The Non Linear Correlation Between Money and Happiness

There was a research study done recently about whether the rich or poor more enjoyed the little things in everyday life. The small sampling of participants showed that those who had more money, or felt like they did, were less likely to enjoy the little things in life like a bar of chocolate or seeing a baby smile. I find this interesting.

Poor people try to convince themselves that money doesn't buy happiness. Rich people like to say it, but inside are still very grateful they have money. They are relieved and happy about it. But the overall point is that once you reach a certain level of money and wealth, your happiness does not increase by the same rate. If you go from $100,000 to $200,000 you are not twice as happy. This is because once your basic needs and basic fun requirements are met, more money just means more, it doesn't mean happier or better.

As with almost everything, once you have it long enough you get acclimated to it and it's no longer as appealing as it was when you didn't have it. If you have 1Mb high speed internet, eventually that speed will seem slow to you, whereas it felt super fast when you went from 56k dial up to high speed. Suddenly that high speed isn't enough. You want more. Faster, better. The same with money.

You aspire to be rich, a number in your head like $100,000 a year or maybe even a million. But once you reach that, you find ways to adapt your life to use it. Then you get used to it and you start dreaming about $200,000 or 2 million. "If only I had more, I'd be able to enjoy things more again." It's a common problem and one at the root of humanity. We are never satisfied and always looking for the greener grass.

If you want to find true happiness, learn to be okay with whatever you have. Aspiring for more is great, but stop and take note of whether you're hunting for happiness or whether you already have it and are just hunting for the hunt. And don't forget to slow down to enjoy the smiles, flowers and chocolate that comes across your path.

About this Author

The author likes to read, travel, and write about interesting topics. Other subjects include garage cabinets and storage and bedroom closet organizers [http://www.closetorganizerfaq.com].

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