I Quit Seeking Happiness Through Money [here's why]
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ย. 2022
- I started to rethink this idea.
Good Reads:
The Simple Path to Wealth: amzn.to/3SGDXOA
Your Money or Your Life: amzn.to/3SRhy14
My Frugal Equipment:
Acer Nitro 5 Computer: amzn.to/3R458Br
Rode Videomic GO II: amzn.to/3R7HAf1
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera: amzn.to/3TIGDvF
On my own personal finance journey, I started to realize that there is a big issue that is a result of what is often preached. This issue is called the "Destination Trap," which is "Putting off the present, thinking that once you reach a future destination you can start living.”
The destination trap is a dangerous thing because it keep you forever living in the present. Once I realized I was trapped in the destination trap, I started to rethink happiness and I stopped seeking happiness through money.
Here are "10 Reasons to Avoid The Destination Trap."
1. "Happily Ever After" Doesn't Exist
When it comes to money there seems to be this magic number that everyone is working towards of one million dollars. And once you reach that number you will live this "happily ever after" scenario with no problems; however, life never stops and life will continue on no matter how much money you have.
2. The More Money You Have, The Less You Feel You Have
As I start to have more money in my life, I am noticing that what I consider "a lot" of money changes. The more money I have, the less I feel like I have because one I reach one financial milestone, I am ready to move onto the next one.
3. More Money Can Make You Less Content
As you start to have more money, your idea of what a lot of money changes. As that number increases, I believe that it can make you feel less content because you keep trying to find contentment through a specific amount of money, but that number doesn't exist.
4. There Is No Such Thing As A "Problem-less" Life
If used correctly, money is a tool that can help you solve many problems in life; however, there is no such thing as a problem-less life. Once you solve one set of problems, life will just give you a whole new set of problems. It doesn't matter how much money you have, problems will always be there.
5. Sadness Is A Part Of Life
Social media often portrays this fictional, exaggerated lifestyle where people are extremely happy and never feel sad. And this lifestyle is often portrayed from people of high economic backgrounds; however, sadness is just a part of life and money won't lead you to a life without sadness.
6. Tomorrow Will Never Be Better Unless You Live For Today
If you don't do something today, you probably won't do it tomorrow. The destination trap makes people believe that this future destination will be better; however, unless you start making things better today, things won't be better tomorrow.
7. Privilege Is Useless If You Don't Recognize It
Economic privilege is a privilege that isn't in abundance in this world. Most people in this world do not have an abundance of economic opportunities. It is important to recognize it and not let it go to waste.
8. You Never Really Figure It Out
As long as you are alive you are going to have problems. I find myself learning, forgetting, and relearning the same lessons over and over again. No matter how much money you have, you will never really figure life out. Money won't make you any more "knowing" that having no money.
9. "Enough" Is The Real Way To Seek Happiness
You will never have enough until you define enough. I believe that it is really important to establish "enough" early on in your personal finance journey because the more money you have, the harder it is to establish enough. And I believe happiness is not found through a specific number, but a certain feeling.
10. Money Doesn't Bring Happiness, It's What You Do With It
Money doesn't bring happiness. Money brings freedom, options, and flexibility. And it's up to you to use those tool to bring happiness in your life. If used correctly, money can help you bring happiness in your life, but it's all about what you do with it.
*None of this is meant to be construed as financial advice, it's for entertainment purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Austin Williams does not guarantee any specific outcome or profit. You should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investment discussed. Strategies or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value. Investments or strategies mentioned may not be suitable for you.* - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
![The OTHER Inflation [and it's much worse]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V4Zx0d128WI/mqdefault.jpg)
![The OTHER Inflation [and it's much worse]](/img/tr.png)
What's something you find happiness doing?
Learning then teaching what I learned of value to help others. Many are seeking answers but not getting the correct advice they need for results. Lately it has been nutrition for health and wellness and personal finance and budgeting. I too quit my job of 17 years to pursue happiness
Playing with my puppy. She's 8 months old and part husky which makes her a challenge to train. The best part is when she does what she's told. I get to praise her which makes her happy. We both dance because she gets a treat!
Legacy. I like doing good deeds, giving charity, small amounts of coin. Such as donations or food baskets or bus fair.
Sipping coffee, going for walks, and of course.... a good shag! All free.
Getting outside, reading a good book, spending time with people I care about,
After paying off my house, car, and all debt, and working up to a six figure income, it's true money doesn't bring you happiness on its own. But it does give you peace of mind, which does contribute to overall happiness. No more day to day worries and not thinking twice about buying whatever I want is a great feeling. But what really makes me happy is health, relationships, and free time.
I just wanna earn a living ,we all need money to survive
Its great to realize you are The Guy and not The Man.
