Lately, I’ve been reflecting on something I didn’t expect to be thinking about so much after leaving full-time work: contentment. Not success. Not achievement. Just contentment. For years, I chased financial goals believing that once I hit certain milestones, I’d finally feel “good.” Safe. Satisfied. And sure, money brings options and peace of mind—but it doesn’t automatically bring ease. It doesn’t create that deeper sense of being okay with yourself and your life.
The Limits of More
It’s easy to believe that the more we achieve or accumulate, the better we’ll feel. But that’s not how it’s worked out for me—or for many people I know. Studies from places like Harvard Business School show that while money can reduce certain stressors, the constant pursuit of it can actually diminish life satisfaction over time.
Naval Ravikant once said, “When you’re finally wealthy, you’ll realize it wasn’t what you were seeking in the first place.” That line stopped me in my tracks. Because I’ve felt that too—the letdown after a big achievement, the momentary high followed by a quiet “now what?”
What I’m learning is this: true contentment doesn’t come from more. It comes from being okay with what already is.
A Different Kind of Richness: Cultivating Inner Ease
So I’ve been asking myself: how do we feel good now, not just when the next goal is met? The answer, for me, is in the small shifts. The internal mindset changes that quiet the noise, soften the pressure, and make life feel more grounded—even when things are uncertain.
I came across a post listing 7 signs your mindset is leveling up, and it landed. Not because I’ve nailed them (I haven’t), but because each one nudges me closer to that everyday feeling of calm and self-acceptance.
7 Signs Your Mindset Is Leveling Up
(…and how I’m still working on all of them)
1. You let people be wrong without correcting them.
I’ll be honest—this one is still tough for me. I can easily let it go when someone cuts me off in traffic. But when it comes to work or home life, I struggle. My logical brain kicks in, and I feel compelled to correct what’s wrong. I know there’s a time and place for everything—and sometimes it’s just not worth it. I’m working on pausing and asking myself: Does this really need to be said? Right now? By me? Most of the time, the answer is no.
2. You choose inner calm over proving a point.
I’ve made a lot of progress here. I’ve learned that being right—especially at work or with family—can sometimes cost more than it’s worth. It can damage relationships, erode trust, or just create unnecessary tension. These days, I’m more intentional about choosing my moments. If it’s not critical, I let it slide. My peace is more valuable than scoring points.
3. You spend more time offline.
This one’s a mixed bag for me. I’m great about not bingeing TV shows—I’ve trained myself out of that habit. But my phone? That’s another story. Even when I’m being productive on it, I can easily spiral into distraction. One work task leads to checking texts, then Instagram, then email… and poof, my quiet moment is gone. I’m learning to build healthier boundaries with my phone and be more present.
4. You embrace slow progress.
This is hard for someone like me who values efficiency and speed. I get things done—and quickly. But I’ve come to appreciate that not everything is meant to be rushed. I’ve had to learn how to step back and let others take the lead, even if it means things move more slowly. It’s not about the pace—it’s about the process. And sometimes, letting others figure it out is its own kind of growth.
5. You appreciate boredom.
OMG. So hard. I’m naturally restless. Sitting still feels like I’m wasting time. But I know how valuable it is to pause—to journal, meditate, or just be. When I make space to slow down, I actually enjoy my day more. I’m trying to practice this more regularly, even if it’s just five minutes of stillness. I always walk away feeling more grounded.
6. You detach from drama.
This one, I’ve gotten pretty good at. I used to get drawn into gossip or emotional whirlwinds, such as someone’s relationship drama. But now? I steer clear. I’ve distanced myself from people who love to stir things up. It’s not that I don’t care—it’s that I care too much about my peace to give it away so easily.
7. You enjoy the process, not just the outcome.
I get this one in theory, but I still have to remind myself every day. I’m currently in a season of discovery. I’ve stepped away from my structured career path without a crystal-clear next step. It’s unnerving—but also liberating. I’m learning new things about myself each week. This in-between space is uncomfortable, but it’s also where the magic happens.
Start Now: Build the Kind of Wealth That Lasts
Working on our inner self isn’t a one-time project. It’s a lifelong process. I’m still a work in progress—and I’m guessing you are too. That’s okay. In fact, that’s more than okay. Life feels more purposeful when we are a work in progress.
So wherever you are on your financial journey, don’t wait to start living better. Focus inward. Practice presence. And keep leveling up from the inside out. Because the richness you’re really after? It starts within.
Looking at this list of 7, where are you in your journey? I look forward to your response. I am always in your corner
Lei