If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy

New experiences contribute more to your happiness then new possessions.

‘Don’t think that money makes you happy’. That in itself is not a sensational statement, but it becomes a sensational statement if it’s said by a prominent investment adviser. It was one of the 10 rules for a happy life, drawn up in a memo that was released last year. To pursue wealth, fame and a good image supplies you with less happiness then personal growth, good relationships and public spirit. As it turns out materialistic orientated people suffer more from mental disorders.

During an experiment, students were asked to state their life goals. They also had to express their feelings and had to tell how happy they were at that exact moment. Two months later they were asked about their happiness again, the progress towards their goals was also checked. The students who had materialistic goals like making more money, getting a better job, buy designer clothes, didn’t feel any better. Their standard of wellbeing hadn’t improved. Their progress made them happier but the student who also had personal goals felt better. They gained more confidence and dared to stand up for themselves.

So what’s the solution? Should you throw away all your stuff and live happily ever after?
No of course not, that’s overdoing it a bit! But a lot of people should invest more into experiences and not in possessions. Don’t buy that expensive new trendy watch, that luxury car or a bigger house. Instead, go on holiday, go to a concert, an art exhibition, go mountain climbing or paddle around in canoe or something. Now you’re probably wondering: Why? Well, there are four reasons for this. First of all: Possessions doesn’t signify a thing. Stop comparing yourself with richer people, don’t sell yourself short. Second reason: memories of experiences improve over time. For example: You went for a walk in the woods the other day. Your feet got wet and cold, you felt tired and on the way home there was a big traffic-jam. By the time you came home you were really pissed off. Never again! But after a few days you forgot all about that, you’ll only remember the lovely colours of the leaves and the walk. This is just a neat trick of your brain. It can do this with experiences but not with possessions. Third reason: experiences become part of the person you are. Possessions won’t change your identity. If you can look back at a lot of different experiences it will give your life an enriched feel. And finally the fourth reason: you will come in contact with a lot of interesting and fun people.

So don’t buy that new gadget, go out, enjoy yourself, meet new people….gain new experiences :)