Austin, this video is excellent. My parents called me this morning stressed that my brother quit his office job to become a mountain guide. I think if they watch this video they might get where he’s coming from. Thanks!
Right on! Sounds like a fun job!
As someone who is watching and appreciating your videos, and has reached well beyond the money milestones you referenced, I can’t attest to the fact that it’s never enough. I’m 100% convinced that no matter how much you have, you will never think it’s enough. Appreciate what you have, live life in the moment, and never compare yourself to the Jones’s…they’re probably broke.
Because of you, my new mantra is "enough."
Right on!
Good day, Mr. Austin Williams. I'm 63; something I've found happiness doing:
Cutting the apron strings for friends and family who only contacted me when they wanted something. I stick with those who stick with me.
Ever thought of writing an e book? Your content is golden
I totally agree!
Maybe eventually!
I find happiness feeding stray dogs.
I found tremendously valuable when you mentioned the traps. I remember watching an interview with a famous CEO who was completely unhappy. He had been to an international financial workshop and he was extremely proud to tell how much he had achieved through 4 decades of hard work and he was now able to enjoy life. After listening carefully to everything the CEO had accomplished, his mentor told him: " It is a good start " . How disappointed the CEO had been!!!
I am debt and mortgage free. However, my income is low and I basically have to keep working because of insurance. At my age, I absolutely can't afford not to have insurance even for a short time. I wish I could figure this out because I would love to retire early and be able to enjoy life before I'm too old and sick to do anything.
Watch Austin's other videos on how to save on unnecessary stuff. I saved tons of money through apps for usable pre loved items and edible food and enjoying the satisfaction.
"We wouldn't have people with 100's of billions of dollars if there was a specific amount of money that is enough." 100% right there. The fact these same people are still chasing more and more money proves that there really is never enough. Thank you for another great video.
I think I find the most fulfillment in the challenge. When I reached my goal to pay off my debts and quit my side hassle, I suddenly felt bored and restless. I’m looking for a new challenge, because life is about the journey, not the destination.
Side hassle 😂. I like that!!
I never comment. But l have to say, this video was a wow moment. I really connected with what you said and it made me think real hard. I will try to incorporate these in my life. Much love all the way from the UK
Just work part-time and enjoy your life NOW!
Howbout house? And bills?
Life can end at any moment, for anyone. It's important to appreciate life. And I agree, saving money and seeing how much you've saved, it's a wonderful thing. So many people live paycheck to paycheck, are tied down by super high mortgages, houses bigger than they'd ever need, cars, car payments, installment loans, credit card debt. All for show.
Live for yourself and only think about you, not what others think.
My number one go-to personal finance channel. Great coverage of philosophical and even spiritual aspects of this area 👍 P.s. this content is LEVELS above mass-media coorporate style ‘equivalents’ on this platform!
I appreciate your kind words, George! I'm trying!
My happiness comes from watching Austin videos about modern finance these days.😊
Having more money does not change people. It amplifies the person's behaviors that are already present
I heard a quote similar to what you are saying that said, "Money does not make you a bad person, it just makes you more of who you are."
Thanks! I love your videos and I think they give really good advice. Keep them coming Agustin 😃
Wow, thanks! I'm glad my videos are providing you value! Trying to do 2 a week now, we'll see how well I can hold up doing that, haha!
Never heard someone articulate so well so much wisdom!
Money is a number, and a number is never ending.
I already quit that idea since long ago, but what I find so hard it's to find people who thinks alike , the society ( so materialistic and superficial) we live in now days make us live isolated if we don't follow the false idols that offer, and money it's the main one. I stop worshipping it since long time ago, and can't find free spirit people since then, now I understand why ascetics and monks went away from society, they grasp true happiness and fulfilment in a non materialistic world.
You've given me a great idea!
This was a great reminder. Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder. Much as gracias Augustin!
Awesome!
Amazing advice. Thank you so much 🙏
I love this….thank you 👍🤩
Great video Austin.
Loved this, especially reason #10.
I‘m happy everytime I see there‘s a new video from you. so much pleasure to watch! well done!
Awesome! I'm happy you watching! Trying to post a bit more!
Thanks, Austin. Great content yet again
Well said!
I am deeply impressed.
This was awesome! So wonderful that you figured this out an an early age.
Excellent video. I feel blessed to have discovered your channel.
Your videos inspire me. Thanks for all that you DO!❤
I absolutely love your videos. Really is a motivator and is inspiring
Awesome wisdom
I really love that perspective about money !
Right on, right on, right on! Great vid, Augustin!!
Glad you enjoyed it
I love hearing you programs, it helps to strengthen my confidence to live a frugal life, being less effected by the commercials.
Great advice Austin!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this video. I really need it today
Awesome!
