First of all, apologies for the post title!  How many secrets to wealth! posts have we all seen over the last six months?!

credit: StarMama

I’m a big believer that being wealthy is not all about the money, but let me qualify this statement by saying I’m also a realist.

I like having money!  I like being healthy!  My goals for the coming year revolve around several of the components that together (in my opinion) make up the concept of inner and outer wealth.  But realistically, when I read articles that will hopefully lead me closer to achieving my goals, I tend to shy away from airy fairy tips that sound good on paper but aren’t applicable in the real world.

For instance, one post I read recently suggested that in order to feel fulfilled we need to be on the top of our game 100% of the time (eg. always happy, always ready for action, inspired).  That’s a great concept, but it’s not something that’s at all achievable for any human being.  Why?  Because we’re human beings!

Tips for Inner Wealth

Here’s a collection of just a few great thoughts on really achieving wealth, personal satisfaction, and lasting change in our lives.  They really are just the tip of the iceburg, as this subject is so complex and fantastic! Hopefully you will find the time to read the articles in full, and find some or all of them to be actually useable and applicable as I have!  Some of my favourite blogs:

1. From On Simplicity on Fulfillment and Accomplishment:
   The measure of fulfillment doesn’t always lie in to do lists. Fulfillment is about enjoying the present, while accomplishment is about enjoying the past.

credit: lincolnblues
2. From The Change Blog on Gratitude:
   Once you become oriented toward looking for things to be grateful for, you will find that you begin to appreciate simple pleasures and things that you previously took for granted. Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want, but an all-the-time gratitude, the kind where you notice the little things and where you constantly look for the good even in unpleasant situations.
3. From Motivate Thyself on Getting Out of your Comfort Zone:  
   I’m all for pursuing your goals and your dreams.  But this is hard to do if you are stuck in your comfort zone.  If you always stay within these boundaries you will never truly know all that is possible.
4. From Zen Habits on Finding the Life you were Meant to Live:  
   Are you still making progress in your life that follows the lines of your original intentions?  Or is it time to open your eyes and start making some life changes? Three things to remember when setting your goals while dreaming of the future are: 1. Life will throw you a curve at least twice a year, 2. A penny saved IS a penny earned, and 3. Success comes on a curve. Start living your life as you once intended and you will soon find your way back, once again moving in a positive direction.
5. From Think Simple Now on Overcoming Resentment:
   Start by using responsible methods to deal with the uncomfortable and unpleasant emotions that stem from resentment. Keys to overcoming the emotion of resentment lie first in understanding and finally in forgiving, rather than being defensive of ourselves.

credit: 7pho
6. From Billionaire Woman on Self Esteem and Success:
   Self-esteem is a mix of confidence, positive feelings about yourself, and an ability to grow as a human being. Self-esteem is really one of the most important things you can cultivate in your life. Your life can essentially be condensed to how you feel about yourself, because it often permeates throughout the rest of your life.

I’d like to offer one final word of advice - stick with it! Life isn’t always easy or predictable. You’re reading this post for a reason - be encouraged this week, and stick with your journey - I wish you all kinds of good wealth and happiness.