Wealth and Happiness: The Truth About Being Rich and Truly Happy

We live in a world that often equates success with money, and happiness with material things. I used to be the number one person confused by this. I believed that once you earn more, you’ll be happier. But after years in business—and many failures—I realized that wealth and happiness are two different things. And if you don’t understand the difference, you might chase one and still end up empty.

Let me share what I’ve learned.

Wealth is Not Happiness

People often message me saying they feel miserable and lacking in life. They think they’ll be happy once they become wealthy. I understand—because that was my mindset before too.

But here’s the truth: Even with a pocket full of money, you can still feel empty. And just because you're happy doesn’t mean you’re already wealthy. These are separate things, not automatically tied together.

Many assume that if they’re not happy, it must be because they’re not rich. Or they claim they’re wealthy just because they’re joyful. But real wealth isn’t defined that way.

My Definition of Wealth

I define wealth as money multiplied by free time.
Yes, wealth = Money × Time.

You’re not wealthy if you have a lot of money but zero time to do what matters to you.
And you're not wealthy if you have all the time in the world, but no resources to act on your dreams.

True wealth is when you have both:

• Money to support your life mission,

• And time to actually pursue it.

If you only have money, you're still imprisoned—because you can't move freely.
If you only have time, you're idle—because you can't afford to act on your purpose.

That’s why wealth is not about luxury or leisure, but about having the resources and freedom to live out the mission that God planted in your heart.

The Real Meaning of Happiness

Now, let’s talk about happiness.

Happiness isn’t about buying things. It’s about doing things—especially things aligned with your mission in life. You feel happiest when you're working toward a purpose, toward fulfilling the dream God has placed in your heart.

People fall into depression not because they lack money or time, but because they fail to practice their mission. That’s why even those who "have it all" can still feel miserable.

And when people feel lost, they try to buy happiness—through things, pleasures, fake moments of joy—but it's all temporary. You’ll only find real happiness when you’re living out your God-given mission.

So, How Rich Am I?

People often ask me, “Arvin, how rich are you now?”

Honestly, I’d say—just so-so. After ten long years of failure, I now have income flowing in, and more free time than ever before. But it’s still not enough to fully support and execute my mission. So, in terms of wealth (money × time), I’m somewhere in the middle.

But if you ask me how happy I am? I’d say—Great. Extremely happy.

Why? Because I am now walking in the mission God gave me. That’s where my joy comes from—not from what I have, but from what I get to do because of Him.

Are You Truly Wealthy and Happy?

Try to compute your own wealth.
Multiply how much money you have by how much free time you have to pursue your mission.
If either number is zero, your wealth is zero.

And ask yourself: Are you really happy right now?
If not, maybe it’s because you’re not executing the dream inside your heart.

Even small steps toward your mission can unlock a deep sense of joy. Don’t chase wealth or happiness the way the world defines it. Build a life where you have the means and the time to serve your calling.

Because that, Kasosyo, is what true wealth really is.

Final Thoughts

I believe your dream is a gift from God. And because it’s a gift, only God can truly show you what that dream is. If you still don’t know your mission, ask Him. Pray for clarity.

Your true joy begins the moment you discover and live your mission.