Thanks Austin you help me a lot
El video que necesitaba para empezar este 2024 🙏🚀
Great video. There is a poem written by a Robert Hastings called “The Station.”
(You can find it online)
It essentially says the same thing: we are on a train and keeping waiting and anticipating the Station, when all will be perfect.
I have it taped to my bathroom wall, read everyday…damn good advice…
wat a great video austin
Thanks!
You have excellent content!! I love your videos! Thank you💕 for another thoughtful video!
Thanks!
Holy sh*t! Many ah ha light bulb moments listening to these wise words. It’s brilliant! Thank you! Keep shining your light!
Awesome!
I have recently found you and subscribed. This is one of the best videos I have seen on TH-cam. The way you explain things just resonates with me. I have never been rich, and have often thought if I win the lottery, it will probably bring more problems than I have now. I have enough, my home, my job, my friends and family, I am rich x
Thanks!!! I'm happy my video resonated with you!
Good point!
Thanks!
I wouldn't say that I "seek happiness" with money, rather I seek security. I want to have enough money saved up to be able to afford the life-saving surgery my doctor's have told me I need without going bankrupt or becoming homeless.
@Robin S well I whouldnt say that if I was making money witch I’m not it whould make me really happy I can move on with my life I’m not getting any younger everyone should have a tone of money to spend and buy anything they want and enjoy there life well because your only on this earth for so long then your gonna die and when your dead youl say when I was alive I lost out now I’m dead and I never had a chance to enjoy life when I was alive you only live once then you die
Well said. Like it or not agree or not our world (still) runs on monetary currency. Reality is we all need it for health issues esp in the US. Youth doesn’t protect you from medical emergencies or illness/accidents that prevent you from working for long periods. I agree with not living for wealth or material stuff but knowing you have enough to always take care of your needs and avoid debt is a form of wealth. When your young/er and healthy is the best time to buy life and private health insurance esp catastrophic. Trust me. Then we’re free to enjoy life even more.
Thank you Bro!
I'm here for you!
My happiness is being debt free, having enough money in the bank to cover emergency expenses without breaking a sweat and having the option to continue or quit work.
Ahh yes, the always happy "toxic positivity"! Your so correct about the destination trap. Its a term I haven't heard of before, but makes complete sense! I either have ADHD or am addicted to being busy, because I'm always working on some side hustle or another. The ultimate goal is to quit my full time soul crushing job. So I keep thinking that the more money I can make on side hustles, eventually I'll get to the point I can quit my full time job and generate some passive income streams. The thing is, I have a channel, and even if you don't post a vid for a few days, your daily earnings drop, drop, drop. So even TH-cam is a constant Hampster on a wheel "job", and a "what have you posted for us lately" type job. Even with a lot of evergreen content, its certainly not easy or consistent livable income. Hopefully one day I find that balance where I make enough to feed my family, work on hobbies that I enjoy and am able to SLOW down, and travel more. Thanks for the constant inspiration.
I actually saw it in a meme the other week and thought it was a brilliant idea! Yes, TH-cam can get intense! It's a never ending battle of making videos. I heard Matt D Avella describe TH-cam as "create and move on."
Thank you 😊
Solid video.
So true, thank you, I needed to hear this 😊
I hope you ever stop making your videos. I really get a lot out of them!
I pass over other people I’m subscribed to just to see what videos you’ve put out because I learn things from your videos .
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
Your videos inspire me to save more money for old age really like Ur channel advice 🙂
I reached the end of my Destination trap but not with money, it was with my idea of perfection or self improvement. I thought that once I reached a certain level of self impprovement I'd have gained the ability to deal with any problem in life, but it took too long and I missed out on doing a lot of things that I could have done by being ready to deal with problems as they come and thinking of ways ot make things special on a budget (making a day special by making a new meal or changing something in the house for free).
Austin, I think you might find Ana Goldberg’s recent video ”I’m finally starting to live” interesting. Thank you for this video.
I'll check it out!
I checked it out. A lot of parallels.
Thanks dear 💕
Life is full of contrast.
Great video
my destination trap was a million dollar net worth, hit it today and I agree, its a trap and doesn't being you any closer to happiness.
That 4am skit I just died laughing 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'm glad it made you laugh! If only you saw how much I laugh when I'm making some of these!
Another great video, Austin. Muchas gracias.
"Money is an imaginary solution to real problems and a real solution to imaginary problems." James J Sexton
I am not trying to be contrarian, but for the law of attraction, I always go up a notch. Now I’m manifesting $200,000. But yeah, I realize the destination won’t bring me happiness. I’m already happy.
Watching your videos brings me happiness. 🧡 🐪
I don't know if you are familiar with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. He teaches that happiness can only be found in the present, in the now. I'm working to stop focusing too much on a future destination and instead enjoy the gift of the present moment.
