Being Happy for the Joneses by Jim Stovall
An abundance mindset is the key to wealth and fulfillment.
The phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” has become synonymous with wanting things we don’t have. Too often, this emotion involves acquiring things we don’t need while spending money we don’t have in order to impress people who don’t care. In my own journey from poverty to prosperity and through the research involved in writing many of my books, I’ve come to the conclusion that permanent wealth has less to do with money than our attitude.
There are two basic worldviews relating to money. There is a scarcity mentality which assumes there’s a finite amount of wealth so that if someone else succeeds, you inevitably fail; and then there is an abundance mentality involving the belief that there is more than enough for everyone to acquire all they need and want. If there were a litmus test for your view of wealth, it would involve how you feel when others around you succeed. If you are happy for them and celebrate their success, you have an abundance mentality. On the other hand, if you are jealous or resent their success, you have a scarcity mentality.
I have long believed that if you took all the money in the world and divided it up evenly, within a few short years, those who are currently wealthy would be wealthy once again, and those who are failing financially would find themselves struggling again. This example precludes the many people around the world who do not have access to a free enterprise capitalistic society in which they can succeed or fail based on their own merits.
Acquiring wealth requires purpose and focus. Unless there’s something you want specifically to do with money, there is no reason to have it. The only three items you can spend your money on are things, memories, and security. A portion of every dollar you have should be spent on your current needs, a portion should be saved and invested for your future needs, and a portion of every dollar should be given away.
Most people spend all they earn and a little bit more via consumer debt having little or no savings or investments for the future and rarely, if ever, think about giving. Constant and habitual giving is another indicator of an abundance mentality. Only those who believe they either have or are in the process of acquiring abundance can freely give to others. Before you change your spending budget, your investment plan, or your retirement vehicle, change your attitude regarding money. You can never out-earn, out-save, or out-invest a scarcity attitude. If you believe you are always destined to struggle financially, you will create the circumstances to meet your expectations. On the other hand, if you envision yourself living a life of abundance and providing for people and causes that you care about, your thoughts will manifest themselves in your life.
As you go through your day today, examine your attitudes about money, and change your life.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books, including the Wisdom for Winners series. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. Follow him on Twitter (@stovallauthor) or Facebook (@jimstovallauthor).