What does it mean to live rich? Flashy cars, money, being famous, and luxurious houses? Where does the real comfort in life stem from? We all subjugate ourselves to the economic system of consumer culture; the latest trends, fashions and possessions and that is perfectly fine.

However extreme materialism can consume one’s well-being, relationships and quality of life. We pretend to ourselves that it doesn’t exist and ignore the voices in our heads. Richness is not emulating what is streamed to our minds on television; a source that brings temporary happiness and infecting our minds with illusions.

You see wealth isn’t in the numbers in your bank account, it’s the knowledge and experiences you gain in life. Choose to accept that it’s about the priceless things that money can’t buy. One of the biggest challenges in life is trying to live in the moment whilst trying to detach from the programmed grid like robots carrying on carelessly. An important element is to think deep and ask yourself how I want to spend my life.

Below I have listed 6 ways to live rich the real way:

1. Invest in yourself

This world now is in the new age of technological advancement, internet, and gossip addiction that has transcended into our normal routine polluting our way of life. It has affected us so much in our daily lives that we end up talking about useless things the next day at work!

This has resulted in focusing on ourselves less and less and forgetting who we are inside. You don’t need to prove to anyone else but yourself; look at it this way your body will be around a lot longer than those expensive things so invest in yourself. Develop yourself year after year. Here is a simple strategy that I have used for development, it is called “The 6 month rule”. This is the timeframe used to elevate myself to the next step. This can be my career development, my spirituality,  or visiting a beautiful place in the world.

I encourage myself to try my best to reach a certain goal by breaking down the 6 months. I literally write down my goals and talk to the right people whilst monitoring my progress rigorously and before I know it I’m there living my dream. It is a great confidence booster resulting in the continual yet consistent approach to improving yourself. Understanding ourselves first will ultimately initiate change so find ways to invest in yourself physically; exercise and healthy diet, spiritually; faith and religion, and emotionally; learning to self-reflect, forgive and making amends.

2. Helping others

There are many prosocial acts that provide a benefit to others, such as donating to charity, volunteering or sharing something with someone. In today’s competitive world we often lack the will in sacrificing time to help those in difficult situations. Every individual has the ability to help. You can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone no matter how small the action.

I am sure you have felt the heart-touching moment when you’ve changed lives for the better. I genuinely love that profound realisation that I have the capability, tools and resources to help someone. It is the Good morning, the friendly smile, the holding of the door for someone else. It is giving compliments. It is highlighting other’s strengths, not weaknesses. It is encouraging people to be themselves. It is giving up time to help those in need.

The beauty in helping someone is seeing them rise and appreciating what you have done for them. Drop a pebble in a pond and see the rippling effect, before you know it that person is doing the same. Imagine saying a few words, years later that person will thank you. Sacrifice your time in this busy world to establish a positive influence.

3. Making the right decisions

We can all admit that everyone has made their fair share of regrettable decisions. Making the right decisions is a skill that develops as we grow older and wiser. There are two types of people in life; those who stay within their comfort zone and those who stretch out and take risks.

In this regards the two groups also reflect decision types: Those who tend to stay within the comfort zone, making cautious decisions not to exert themselves in fear. On the contrary the risk takers make bold decisions willing to put more effort to obtain a greater output. However in either case one must always take a calculated and informed decision in creating a life that you want to enjoy.

One problem is that we play the victim to other people’s opinions who try to decide for us. I always listen to my gut instinct and if I get this positive vibe or feeling then I know for sure it is the right decision and I even look to faith to guide me. Be specific with your decisions because if one has too many choices, we overwhelm ourselves and become unsure what to do.  The process of making decisions and adjusting yourself from setbacks no matter what your circumstance is the foundation of learning in life; that’s living life rich.

4. Travel the world

We always want to be confined to the comforts of our home or bubble but there is no harm in going beyond your comfort zone as an opportunity to travel or live abroad. If money is an issue (and it usually is), you can cut back on expenses by participating in a cultural exchange, volunteering with a group, or earning your way by teaching English.

I choose to spend on unique experiences by travelling a few times a year because it is something I will cherish forever. Travelling is a kind of thing that cannot be rivaled because you are exposing yourself to the wonders of the world. By travelling you can appreciate cultural differences firsthand and gain an understanding of people’s way of life through languages, practices and friendship.

Now with a more professional twist includes career opportunities, which employers look for. It shows that you’re responsible, independent, and a dynamic individual with the ability to work in any environment. You are that plane ticket to your future; research and explore the advantages and opportunities the world has to offer thus opening up your creative abilities. Travelling enriches you, every time I come back I feel changed in some way. From that point on a period of self-reflection sets wherein you become more open minded and appreciative of the blessings, which gives life a new meaning.

“Traveling; it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

5. Establishing a fine line between contentment and wanting more

We all have been in the situation where we have a finely tuned daily routine or life, a loving life, a pretty good job, a great significant other and a healthy body. However you still have this irritating feeling day in and day out. Looking around you realize that what you have just isn’t enough. As humans, we have the urge or infatuation to want more and more as quickly as possible but unfortunately life does not work this way.

Wanting more, takes patience and of course will arrive at the right time. Understand that it takes time and emotional effort in striving to have a better life and doing it for the right reasons. As the saying goes it is not about quantity but quality. Make informed decisions and ask yourself these questions: Do I really need this? Will it benefit me? Weigh out the pros and cons.

6. Free yourself

Freedom means a massive part of being rich to me. I free myself daily by living to my own defined rules in order to work towards and achieve a balance between my professional career and personal life. It also means spending time with those who believe in who I am as a human being and that’s all the affirmation you need.

Most of all I have alone time to help me focus and strengthen the belief in myself to nurture my mind, body and spirit. In conclusion it is awareness when your mind is free from all the things in the world that weigh you down and staying strong in whatever the situation.

“Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.” – Moshe Dayan

Tap into a higher level of consciousness and think what living rich means to you. It makes the big decisions in life (career, family, lifestyle) that much clearer.

Thank you for reading my article! What does living rich mean to you? Please comment below!