Wealth versus Worth
Your wealth does not determine your worth. Our society celebrates money, power and influence. It is disturbing that our country measures an individual’s importance based on their level of income or net worth. Regardless of this misplaced emphasis on money and power, don’t allow our society’s infatuation with wealth determine how you feel about yourself.
Your paycheck does not define you.
Money as a Measuring Stick for Success
Don’t go down this insatiable path of personal satisfaction based on earning power. An income-centric measuring stick is a brutal psychological dictator.
There is nothing wrong with wealth. Most have worked hard and smart to earn their wealth. What is wrong is the love of money and using it to evaluate the importance of people. This mistaken world view can cause us to lose sight that wealth should be used to support our families and help others in our community.
While we have been in the midst of a phantom economic recovery, wages have been stagnant since the Great Recession. Whether your income is up or down right now, your importance has never changed.
If your employer views people as merely numbers, they will not receive the dedicated, discretionary effort from employees. If they see you as a cost, you should look for a new employer who values your contributions.
Athletes and Teachers
A great number of professional athletes are earning $20 million/year while public school teachers, who shape the lives and futures of young students, are lucky to make $50,000/year. Is an athlete’s life worth $19,950,000 more than a teacher? Of course not. This does not mean, however, you will be treated as royally as highly paid athletes, celebrities or executives.
You are Priceless
In America we have the opportunity to climb out of poverty or spend ourselves into it. Whether rich or poor, you are highly valued.
Regardless of your position in life, do not allow your salary to determine your worth. Whether you are at the top, bottom or middle of the economic scale, your life is priceless.
