Focusing on what I have, not what I don't have

I have multiple conversations a day with startup employees and executives to talk about well, money. People reach out either looking for advice on money or to get money for their startup equity. Most of the individuals live in San Francisco or New York, so naturally the conversation usually goes into how expensive everything is.

And yes, it does suck a bit. My wife and I are not “wealthy” by any means. We haven’t gone through a huge financial windfall like an exit, but we make good money. And as two individuals in our mid 30s living in San Francisco, buying a home in the city is likely at best a few years out.

On top of all this, my job is to work with individuals who are close to going through a big windfall like an IPO. I get a first hand look at just who I am “competing” with in the SF housing market. It ain’t pretty for me.

I believe there’s two ways to look at my situation. One is to try to change your life style and do everything you can to make more money to be in the that next tier of wealth. The other is to just change your mindset about wealth and happiness. I aim to do the latter.

There’s always going to be pretty wealthier than you. That have more things than you. That have more free time than you. Chasing that fruitless effort that will lead to a life of unhappiness chasing something that is unattainable.

I’ve been fortunate to live a good life. I have an amazing wife who I love. I have great friends who care about me. I could always have more money, but that’s everyone. Instead, I try to live my life focusing on what I do have.