The real wealth

Some more great lessons from the "Guru" - Robin Sharma....

I just gave a full-day seminar attended by managers and executives of companies like American Express, Infosys, The Gap and Dell. One of the ideas that many of the people in the room told me was most helpful was my "Seven Forms of Wealth" model that I've been sharing over the past year.

In my mind, wealth isn't just about making money. There are actually seven elements that you want to raise to world-class levels before you call yourself rich. I'll identify them. Inner Wealth: This includes a positive mindset, high self-respect, internal peace and a strong spiritual connection.

Physical Wealth: Your health is your wealth. What's the point of getting to a great place in your career if you get sick doing it? Why be the best businessperson in the hospital ward? Why be the richest person in the grave?

Family and Social Wealth: When your family life is happy, you will perform better at work. No one gets to the end of their life and regrets making their family their first priority. Related to this is the imperative of forging deep connections with friends and members of your personal community.

Career Wealth: Actualising your highest potential by reaching for your best in your career is incredibly important. Getting to greatness in your profession brings a feeling of satisfaction. Being world class in your work is good for your self-respect.

Economic Welfare: Yes, money is important. Not the most important thing but very important. It absolutely makes life easier. Money allows you to live in a nice home, take beautiful vacations, provide well for those you love and more to give away.

Adventure Wealth: To be fulfilled, each of us needs mystery in our lives. Challenge is necessary for happiness. The human brain craves novelty. And we are creative beings so we need to be creating constantly if we hope to feel joy. Lots of adventure is an essential element of authentic wealth.

Impact Wealth: Perhaps the deepest longing of the human heart is to live for something greater than itself. To be significant. To make a difference. To know that the world has somehow been better because we have walked the planet.

I invite you to focus on each of these seven elements if you want to experience real wealth. Money alone doesn't define being wealthy. There are many rich people who are unhappy and unsuccessful as human beings. By focusing on elevating all seven of these areas to world-class levels, you will not only shine ever so brightly for all those around you -- you will also find a contentment that lasts.

--Robin Sharma is the author of The Greatness Guide (Jaico)