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How to Be Happy

Finding the Balance

by Laura Interval

The old saying that "less is more" can be flipped; more can be less. Sometimes the trade off, the sacrifices we make for �more� in life end up giving us less of what we were chasing in the first place. The old American model of trading time for money is breaking down as millions of people start to ask �why shouldn�t I just trade money for time instead?�

Sometimes we cross those wires. Sometimes, we mistakenly think the more money, the better. If we�re unhappy it must be because our bank account is low. It must be because we don�t have the money to do the things we really want to do. This �grass is always greener� mentality becomes pricey. And you are the one paying.

Not that wanting more money is a negative thing. Hardly. It�s just you have to be clear on WHY you want it. And what sacrifices you are making to get it. It�s about being specific about your wants and balancing them with your goals.

This �Mexican Tale� came into my inbox a few years ago. I was reminded of it today as I challenged my own goals. In this simple story, lies a resonating truth . . .

"The Mexican Tale"

An American tourist was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The tourist complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

The tourist then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?"

The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."

The tourist then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."

The tourist scoffed, " I can help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you could run your ever-expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

The tourist replied, "15 to 20 years."

"But what then?" asked the Mexican.

The tourist laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions?...Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

- Author unknown

By reestablishing my goals in detail (personal, career and financial) I have gradually achieved a balance. I am doing more of what I want right now more than I ever have. And I am less concerned about money than I have ever been. I had to break the �more money� habit for myself. The pattern I had established over the years that had me in a cycle of �if it means more money, I�ll do it!� That old panicky voice that used to call out for �more money, more work�� is much quieter these days. And replaced by an easier going voice satisfied with what I already have and want more of . . . my own time.

So, take a close look at your goals. The key to your prosperity and real contentment lies in achieving the right balance. Are you sacrificing what you already have and want for more of what you think you want? Challenge your idea of �more� and see if less is actually what you�re looking for.

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