The most likely reason you cannot (seem) to be rich is that you do not really want to be!

This may seem a strange thing to say when this is something we are all supposed to want more than anything- but do we really?

Look at the facts. Even a fourteen year old crack addict can make money. All they have to do is put aside all moral scruples to steal, sell drugs and prostitute themselves. They can earn as much as a middle manager by doing this, even though they have no qualifications at all. Clearly, any of us could do at least as well if we were willing to do the same as these people.

I am not recommending that we all start to commit crimes. I am simply pointing out that our supposed 'inability' to earn this sort of money is actually a choice- the choice not to rob or hurt others.

Therefore the real question we have to ask of ourselves is not about our money making abilities but our values.

If we value money above all- then we can have it- at a price.

The secret to enjoying it is to be honest about our choices.

If, on the other hand, we are like most people, and value morality more than money- we should be content with our choice in life. We have chosen something that is more important than money and we should enjoy the choices we have made without complaint.

Now. There is a second aspect to the question.

What is meant by 'rich'?

Do we mean nothing more than money?

Or do we mean the ability to enjoy life? To travel and experience new things?

The fact is that these things can all be had for very little money at all. Probably the real reason you are not traveling is that you are time poor and not money poor.

Why should you be time poor?

You are spending too much time trying to be rich! Paradoxically, the reason you are unable to experience the life of a rich man is that you are too money oriented.

I live in London, UK and next month I am going to Gdansk in Poland for a week. The whole thing will probably cost less than a week at home. The air fair will cost only five pounds each way including tax! About ten dollars.

Almost anyone can afford this- but not everyone can afford the time. Nevertheless, it is easier to find time in your life than to find money. Most Americans enjoy high living standards- and yet have less time off from work than even the poorest Europeans. A strange paradox.

Learn more about this author, Richard Ford.
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