You would think people that “appeared” to have it all, would be happier than a pig in sh*t.
But the reality is, because materialistic things can never really fulfill you like love, family, friends, and feeding your passions can, often those people with the most things are no happier than the rest of us.
In fact, they have more stress in their lives because of their constant need to “Keep up with the Jones.” Basically nothing that they have will ever be good enough and they will never be relevant if they don’t sustain their wealth, and continue to purchase newer, bigger, and better things.
Take a look at 6 Reasons Why Materialistic People Are Not As Fulfilled As Imagined:
1. They treasure ownership of material objects
Anyone who values materialistic things- trendy clothes, flashy cars, jewelry, and expensive trips cannot be internally fulfilled unless they pour their money into their passions, and their inner well-being. E.g. purchasing writing classes so that you can become a better writer, or something that is going to be an investment in yourself and your future. Materialistic things can be taken from you at any moment, and no matter how many watches or cars that you buy, they will eventually either wear out, or lose value.
“The things you own, end up owning you. It’s only after you lose everything that you’re free to do anything.” – Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club.
2. They are worried about their economic future
Many materialists spend most of their money on “stuff.” And even if they have plenty of money in the bank, they are likely to worry about their financial future, and worry if they will make enough money to continue to support their lavish lifestyle. If we look at the economic ruin that Icelanders faced a few years ago, it was concluded that the ones who actually concentrated on regaining their economic status and wealth had lower levels of happiness than the group who focused on family and community life. And those who focused on those important things were much happier in the end and also more emotionally stable.
4. They are suffering from an addiction
After one gets over the initial excitement of making a new purchase, it quickly becomes a thing of the past. The initial buzz and excitement wears off, and the only likely thing to do is purchase something else so that you can feel that rush again. The Journal of Consumer Research shows that the pleasure in the acquisition of new things is short-lived, and the desire for short bursts of pleasure becomes an addiction. Many people have gone into debt because of numerous temporary consumer highs.
“It is the preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else that prevents us from living freely and nobly.” – Bertrand Russell
5. They are fooled by marketers
Marketing companies do a terrific job in making you believe that happiness, worthiness, fulfillment, and acceptance are linked to acquiring material objects. Think about it…. Nike will make you feel empowered, and Apple products are going to make you unique and stylish. See how they play wit you. And they do a fantastic job might I add, which is why they are insanely successful companies, profiting off of your weaknesses.
6. Liable to suffer from depression
Reality is, “Keeping up with the Jones” can make you sick. Materialistic people never realize that their spending power is not actually contributing in any way to their well-being. They would be shocked if they knew that billionaires tend to have higher rates of depression. The only difference money can make is when extremely poor people get enough to meet their basic needs. Once that is achieved, the pursuit of happiness is an entirely new adventure and cannot be bought.
7. More likely to have a marriage breakup
Materialism has been linked to many unhappy relationships. There was one study which involved 1,700 couples, and the unhappy couples involved in the study were those who had high materialism scores. Results showed there was a lack of contentment and affection in the materialistic couples, and the happier couples were those had lower materialism scores. Those so focused and concerned with acquiring new things, put that over communication, love, and genuine happiness in their marriage, thus leading to separation.
[Featured Image Credit: theguardian.com]