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 has 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