Over the years I’ve met a few people who have done well for themselves in the money department. Many of them are humble, but a few look down on others for not having a certain lifestyle, income, or home that matches their expectations of success. Some people view success only in monetary terms. I don’t mean to villainize money – I’m currently in the process of saving up myself, but I’ve certainly achieved a great deal more than that.

While money is important (It’s what we need to live), I’ve noticed a lot of high income earners overlook the non-monetary successes others have made. There are many other things we can achieve and be proud of that don’t involve dollars.

Here are some non-monetary successes that deserve celebrating. ❤

#1 Overcoming mental illness

While some people are hustling and bringing in the big bucks, others are focusing on improving their mental health. You can certainly take care of your mental health while working hard at the same time, but a lot of people forget to do so as they get lost in the rat race. Anyone can develop mental health issues as they go through life regardless of income level and sometimes it can hinder our work performance or our energy to do certain jobs. Taking the time to focus on your mental health, go to therapy, exercise, eat healthier, take courses, etc. is such an important part of life. Money can always be earned later, but letting your mental health slide can have a worse impact on your life than being broke. If you’ve put extra time into taking care of your mental health at the expense of your career, congratulations! That is such an important achievement and I’m proud of you.

#2 Creating healthy habits

Health is wealth. If one doesn’t take care of their physical and mental health, what good is having millions of dollars in the bank? Every healthy decision someone makes should be appreciated and celebrated. Work-life balance is so key for a happy life and you don’t want to work yourself so hard that you forget to take care of yourself. If you’ve mastered having a healthy routine, you’re awesome. You should celebrate that.

#3 Finishing a passion project

Writing a book, learning how to draw, or creating anything you’re passionate about deserves celebrating. Doing something you love is so key to overall wellbeing and happiness.

#4 Reaching your fitness goals

I realize this one is celebrated a lot, but it’s still worth mentioning. Reaching a fitness goal takes a lot of commitment and determination. If I had to choose being rich or being fit, I’d choose fitness every time. Being able to do the things you want to do (and look great in the process) is incredibly important – and it’s not something that should be taken for granted.

#5 Learning how to enjoy the simpler things in life

If you enjoy the simpler things in life, you need less. As I mentioned before, money has its uses. We all need a certain amount to live on and thrive. Money gives us freedom to do the things we want to do (or live where we want to live), but what if the real answer is to enjoy more of what you already have rather than desire more? Appreciating good connections, nature, and small moments in life will make you a lot happier than making the next dollar. If you’re unhappy with what you have in the moment, getting richer won’t fix that. You’ll just always want more no matter how much money you make. If you can enjoy where you’re at in the present, you’ll be better able to manage and appreciate “more” when it comes to you. Again, money can always be earned, but happiness comes from within.

#6 Moving to your dream city and making it work

Anyone who makes their dream a reality is an inspiring person. Not everyone can move away and start new in a different place, but some do and that’s a wonderful achievement. Not everyone can make 90K per year in the city, but if you’re making life work in a place you love living in, that’s what truly matters. When your dreams involve non-monetary things like fulfillment, inspiration, health, love, art, etc. you could easily be a lot happier than the millionaires in your city. Believe it.

Thank you so much for reading today. I hope you liked my post! While it’s great if you’re climbing up the career ladder and reaching your financial goals, just remember that there’s many other things someone can achieve that aren’t related to money at all – and those are worth celebrating, too.

Thanks so much for reading today! 🙂