“The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Many people spend their careers chasing wealth. More money. Bigger titles. Higher salaries. But what if the way we define wealth is completely off, or at least too narrow?
What if true wealth isn’t just about what you have, but about how you live, how you feel, and who you’re surrounded by?
Let’s rethink what wealth really means and why you may already be wealthier than you realize.
The Traditional View of Wealth
When we think about wealth, most of us default to the obvious: Money, assets, investments, property. And yes, by those standards, I’m doing fine. Especially compared to global averages, I’m among the wealthiest people on the planet. That’s something I recognize and feel deeply grateful for.
But if we stop there, we miss the full picture.
Because money is just one type of wealth.
A Holistic View of Wealth
These days, I define wealth much more broadly, and far more meaningfully. It wasn’t always this way. For a long time, I had a scarcity mindset, especially around money. I worried about having enough, achieving enough, saving enough.
But over the years, I’ve come to embrace what I call holistic wealth. And it’s changed how I look at wealth in a significant way.
Here’s what that looks like in my life:
1. Relationships
I’m surrounded by people I love and trust. My marriage is stronger than ever, and I’m building meaningful, deep relationships with my four beautiful children. I have friends and family I can call on, confide in, and grow with. That sense of connection and support is one of the richest forms of wealth I’ve ever known.
2. Health
I’m active, energetic, and able to enjoy the outdoors and play sports I love. No, I’m not winning fitness competitions, but I feel strong, capable, and grateful every day for a body that lets me live life fully. That, too, is wealth.
3. Purpose and Faith
There’s a deep sense of purpose guiding my life and work. I feel called to make an impact through coaching, writing, and helping others grow intentionally. And in my spiritual life, my connection with God feels stronger than ever. That spiritual clarity and alignment adds depth and meaning to everything else.
These aspects of wealth didn’t appear overnight. They’ve been developed intentionally, over time. And I expect they’ll continue to grow. Including financial wealth—but not at the expense of everything else that matters.
Are You More Wealthy Than You Think?
Take a moment to look at your life. Not just your paycheck or bank account, but the full picture.
- What do your relationships look like?
- How is your health?
- Do you feel connected to a purpose or cause greater than yourself?
- Do you have a sense of meaning in your daily work or life?
You might already be far wealthier than you realize.
And if some areas feel lacking right now, that’s okay. We all have seasons of challenge. But the good news is that these other forms of wealth can be developed. And often, they bring a kind of fulfillment that money alone never can.
Final Thoughts
Our culture often equates wealth with financial gain. But the most fulfilled people I know don’t just chase money—they cultivate meaning, health, love, and purpose.
So I invite you to pause and ask yourself:
- What does wealth really mean to me?
When you expand your definition of wealth, you expand your potential for a richer, more satisfying life, regardless of your salary or possessions.
You might already be living a life of abundance. And if not, you can begin designing one today. you find—it’s something you build. One prototype at a time.
Watch more in the video below:
