You Don’t Really Want to Get Rich—You Want the Feeling

Most people think they want to get rich. But the truth? You don’t really want money. You want the feeling you believe money will give you.

When we say we want success, wealth, or status, what we’re really chasing is an emotion:

• Security from financial freedom.

• Pride in building a thriving business.

• Validation from owning the nicest car or house.

• Happiness from “making it.”

But here’s the hard truth: None of those things guarantee the feelings you think they will. You might get the fancy car, but the excitement fades. You’ll hit the revenue goal in your construction business, but the satisfaction wears off. That’s because the car, the money, the milestone—they’re just symbols. They’re not the source of your happiness.

The real source? Progress.
When you commit to something and take consistent action, even small wins feel incredible. Think about it:

• The first time you land a contractor job you weren’t sure you could get—that’s exhilarating.

• Hitting “publish” on your business website after weeks of work—that’s satisfying.

• Making the tough call you’ve been avoiding—that’s empowering.

You don’t need to wait until you’re rich to feel successful. You just need to do the work. Progress equals happiness. It’s not about reaching the top of the mountain. It’s about the climb, the effort, the daily wins that stack up over time.

So if you’re feeling stuck, don’t chase the next shiny goal. Focus on what’s right in front of you:

• Make the sales call.

• Refine the project bid.

• Tackle the tough conversation.

You’ll feel more accomplished doing the work than you ever will waiting for some magical “rich” moment to arrive. Because the feeling you’re chasing? It’s already available—you just have to earn it.