That material wealth is related to happiness I have no doubt about. How could it not be? Imagine all the problems you could solve, how much better sleep you would get and how much more fun you would have if you did not have to worry about money. But statistically speaking, you do have to worry about money. And I’m sorry to say it but a lot of us will have to worry about money for the rest of our lives.

I know this is the last thing anyone would want to read from a finance blog. After all, you are probably here because you want to learn the tips and tricks to ensure that you accumulate enough wealth to never have to worry about money again. So why am I dampening your spirit with this talk about you always having to worry about money?

Let me explain with an analogy. Recently I’ve become quiet interested in learning about fitness and nutrition and I have been fascinated with this theory called the Set Point Theory. The theory suggests that a person’s weight range is genetically predetermined and that the body regulates each person’s metabolism and hunger to keep them in that range. Now the actual evidence for this theory is not conclusive (especially considering environmental factors) but it is still an interesting concept.

It is reasonable to assume that most people will remain within an income class for most of their lives. They may fall down a class or rise a class but eventually the combination of social status, network, family assets (or the lack of it), education and occupational choice will conspire to put you and people with similar characteristics in the same income and ultimately wealth percentile.

As I grow older and this reality sets in, I’m beginning to understand the importance of seeking happiness regardless of what else is happening. This does not mean turning a blind eye to material conditions or trying to fake happiness where there is none. No. This is about taking the time to learn the things under your control that make you happy and finding out how to maximize your happiness from them while minimizing any negative impact they can have. It is about knowing that you cannot wait to hit a certain net worth or a waist size or educational qualification before you prioritize your happiness. What if you never get these things or what if you get these things but you are still not happy?

I trust readers to understand that I am not downplaying the importance of making money. I would not have hundreds of articles on the topic if I did not think it was important. However I understand the mental strain that comes with financial struggle, unfulfilled expectations and a feeling that time is running out and I think it is important to address it. I don’t think this strain helps either your mental or financial health. If you’ll take only one thing away from this post, let it be that seeking happiness is work and you are worth the work.