The true riches: 9 ways to measure wealth beyond money

Graeme Richards by Graeme Richards | September 13, 2024, 10:24 am

It’s not all about the Benjamins, my friends. The concept of wealth extends far beyond those digits in your bank account.

The true measure of wealth isn’t just about financial abundance. It’s about richness in knowledge, experiences, relationships and much more.

True wealth is about living a life rich in purpose and fulfillment. It’s about finding a balance that works for you, where money isn’t the ultimate goal but a tool to achieve it.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 9 ways to measure wealth beyond money. Because being truly wealthy means having more than just a fat bank account. It’s time we redefine what wealth really means. Let’s dive in!

1) Inner peace

We live in a world that’s constantly buzzing. Phones ringing, emails pinging, social media notifications – it’s never-ending.

In the midst of all this chaos, finding inner peace is a true sign of wealth.

Inner peace is that state of tranquility where you’re at peace with yourself and the world around you. You’re not constantly stressing over things you can’t control. You’re content, calm, and serene.

And let’s be real, can you put a price tag on serenity? On contentment?

The richest person isn’t the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least. If you have inner peace, you’ve achieved a level of wealth many strive for but few attain.

So the next time you’re comparing your wealth with someone else’s, remember to factor in your inner peace. Because true wealth isn’t just about what’s in your bank account, it’s about what’s in your heart and mind too.

2) Quality relationships

Let me tell you a little story about my friend, let’s call him John. John is a successful businessman, his bank account brimming with more zeroes than you could imagine. But he confessed to me one day that he felt lonely. All his relationships were transactional and lacked depth.

Now let me contrast that with my own life. I’m not as financially successful as John. But when it comes to relationships, I feel like the richest person in the world. I have friends and family who love and care for me deeply, who stand by me through thick and thin.

You see, it’s not about how many friends you have on Facebook or followers on Instagram. It’s about those real, deep connections you share with people. It’s about having people in your life who accept you for who you are, who support you and bring out the best in you.

That, my friends, is a form of wealth that money can’t buy. And it’s a form of wealth that I wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world.

Quality relationships are a true measure of wealth. Because at the end of the day, it’s not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that matters.

3) Health

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Health is wealth.” And it couldn’t be more accurate. Your health is an invaluable asset that no amount of money can replace.

Consider this: according to the World Health Organization, a staggering 80% of all heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes could be prevented if we adopted healthier lifestyles. That’s a significant percentage.

Without good health, even the simplest tasks become burdensome. It doesn’t matter how much money you have in your bank account; if you’re not healthy, you won’t be able to enjoy it.

So, if you’re fortunate enough to wake up each day with good health, you’re already wealthy in a way that counts. Cherish it and invest in it as much as you can because health truly is wealth.

4) Time

Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. Unlike money, once it’s gone, you can’t earn it back.

Think about it. You can always make more money, but you can never make more time.

Every moment that passes is a moment you’ll never get back. And how you choose to spend your time has a huge impact on the quality of your life.

You could have all the money in the world, but if you don’t have the time to enjoy it, what’s the point?

So if you’re able to control your own time and spend it on things that truly matter to you, consider yourself wealthy. Because having the luxury of time is a form of wealth that surpasses all riches.

5) Learning and growth

Knowledge, as they say, is power. But it’s more than just power. It’s wealth.

The ability to learn, grow and evolve is a priceless asset. It keeps us adaptable and relevant. It shapes our perspective and enriches our understanding of the world.

And the best part? There’s no limit to this kind of wealth. The more you learn, the richer you become.

Never underestimate the value of learning new skills, gaining new insights, or broadening your horizons. Every book you read, every course you take, every conversation that challenges your thinking adds to your wealth.

So the next time you feel down about not having enough money, remember this: The wealth of knowledge you’re accumulating every day is worth far more than any material riches.

6) Love and compassion

In a world where you can be anything, being kind is priceless. Love and compassion are currencies that can’t be bought or sold.

These virtues make us human, connect us with others, and bring genuine happiness. Being able to give and receive love, to show kindness and empathy towards others, these are the true measures of wealth.

Just think about it. A heart full of love and compassion brings a kind of joy and contentment that no amount of money can provide.

And in the end, isn’t that what we all strive for? To be happy, to love and be loved, to feel connected?

If you’re rich in love and compassion, you’re truly wealthy. Because money may fill your bank account, but only love can fill your heart.

7) Resilience

I’ve had my fair share of setbacks. From career disappointments to heartbreaks and health scares, I’ve seen it all. But each time, I bounced back stronger and wiser.

This ability to bounce back, to pick yourself up after a fall, is what I call resilience. It’s a form of wealth that’s hard-earned and invaluable.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships. It’s about facing them head-on, learning from them, and emerging stronger. It’s about understanding that failures and setbacks are not the end but stepping stones towards success.

So if you’re someone who’s faced adversity and come out stronger on the other side, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re richer than you think. Because resilience is a wealth that makes you unstoppable, no matter what life throws at you.

8) Passion

How often do you do something you truly love? Something that fires you up and makes you lose track of time? That, my friends, is passion. And it’s a form of wealth that’s often overlooked.

Passion brings joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. It gives your life direction and makes the journey worthwhile.

Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, coding, or helping others – if you have something in your life that sparks joy and excitement, you’re wealthy.

Because at the end of the day, true wealth isn’t about having a lot of money. It’s about doing what you love and loving what you do. So if you have a passion that drives you, embrace it. It’s a treasure more valuable than any material wealth.

9) Gratitude

The most beautiful way to measure wealth is through gratitude. It’s about appreciating what you have, right here, right now.

The ability to feel and express gratitude is a blessing. It transforms your perspective, making you realize how rich you truly are.

It’s not about what we don’t have, but what we do have and appreciate. So if you can look around and find things to be grateful for, even in the midst of trials, you’re wealthier than you think.

Because the real measure of wealth isn’t about how much you have, but how much you appreciate what you have. And that kind of wealth is priceless.

Final thoughts: Redefining wealth

The perception of wealth is deeply ingrained in our society. We’ve been conditioned to equate wealth with monetary gains, but as we’ve explored here, it extends far beyond that.

Whether it’s inner peace, quality relationships, health, time, learning and growth, love and compassion, resilience, passion or gratitude – these are the true riches of life.

The Dalai Lama once said, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” When we start measuring wealth in terms beyond money and start valuing what truly matters, we begin to understand the depth of this statement.

So as you go about your day, take a moment to reflect on your own wealth. Not just what’s in your bank account, but the wealth that truly enriches your life.

Because at the end of the day, the true measure of our wealth is how much we’d be worth if we lost all our money.