Becoming Rich Won’t Make You Happy.

But This Will.

Author

Ajay Malhotra
January 31, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

In partnership with

The Hard Truth About Wealth Nobody Talks About

A millionaire once told me:

"The day I hit a million dollars, nothing changed. I woke up the same. Ate the same breakfast. Still felt empty."

We all think more money will solve our problems. But will it?

Here’s the real question: Should becoming rich be your goal? Or is there something better?

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Why Chasing ‘Rich’ Might Be a Trap

Think about this:

  • You work hard, save money, invest wisely.

  • You finally hit a number you once dreamed of.

  • But instead of happiness, you feel… nothing.

It happens all the time. Because money alone doesn’t change your life. How you use it does.

Most people chase “rich” without ever defining it.

Does rich mean:
✔️ Having $10M in the bank?
✔️ Living stress-free with no financial worries?
✔️ Being able to take a month off whenever you want?
✔️ Sending your kids to the best schools?

If you don’t define your goal, you’ll always feel like you haven’t “made it” yet.

Let’s take a real-life example.

The Real-World Wealth Dilemma

Akshay (40) and Sukhada (38) are a middle-class couple with stable jobs.

They just received a $10,000 bonus. 

Now they have a choice:

1️⃣ Buy a luxury car – A lifelong dream.
2️⃣ Pay off their home loan early – Reducing their future burden.
3️⃣ Invest in their kids' education – Securing their future.
4️⃣ Build an emergency fund – Because life happens.
5️⃣ Invest it all in mutual funds – Let it compound.
6️⃣ Donate it to a cause – Make an impact.
7️⃣ Renovate their home – Improve their living space.
8️⃣ Take a luxury vacation – Create lasting memories.

Which option is “right”?

It depends on their definition of wealth.

  • If their goal is status, they’ll buy the car.

  • If their goal is freedom, they’ll invest.

  • If their goal is security, they’ll pay down debt.

  • If their goal is to impact, they’ll donate.

This is where most people get it wrong. They chase money, instead of what money can do for them.

Seneca once said:

"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor."

So, how do YOU define wealth?

How to Stop Chasing Money & Start Building Real Wealth

Here’s a 3-step framework to get clarity:

✅ 1. Define YOUR version of wealth
Ask yourself: If I had unlimited money, how would I live differently?
Write down your answers. That’s your real goal—not the money itself.

✅ 2. Align your money decisions with your goals

  • If your goal is freedom → Focus on investing and passive income.

  • If your goal is security → Prioritize emergency funds and paying off debt.

  • If your goal is impact → Build a financial plan that supports giving back.

✅ 3. Set ‘Enough’ Goals
Instead of chasing an arbitrary number, define:

  • How much is “enough” for your lifestyle?

  • How much is “enough” for financial security?

  • How much is “enough” for your dreams?

Once you know what’s “enough,” you stop chasing. And that’s when you feel rich.

Final Thought:

The richest people aren’t the ones with the most money. They’re the ones who have enough to live life on their terms.

So, let me ask you:
What does being rich mean to you?

Hit "Reply" and let me know—I read every response.

Be Wealth Operator

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