I'll check it out!
My goal is no mortgage. I'm following Dave Ramsey's method. Now that we have no credit card debt, things are definitely easier. 24% to own things is ridiculous. Cinderella couldn't handle the celebrity. Most of us don't know how to go from poor to rich overnight. I watched a video of Michael J. Fox. He tries to be upbeat about his health issues. He was having a particularly bad day. He decided he was tired of turning lemons into lemonade. He admitted he wasn't okay. He was challenged.
Well said. So much wisdom from this vlog, people need to hear these words. Thank you.
I really needed to see this video today, thank you.
I'm glad!
Helping others can bring more happiness than money and if you are privileged and can’t give your time to volunteer why not donate and bring joy to others. Saw a TH-cam ad this morning for Charity water and I was crying watching those poor people drinking infested water. We really are so blessed in our countries. I support Against Malaria in a very small way but hopefully kids won’t get as sick because of Malaria nets and can go to school and get an education that will help their families. You mentioned bananas and those who work on those plantations, there is a movement which I think is global called fairtrade which helps to pay the proper price for commodities such as bananas, coffee and chocolate that gives the right amount to the farmers harvesting these goods. We can all do our bit next time we are in the supermarket.
I think you should visit another South American country Austin, what about Bolivia? Austin’s next great Adventure…
I've been to quite a few countries in South America before I lived there!
@@ElAgustin you are selling Equador to me with your infectious enthusiasm for the place. Would love to see more of your Colorado at some point when your car is back on the road please.
Very insightful, and thought provoking. I need to watch it again!
Best video ever, thank you ❤
Glad you liked it!
Best video ever!!! Truly inspiring Austin!
Gracias!
Always inspiring, Mr. Aw-goo-teen!
I'm beginning to use my savings to pay down my mortgage faster. This will bring use and happiness. Yes, I am still thinking if destination, but I have some goals tp accomplish.
Great video! IMO all 10 so true! 👍
Indeed.
Virginia Woolf astutely observed: 'It is so very dangerous to live for just one day...'
Life kicks us all in the a-, often when we least expect it.
I could sleep all night listening to your videos and listen to it all day . Can you make an 8 hour video back to back? Lol
haha, thanks! A "study with me" video!
Another fantastic video Austin! Indeed it is not the destination but the journey where true happiness is found.
Life is wasted when we are idly letting time pass us by in pursuit of that final destination. To me, living for more and more money is no life at all. While not without problems, I've found my joy in being content with myself and all that I have. My happiness is found in my day to day interactions with others, connecting with nature, books, coffee, and bonding with those whom I love.
Obviously money is needed at the very least to meet basic needs, however it is only a tool used while living my life. I am definitely 100% happier living life for the moment to moment experiences vs. living in material pursuit.
Thank you for sharing all your amazing lessons!
Such a great video! Everybody who is planning and thinking about retirement should watch this video. There are so many people who give advise about how much and what you need for retirement. What you need now maybe entirely different then the future. Personally, My lifestyle changed significantly as I got older less material things an even more simple frugal living. Your absolutely right. There is no destination.. We're still on a Journey... That was my slap in the face when I retired. Freedom? What do I do now. Such good advice. Austin...
Love this and you’ve inspired me to go for it and start enjoying the money I have rather than keep burning myself out to earn more to reach a savings goal that I keep putting up every time I reach original goals that I set. Now it’s time for me to enjoy my money and stop obsessing over financial goals that I keep changing. Thank you so much for this video, I really needed to hear this today.
Your money can be the currency that supports your problem..based on the the act to accumulate it.
Wow, I think that was the best video of your yet!!I got alot from it. Keep going Austin!! Yours***
I appreciate it!
But actually I didn't really come down to the point of the quote "the biggest risk in life is not doing what you want , on the bet that you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later" .
I'd be very happy to have an explanation about this
I have so many questions 😮
Can you do a video how to stop a shopping addiction or become less materialistic? I struggle trying to quit my shopping addiction or be less materialistic, still there hasn’t been any changes.
Life can be more of a journey, rather than a destination.
Exactly!
I want to be financially free
I reached my destination.. happiness is celebrating everyday! Keep a journal and write down at least 10 things that made you happy for the day, problem solved. Being a financial minimalist is the gratitude to happiness👍💕
Good idea!
I needed this. Thank you so much
i guess they call it the blues
This applies to other aspects of life too. My goal is to have 2 black belts in BJJ and Judo before I'm 40, just a blue belt in bjj and yellow in judo and 29 rn. Trying not to get stressed by the timeline and destination instead enjoying the journey towards the goals
People need to earn a living ..all I wanted to do regarding work is earn a living
I don't know.
I retired early, 15 years ago. Sorry, not perfect, but I'm pretty happy...
❤️