Ritambhara reminds us that money is a means, not an end in itself. Here she tells us three reasons why money is not everything, in her weekly column, exclusively in Different Truths.

We often hear people saying money isn’t the most important thing in life. Yet, we see a plethora of crimes being reported from across the world, wherein money has been the prime motive behind the heinous crime, or souring relationships, etc. Well, the fact that money shouldn’t be given priority over happiness, kindness, relationships, etc., which our parents, teachers, and mentors keep advocating, does make sense. At some point in our lives, we are sure to realise that money is just a means and not an end. Even those who have been convicted of crimes, or lost their valuable relationships, which they committed for the want of money, have known to repent in the end. What is most important is to realise that money can only buy you conveniences to some extent, which is subjective as for some emotional security is more important than other conveniences that money can buy.  Below are three things you should value more than money in your life.

1. Innovation

“Innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars you have. When Apple came up with the Mac, IBM was spending at least 100 times more on R&D. It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.” ~ Steve Jobs, Co-founder and CEO Apple.

Balancing money seems to be the hardest thing in life. You always brood to be far behind from what you want in the rat race. Your wants can be easily defined by what you truly need. As they say, needs can be fulfilled, greed can never be, many of us seem to consign to oblivion what we are zealous about amidst the continuing effort to build monetary wealth. The above quote by Steve Jobs truly advocates the importance of innovation in our lives. We need to be innovative to excel in what we do (even the minutest things in life should be handled innovatively, be it at personal or professional level). Remember, only uniqueness can make you stand out above the rest.

“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” ~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt

2. Sense of Independence

“If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.” ~ Henry Ford, Founder Ford Motor Company

One cannot gain a sense of independence merely with huge reserves of money in their bank account. A life of imprisonment or confinement with all the materialistic comforts of the world doesn’t account for one’s contentment. Our time is limited and it is in this undefined limit we need to experience true joy and fulfillment of life through our wisdom, experience, and capability.

3. Time

“Don’t let money run your life, let money help you run your life better.” ~ John Rampton, CEO of Due.

Time is invaluable. As someone has truly said the greatest gift we can give someone is our time because when we give our time we give a portion of our life that we will never get back. Invest your priceless time in your loved ones. Let not money drive your life, let it just be a means to lead your life in a better way. Prioritise the things that matter to you the most.

“There are people who have money, and there are people who are rich.” ~ Coco Chanel

©Ritambhara Kumari Upadhyay 

Photos from the Internet

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Ritambhara K Upadhyay

A Panjab University, IIT- Roorkee, and IIRS-ISRO alumnus, academician, and researcher, Ritambhara is a writer by choice. Her passion for reading and writing has impelled her to foray into the world of writing. As a freelance writer and editor, she loves to pen-down whatever comes to her mind. She staunchly believes, "Truth doesn't admit any impediments."

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