Why You Must Aspire to Be Rich?

Traditionally in a conservative society, wanting to be rich is considered mostly self centered and materialistic. Even at times, the rich are looked up with suspicion and malice, as if they have done some crime or sin. It is always a tussle between have’s and have nots. Wanting to be rich and clearly spelling out this as a lifelong goal is very rare. Many dream to be rich but openly they might not reveal this as a sole objective to be achieved.

I always wanted to be rich. Not because I have grown up in poverty. I have grown up in a middle-class family having enough food to eat, a house to live in, great values, and education. While growing up, I never felt I was missing out on something. Everything was provided whenever it was required. Those days, the needs were also very minimal. It was a nice, cozy, and happy childhood.

When I grew up, and joined services, early in my service, I realized my limitations. I am mostly an introvert who speaks very little. I speak only when I am compelled to do so. Most of the time I am in listening mode. I have very limited friends and social circle. I am hardly on social media. And most importantly, I could sense that I lack soft skills.

On top of these, I often carry my heart on my sleeves. I speak truth on the face of it. This antagonized many including most of the bosses. With these traits, I knew that I am a misfit for any job and will not continue too far. To add on to this, there was a strong urge to be independent and have freedom. Freedom to do what you love to do. Freedom to explore life. Freedom to experiment. Freedom to enjoy doing nothing. Freedom to choose your own path. Independence and freedom are the main reasons why I wanted to be rich.

We all know, money matters a lot. One cannot survive in this world without money. However, how much one needs is a debatable issue. Having just enough to survive or have in abundance? I am all for abundance. दिल मांगेमोर !!! Some may call this greediness, materialistic, money-minded. So be it. I will still opt to be rich than just enough. There is nothing wrong or remorseful about aspiring to be rich.

Another interesting behavioural trait I have cultivated over these years is my spiritual awakening. At a very early age, I have seen enough deaths in my own family. This has left a profound impact on how I look at life. This ultimate truth has made me explore the basic question of, “Why do we live and what is the purpose of life?” By the age of thirty, I had studied all the spiritual scriptures and literature. I have done most of the meditation courses including Vipassana. So, to say the least, I do have enough understanding about how to lead a happy life and enjoy every moment.

In fact, this dawning of spiritual awakening has strengthened my resolve to be rich. I have realized that one can always be rich and spiritual at the same time. Both paths lead to happiness. One can always be simple, honest, ethical, spiritual, and still rich.

With my behavioural limitations of being an introvert, lack of soft skills, poor social network, and dislike of social media; there was hardly any avenue left to become rich. The only way I could achieve my dream to be rich was through investing in the stock market. Stock market is the only place where these limitations turn out to be assets. Investing in stock market needs the ability to read, research, and analyse. Luckily I happened to be good at all of these. Hence, ultimately stock market came to my rescue. The freedom and independence that I have today are only because of the stock market.

So next time if someone asks you about your life goal, don’t shy away from saying, ”You want to be rich.” Believe me you will.

The wise old man, Charlie Munger said, ” Like Warren, I had a considerable passion to get rich, not because I wanted Ferrari's - I wanted the independence. I desperately wanted it.”