Understand that people in higher income tax brackets are not necessarily in lower problem tax brackets. Your happiness and well being do not depend on your disposable income (assuming you have enough to clothe and feed yourself, get medical help when you need it, and time to do fun things.)

Handy multiple-step process for feelings you don’t want:
– Notice. (Oh, look, this is me feeling jealous again. How interesting.) (Try not to sound too sarcastic.)
– Accept. (I’m not angry with you, Jealous Me. I know we’re working on this, you and I.)
– Counter. (Let’s remember some good things about my life that have nothing to do with money, and remember that all people, rich and poor, deal with impermanence, insecurity and dissatisfaction.)
– Quiet. (Breath calmly for a moment and watch to see if the feeling changes, if something new comes up or if you learn something about these thoughts and feelings.)

Repeat ad nauseam. Changing your mental patterns around is hard and frustrating work, but peace of mind is a beautiful gift to give yourself. (Also: free!)

Hi, Janeth.

You asked, “Can you guys think of more things to raise in life to increase wealth and success, other than actual numbers on your bank account?”

I suggest that strictly depends on how one defines and measures the terms “wealth” and “success.”

Although I could write a lengthy explanation about how I define those terms for myself, it is far more important to understand how you define those terms. In western (and particularly US) society, those terms are frequently defined in monetary terms, or reflections of monetary terms, as manifested via: income; make and year model of car(s) and other vehicles (motorcycles, boats, JetSkis, ATVs—whatever); value, location, square footage, architectural trendiness, etc. of one’s house(s); most current model of smart phone, iPad, TV—whatever technology du jure; jewelry; trendiness of clothing, hair styles, etc.; IRAs, 401Ks; and many, many other things. I assume that these things are what you generally mean when you write “actual numbers on your bank account.”

To better understand where you may be coming from, let me ask: at what point do you think the finally tally of “wealth” and “success” are measured?

CMI

Aw, cheers, CMI! Happy to help.

I think framing the measures of a good and worthy life as different types of “wealth” and “success” is stacking the cards to begin with. Both are overrated IMO.