Screw the Joneses - Live Your Own Life!
By Jacob Inman, Revive Your Life Executive Editor
Photo by John Wardell
Mainstream society and advertising agencies are great at letting us know that we need and deserve more in life. Usually, the message suggests that the product or service being offered will bring a life full of happiness and excitement.
Many have extended this way of thinking to life in general and are certain that the perfect life is just around the corner if only they had…a bigger house, a faster car, the man/woman of their dreams, the perfect job, and just one more child. The list goes on.
The problem is, when the next purchase is made or the success has been realized, the elation is often short-lived.
What to do then?
Most often, we begin to ponder what else we’re missing in life that’s needed to bring “true” happiness. It quickly becomes a trap that’s quite easy to get stuck in - we believe the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
The thought behind the phrase “Keeping Up with the Joneses” provides a perfect example of what we often think will bring increased happiness. This phrase refers to the continual comparison of yourself to those around you (particularly as it relates to material possessions) to determine if you are doing as well as or better than the benchmark. The failure to “keep up” implies that we are of a somewhat lower life-form and indicates a sense of socioeconomic inferiority.
It’s unfortunate that this mentality has become so pervasive in today’s culture - it has morphed into a societal sickness that we can do without. Such a view of life often leads to overspending, an increase focus on material goods, jealousy, and greed. The need to keep up and consume more is largely the reason for the economic mess we are in at this very moment. Consumerism, fueled by the need for more and more, most often ruins lives instead of making them better.
So how do we get out of this trap? Here are some tips for pushing the Joneses aside and becoming your own person:
Be Thankful for What You Have
So you’re living as a family of five in a small two-bedroom apartment? Realize that even in this circumstance, you are much better off than the vast majority of people living on this planet. Focus on being grateful for the roof over your head and that you have a place for you and your family to live.
Live Within Your Means, Not the Means of Others
Trying to keep up with your friends and neighbors is a dangerous game. What problems lie behind the facade of their so-called wealth? Financial stress? Large amounts of debt? Realize that simply living within your means provides financial flexibility and decreases stress. Rather than panicking when you’re handed a pink slip, you can be thankful for the extended vacation you’ll have!
Know That You Will Get There in Time
With only a few exceptions, wealth is not amassed overnight. Making wise decisions and spending within your means will build wealth and financial stability that is real, not fabricated.
Simple Living = Happy Living
Realize that simple living means more time and resources for things that bring true happiness. A smaller house means less cleaning. A smaller yard means less mowing. Less clothing means less time deciding what to wear. A job which pays less and demands less of your time allows you to spend more time with your family forging relationships and making you truly wealthy!
How do you deal with the pressure to “keep up” with those around you? Share your thoughts with the RYL community in the comments section below!
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Excellent article. You know, the sooner we realize that life is not a destination but a journey, the better. I used to think like that. when we move to the next state, when the kids get older, when I get enough money…. I’ll do this or that. Those days are over, the time to live life is definitely NOW! Thanks for the reminder.
the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
=> hahaha.. I always think that we’d better start planting some flowers in our garden.. and let your neighbours always have the greener grass on their sides whileas we have the colourful ones with sweet scents of the flowers, ahahaha ^o^
Btw.. Nice to meet you, I stumbled upon your blog from Ana’s
@ Spindiva & Indah - Thanks for sharing your comments - you both have provided confirmation to the important message in the article!
sup Jake…good post. I hate when I have to listen people brag about what they have or how great they are or what they accomplished…who cares?…so lame. Getting involved in your community, donating money to good causes etc and being humble is the way to live in my opinion. I am not saying you can’t have the things you want. Our planet is changing, people around the world need help and probably people in your own family could use a shoulder to lean on these days. Ever hear of the saying “it’s the simple things in life that matter”…funny how these old sayings still hold value.
[...] This post was Twitted by crckrmn77 [...]
Hey Trey, I agree completely - let’s turn the attention away from ourselves for awhile and see what good comes of it.
I used to think like that. when we move to the next state, when the kids get older, when I get enough money…. I’ll do this or that. thanks..