the big raise or make a new purchase, it is rapidly accepted as a new standard and we want more.
Recent
studies of multimillion-dollar lottery winners have shown that many developed negative lifestyle habits that brought a
great degree of unhappiness. Also, a surprising number of them were bankrupt
within a decade after they gained dollars that should have lasted a lifetime. The National Opinion Research Center at
the
It is true that not
having a job, or living in poverty can be discouraging and frustrating. In this
case, securing a job with a generous salary can bring about increased
happiness. Yet, many social scientists now understand that once we attain a
certain income level that provides basic
comfort, happiness is hardly increased at all by greater affluence! So if
money alone can’t buy happiness, what does contribute to personal contentment
and a feeling of fulfillment? It appears that the basic philosophy of servant-leadership has been right all along!
The prestigious Case Western
Reserve University medical school has sponsored 21 scientific studies of
human motivation, altruism, and compassionate behavior. In 2001 the university
established The Research on
Unlimited Love to answer the question of what does provide happiness. One common discovery is that
happiness is not something you can attempt to gain for yourself or buy… it is a
byproduct of helping others! It means
taking your focus off yourself and sharing
your time, talents, and finances to serve people. This understanding is the real
core of all servant-leadership principles.
Here are some thoughts on what really
provides happiness…
1.
Realize that happiness that endures does not come from financial
gain. Yes, its complete absence brings misery but money doesn’t guarantee you
will be happy. In contrast, possessing a focus on obtaining money often becomes
a formula for selfishness, anxiety and depression.
2.
Manage your time well and organize your life. There is not enough
time to do all the worthwhile things you desire so it is important to determine
your own priorities. Click here
for more information on this subject.
3.
Take care of your body and mind with regular exercise and balanced
amount of sleep. Click
here for more information on this subject.
4.
Give the highest priority in life to developing and maintaining
close personal relationships. These relationships have the potential of
bringing a high degree of love,
happiness and contentment.
5.
Focus beyond yourself and be grateful for the things you do have in life. Studies also show that
people with a high degree of spirituality
in their lives have a greater degree of happiness and self-fulfillment.
For weLEAD, this is Greg
Thomas reminding you that it was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Happiness
is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself”.
On
the weLEAD Website you will
find over 70 other free helpful leadership tips. They are all available in a
text version or as an MP3 audio!