Money and power are huge sources of stress and conflict in life. The right mindset towards money and power can reduce our stress, conflict and even increase our happiness and fulfilment. What do you think about money and power? Are they means or ends in themselves?
When we see them as ends in themselves, as the very purpose of our lives, we lose ourselves in the rat race. Its never enough. We want more money, more power at whatever cost we can get it – be it our peace of mind or our integrity.
Money and power become the highest priorities in life. We are unable to see the futility of having more money and power than is needed. We get the math wrong. After achieving a certain level of power and money, we don’t get as much value from increasing them further. That’s the law of marginal utility.
But when we see money and power as means or enablers, then we are able to see their benefits as well as futility. Money is an important means of living – providing for yourself, your family and having the standard of living that you wish. Power is an excellent means for achievement, and it helps for survival too. But power for its own sake does nothing other than stroking your ego.
Seek power to make an impact, to achieve more, to make a positive change. Let it be used to fulfil your need for achievement, and not as an ego booster.
Pursuing money and power directly is like pursuing a butterfly which keeps evading you. When you stop pursuing it, it comes and sits on your hand. Pursue achievement. Money and power will anyway come as side effects. It is inevitable.
Follow me on Linkedin for insightful content on self-development, leadership, anything and everything that makes us and our lives better. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulshanwalia/
Gulshan Walia Blog 