Feeling “money envy?” Here are 7 Ways on How to Get Past It

There is a possibility that at one point or another you and I have envied the success of others.

These could be our family members, friends, and others who may have been celebrating their achievements and enjoying them.

At times the achievements of others in our circles could drive us green with envy because it may seem like they are doing it effortlessly.

Imagine your classmates who seem to have made it in life yet you seem to be stagnating despite the fact that you have invested your all in pursuit of success. They could be married with kids, getting promotion after promotion at work or they just happen to be everything you ever wanted to be but somehow you are held back?

Well, seeing all this happening could trigger a wave of envy.

What is Money Envy?

Envy is that feeling of discontentment or resentment which is aroused by someone else's successes, possessions, qualities, or luck. When it comes to finances, money envy is just that. Being envious of someone’s financial standing or accomplishments.

Money envy is a strong emotion that can break relationships and also blind someone from investing in themselves to become much better than they could be financially.

Now, all this is normal. Having feelings of envy is ok unless it is driving you to harmful financial habits in the ‘keeping up with the Joneses.

Characteristics of Money Envy

1. Feeling that you don’t have enough while others do, somehow unfairly
2. Doubting yourself regarding where you are at in life financially
3. Trying to keep up with those you feel are doing better than you
4. A bad attitude especially when it comes to the financial achievements of others
5. Feeling that it is unfair when someone constantly gets promotions, affords some things that you want but can’t have, etc.

How to Deal with a Feeling of Money Envy

·        Understanding that there is more than enough

Knowing and appreciating the fact that there is so much out there is the starting point of dealing with money envy. In reality, there are several opportunities that we can jump into- at the right time- and turn our fortunes around.

Being positive in this understanding opens up our minds and realities to a wide perspective where we perceive things from a new angle.

Strive to make your financial aspect of life better by investing in what could give you passive incomes. There are several ways to do this and some research will open your eyes to the opportunities out there.

·        Be Private

The secret to enjoying what we have is remaining low-key. Avoid being flashy to be in control of your financial health and to be able to deal with money envy.

When you try to live a showy life, there is a possibility that someone with more money can outspend you, arousing envy.

Instead of this, work on increasing your personal wealth by taking those doing better than you as a source of inspiration.

·        Re-centre

Take a step back and count your blessings.

Sometimes we miss the joys of today because we are worried about what tomorrow will bring. While we can’t go about life ignorant of what is going on, taking a step back from what drives us to being envious will give us a better focus on what life has offered us. There is always a silver lining to the circumstances that we are in.

·        Clap for others while waiting for your time

When the success of others brings you sincere happiness, it is one step closer to achieving what you desire.

Remember that birds of a feather flock together and so as you happily cheer others on, you could be in line to receive your applause. By celebrating others, we embrace positivity instead of being bogged down by feelings of envy.

·        Drop friends too focused on material things

This may sound harsh or unrealistic but going by the previous point, we are the product of what we invest ourselves in. Reduce your contact with those who place a high value on material possessions. Unless you do this, you’ll continue being compared to others which could push you to the brink.

·        Realise that nobody has it all together

There is some kind of satisfaction that comes from pity partying but this is now what it is about. Life is interesting and the realities hit us all differently.

There is someone with a massive property but no one to share it with. All the things we own and the money we have are only a small part of who we are. There isn't a single individual in the world who has it all or has a perfect life. Such is life.

·        What can you control?

We can’t run the entire world the way we would want to and so we work with what we can control. With this understanding, focus on what you can control and leave it at that. Going further will only stress you unnecessarily.

If you want to improve your financial situation, focus on yourself and your personal financial well-being. Stop worrying about what other people have that you lack since that will only work to exacerbate the situation by wasting time and energy which will not help you achieve your goals.

Instead of feeling envious, use it as fuel to spur your own efforts to save more and invest in what will help you achieve your financial independence.