Thoughts on Gratitude
[Life-Changing Techniques]
CONTEXT
I really enjoyed this story that I recently came across about Joseph Heller, the author of Catch-22.
At a billionaire's party on Shelter Island in the Hamptons, he was chatting with Kurt Vonnegut.
Kurt mentioned that their billionaire friend, a hedge fund manager, made more money in one day than Heller’s book had earned throughout its entire history.
Joseph replied, “True, but I have something he will never possess… enough.”
There's a term for this, it’s called ‘lifestyle creep’ - a point where you constantly raise your desires and expenses whenever your income increases.
For many, it's challenging to resist the urge for “more” - we all want a fancier car, a bigger house, and a lavish vacation.
The downside?
You’re essentially choosing to be unhappy until you obtain that next thing.
The most dangerous mindset is, “I’ll be happy when…” And here’s a little secret: you probably won’t be.
I’m not saying that new possessions can’t bring happiness; they can, but only for a short period. You might not feel as joyful as you anticipated, and that happiness won’t last as long as you hoped before you find yourself saying, “I’ll be happy when…” again.
Here are three strategies to help you break free from the cycle of wanting more:
METHOD
1. Define what “Enough” Means to You
To combat lifestyle creep, create a list of your “dream life.”
Be specific - whether it’s having an unlimited fitness budget, shopping freely with no care in the world, or sailing a yacht in the South of France every August.
Make sure it’s true to your values, not what society deems ‘cool’.
After your next promotion, revisit your list and hold yourself accountable to avoid “moving the goalpost.”
2. Practice Gratitude
Many people focus on what they lack rather than appreciating what they have (often obsessively).
Let’s shift that perspective.
Create a note on your phone titled “The Little Things.”
At the end of each day, add three small joys to this list: an unexpected visit from a loved one, the first sip of coffee, a getaway.
Life isn’t just about big milestones; it’s about the small, daily moments in between.
3. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Teddy Roosevelt
The only person worth comparing yourself to is your past self.
Focus on improving by just 1% today - 1% more patient, 1% more creative, 1% stronger.
These small changes will accumulate and lead you toward your goals as they compound.
Real fulfilment comes from within, found in personal growth, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose.
Remember, these are earned, not purchased.
FINAL THOUGHTS
“I think the most common mistake for humanity is believing you’re going to be made happy because of some external circumstance.”
- Naval Ravikant
There’s nothing wrong with striving for more.
Pursue your goals, just make sure that at the end of the day, you’re not doing it because “you’ll be happy when…”
TL;DR - one of the best books that I’ve read this year on happiness and wealth is ‘The Almanack of Naval Ravikant’. You can download the entire book for FREE using this link - I honestly can’t believe that they give it all away at no cost.
Until next week,
Max