Money can allow us to have our most basic needs met and buy more time freedom to enjoy more life today.
But can we become too distracted by money? Can the pursuit of more money and wealth distract us from a life of meaning today?
Joshua Becker, the author of Things That Matter, joins us to discuss how we can overcome the distraction of money. He shares how he’s moved toward a life that matters and how it all started by moving away from the things that don’t matter.
Overview
Joshua Becker and I review the following:
- Common distractions we all face and how to overcome them
- The importance of contentment and happiness in life
- How to focus on the things that matter… outside of wealth
Takeaways
Here are my top three takeaways from my conversation with Joshua Becker
Building Wealth for the Sake of Building Wealth Won’t Necessarily Make Us Happier
Joshua points out that after our basic needs are met and we’re protecting ourselves from the unexpected, making more money and piling up more cash may not make us happier.
If we can align our work and our time to the things that matter, that’s when our happiness will increase.
But the pursuit of more money and more wealth for the sake of more … distracts us from what we’re truly meant to do.
Try Going With Less
The story of Daniel Suelo is an extreme example for sure, but it did have me reflect for a moment about what we truly need.
If a man can live without money (no money at all) in our country and still find purpose, meaning, and happiness, then we can certainly go with less than we have right now.
I’ve found the more I adopt minimalism, the less stress I have.
Fewer things, fewer commitments, fewer obligations … more time, more freedom, more options.
Decide How Much is Enough
Ever since I left my job, I’ve been goal-focused to earn as much as my old salary. Considering I’m paying myself $60,000 now and I used to make $180,000, that’s a long way to go.
But why do I need to do that?
Right now, I’m working 20-25 hours per week and I really like my life. To triple my salary, I may need to triple my hours worked. I’m not willing to do that right now.
I want to focus on my health, my family, and this MKM Community. I realize that more hours working and side hustling distracts from that.
Everyone’s situation is different … but in this season of my life. I’m happy with enough right now. And that contentment is a step in the right direction.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON:
Guest Bio – Joshua Becker
Joshua Becker and his young family were introduced to minimalism 12 years ago during a short conversation with their neighbor. He became a pioneer of the Modern Minimalist Movement with his blog, Becoming Minimalist, which reaches over 1M readers every month.
He is also the USA Today best-selling author of 5 books, including his new one: Things That Matter.
Joshua is a contributor to Forbes Magazine and has spoken for Fortune 100 countries around the US including Google and SalesForce.
He is also the Founder of The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization changing how the world cares for orphans. Currently, he lives in Peoria, AZ with his wife and two teenage children.
Resources
Other content you might like
Family Wealth and Happiness: 10 Steps to a Better Tomorrow (Today)
How We Paid Off Our 15-Year Mortgage in 5 Years
50% to 10%: Why We're Happy Saving Less in FIRE Journey
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Carpe Diem Quote
When you have too many top priorities, you effectively have no top priorities.
– Stephen Covey
Do you think you could adopt Joshua Becker's philosophy? Are you working to overcome the distraction of money?
Let us know in the comments below.
