Have you ever wondered what you would do if money were no object? It’s a common daydream, often filled with images of luxury and leisure. But beyond the initial excitement, what truly drives this desire for wealth? This article explores a thought experiment inspired by Mr. Money Mustache, challenging the assumption that more money automatically equals more happiness. By questioning our desires and motivations, we can gain clarity on what truly matters and avoid the endless pursuit of wealth for its own sake.
Let’s do a thought experiment
The idea comes from a post by Mr. Money Mustache. He says he wouldn’t change a thing even with more money. At first, that might sound unbelievable, especially when you’re starting out and struggling financially.
Back then, fresh out of grad school, I was in debt, running a new business, and barely paying myself. Freedom felt like a distant dream, something money could buy. But what would I actually do with that freedom?
It took years to figure that out, but constantly asking myself, ‘What would you do if you had more money?’ helped me avoid becoming obsessed with chasing wealth.
As my career grew and income increased, I realized you don’t always need to learn the hard way. Thinking things through can be just as valuable.
Consider this: many of us believe more money is the key to happiness. The most important habit I’ve learned is to question everything, especially deeply held beliefs.
The power of thinking things through…and through
When you find yourself longing for something, imagine a conversation where someone keeps asking, ‘And then what?’ This relentless questioning can lead you to the core of your desires.
For example, if you believe you need more money:
- Someone: ‘What would you do if you made a million bucks a year?’
- You: ‘I would probably buy a new house.’
- Someone: ‘And then what?’
- You: ‘Go on a vacation.’
- Someone: ‘And then what?’
- You: ‘Buy something for my partner and family.’
- Someone: ‘And then what?’
- You: ‘Finally pursue my passion project!’
- Someone: ‘And then what?’
- You: ‘Uhhmmm…Other than that, probably do the same things I’m doing now?’
Often, the initial thoughts revolve around spending. Eventually, we return to the fundamentals: simply living life.
More money certainly eases the burden of bills and daily survival, which is significant. However, you don’t need millions to achieve that security.
By thoroughly examining our desires, we discover that the pursuit of wealth is often driven by the desire to spend. Some dream of travel, others of luxury.
But after the spending spree, the core remains: waking up each day, engaging in meaningful activities, and finding enjoyment – the same things that make happy people tick, regardless of their wealth.
The allure of vast wealth often sounds better in theory. As Mustache noted:
‘Strangely enough, even though the money sounds exciting in my fantasies, they always end up back in the same place — with me tucking away all the extra cash somewhere useful and then going right back to exactly the lifestyle the MMM family is currently enjoying.’
If you genuinely enjoy your current lifestyle, why disrupt it? Is sacrificing time, energy, and peace of mind for the potential of greater wealth truly worth it?
Everyone has a talent or passion
In the thought experiment, I mentioned pursuing a passion project.
In my experience, the relentless pursuit of money often stems from a lack of a more meaningful goal. People lacking a worthy pursuit fill that void with the acquisition of wealth.
That described me before I discovered writing. I always felt that everyone possessed a unique talent or interest.
The problem is, most people are unaware of their own passions. That’s how I viewed my life. I made it my mission to discover what I truly loved.
I often told friends, ‘I might have a talent for rock climbing. But if I never try it, I might die without knowing my potential.’
Do you enjoy your lifestyle?
It all comes down to lifestyle. When you know what you truly love, you prioritize it. I’ve always admired people obsessed with their sports.
I enjoyed documentaries about climbing and extreme sports, watching people live for their passion. I recall reading about a man who worked manual labor all winter on a farm, dedicating himself to that one goal, and then spending the entire summer surfing.
He lived that way for years. I was impressed. ‘Wow, this guy really loves surfing.’
That’s a great way to live: loving a lifestyle so much you’re willing to do whatever it takes to maintain it. Of course, money plays a role.
That’s why I advocate for investing, building businesses, and maximizing earnings potential – all while pursuing your passions.
The key is making life decisions based on the lifestyle you desire, not on external pressures like fame, status, or a specific net worth. As Seneca said:
‘For the wise man does not consider himself unworthy of any gifts from Fortune’s hands: he does not love wealth but he would rather have it; he does not admit into his heart but into his home; and what wealth is his he does not reject but keeps, wishing it to supply greater scope for him to practice his virtue.’
So, try this thought experiment yourself. What would you do if you were rich? Understanding your motivations and passions can guide you towards a more fulfilling life, regardless of your bank account. Focus on building a lifestyle you love, and the pursuit of wealth will become a means to an end, not the end itself.
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