Wealth creation goes beyond making money

The yardstick for measuring wealth keeps evolving. Our definition of wealth is constantly changing in all cultures and countries of the world. We can also predict with some certainty that the items that we consider luxuries today will be viewed as ordinary items tomorrow.

I remember growing up back then in the 70s/80s seeing uncles who drove the brand of Mercedez Benz 200 as very rich people; now in the 21st century those are not even the cars rated for rich people anymore. Back then I also remember, most families aspired to have a single TV in the living room. Today it is not uncommon to find TVs in the living room, kitchen, bedroom etc.

The irregularities of what wealth means to us- both as individuals and as society-shows that wealth and our expectations of its rewards are in the eyes of the beholder. When the financial technology (fintech) age arrived, the means and measurements of wealth evolved again. People can now build wealth digitally, move money across borders without physically moving. The focus on wealth building further expanded to frontiers that no one envisaged back in the 80s or 90s. The common denominator, however, remains the same: A DEEP DESIRE TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE.

My working with professionals and SMEs every day, I get to hear what they deeply long for. What’s so intriguing about these people is that its becoming more obvious with each passing year that the things human beings desperately long for today are not only universal and timeless, but also have become even more elusive and challenging to sustain.

The priviledged and less priviledged want a better life. Many people suddenly found themselves measuring their position in life on the most primary of scales: by their ability to secure food, shelter, and physical safety. For an average person, prosperity meant owning a home and growing enough food to feed one’s family, and perhaps having a few businesses.

Some women ask me, Lara why do I need to be wealthy when I can just have the basics of life and live my life quietly. Some say to me, wealth attracts too much attention which is mostly unnecessary. While some women say, I need to be wealthy by all means, or else I will feel like a failure.

The essence of wealth creation goes beyond making money. It can also be somewhat classified as Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs; which states that our actions are motivated by certain physiological needs. It is often represented by a pyramid of needs, with the most basic needs at the bottom and more complex needs at the top. And the need to find:-

1. HAPPINESS

Happiness has become so hard to achieve and even harder to maintain. In my work within the women empowernment space, I have seen that happiness continually escapes a lot of women because, first, they don’t understand exactly what will make them happy. Secondly, they search for happiness in another person (mostly their spouse, children etc) and until one meets that need, you will keep scrambling for what does not exist.

2. PEACE

We long for peace, desperately, peace from noise, pressure. We also want peace from the painful experiences inside our own heads and the conflicts and strain we inflict on ourselves every minute to be better, outshine others and be smarter. The journey of wealth creation offers the practice that we need to cultivate and commit to finding peace, regardless of whatever is going on around us.

3. FREEDOM.

The freedom to follow your own true values and beliefs and build strong boundaries to protect yourself from what others may try to force on you. Wealth creation requires boldness and courage to make decisions that may not be easy but can promise you the freedom to live the life you dream of.

4. CONFIDENCE

Some researchers have reported that wealth creation is more likely to make you feel positive emotions about yourself. You feel more contented, confident, and with a greater sense of self-pride.

There’s a claim that financial wealth predicts better psychological health.

Some researchers analyzed data from 5 studies, including a survey of more than 1.6 million people across 162 countries around the world. They found consistent evidence to show that wealth reliably predicted greater positive self-regard emotions (such as pride, confidence, determination) and lower self-regard emotions (anxiety, sadness, etc). and this they claim also affects the emotions people feel toward others such as love, gratitude, compassion, and anger.

5. FULFILLMENT

Fulfillment can somewhat mean the achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.

The satisfaction that one experience as a result of fully developing one’s abilities, meeting one’s goal and more.

Your ability to create wealth will give you some sort of fulfillment and this is what you experience when you believe you are living the life you desire. This is possible when you take bold steps toward the future you envision for yourself.

6. SECURITY.

Many people live in the fear of the future as such they are moved to create wealth and plan for the future and the rest of their lives. Retirement can be a challenging phase with increasing medical and daily expenses. However, with wealth creation, it is most unlikely for one to experience insecurity.

In all of these things, one needs to however create a balance. Seek to live a balanced life.

Balance refers to evenly distributing time for the many activities in your life. Which could mean having enough time for work, business, family, friends and community. And while having balance in your life is definitely a good thing, it might be even better to strive for balance in your health.

Adopt a positive mindset and stay away from negative influences. This is essential for inner peace and happiness. Stay away from toxic people and environment as much as possible. Practice gratitude, avoid self-criticism and do at least one thing every day that makes you happy. Embrace a healthy lifestyle: Your health is bound to affect every other aspect of your life. It’s important to invest in your physical and mental wellbeing. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and work out regularly.

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“Absolutely, When we came with the Buhari government in 2015 I became the minister. We were committed to a roadmap to establish a National Carrier, to concession the airports, to set up a leasing company, to establish cargo facilities and we have been doing that.”

On why the Buhari government wanted a national carrier, the minister responded: “Nigeria is situated at the centre of Africa, equidistant from all locations in Africa. 30.4 million square kilometres miles, 1.5 billion people, very green land. If Central and Eastern Africa is the belt of the continent, then Nigeria is the buckle. 200 million people and rising middle class, propensity to fly is high. Nigeria is a candidate for National Carrier.”

Sirika who insisted that the coming national carrier will be private sector driven added; “Private. Yes. 5 per cent government and no government stepping right in that company, no government control, no membership of government on board. Totally private and committed.

“Whatever we say we will do as a government since 2015, it has happened. that is why Tim Clark of Emirates, Qatar Airways and all of them are looking to go into Nigeria in multiple frequencies and multiple landing points because Nigeria is the right place for the airline business.

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