So, Are You Rich?

Leadership Harbor Coach
Jul 30
3 min read

"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor." — Seneca

Are you rich?

It’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Most people hear that and immediately think I’m asking about money—"Do you have a lot of it?"

But let’s go deeper.

What if I asked: What’s your relationship with money?

Now we’re getting somewhere. Because whether you consider yourself rich or poor has less to do with your bank balance and more to do with your beliefs about money—how you see it, feel about it, and use it.

Money Isn’t Just Math

For some, money represents freedom. For others, it’s a source of stress or a symbol of security. Some chase it, hoping it will finally bring peace or purpose. Others avoid talking about it altogether, uncomfortable or unsure how to define their financial story.

Let me be honest: money matters to me. It’s one of the tools that supports my top values of freedom and growth. Having financial stability allowed me to leave a corporate job and step into a life of purpose. That choice felt like wealth.

But I haven’t always had a healthy relationship with money. As a recovering perfectionist, I often equated self-worth with achievement, and achievement with income. When I didn’t meet those internal standards, I felt broke—even if the numbers said otherwise.

I had to learn that my value isn’t determined by my valuables.

Defining Rich on Your Own Terms

So, what does being rich mean to you? Having financial independence? Being able to give generously? Feeling secure about your future? Having peace of mind when you pay your bills? There’s no wrong answer. But the key is this: You get to define it.

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus

Some of the most financially wealthy people still feel poor. Others with modest incomes feel incredibly rich because their money aligns with their values. Richness is not just about how much you have, but how well it supports the life you want to live.

The Cost of Comparison

One of the fastest ways to feel broke—no matter your net worth—is to compare yourself to others. Especially in today’s highlight-reel world, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind.

But comparison is a thief. It steals your joy, your focus, and your clarity.

Instead of asking, "Do I have what they have?" ask: Am I living in my values? Does my money reflect what matters most to me? Am I using money as a tool or letting it control me?

The Real Wealth Equation

Here’s what I’ve seen in coaching sessions time and again: when people define their core values, money becomes a lot easier to manage. Because suddenly, you’re not just budgeting dollars, you’re directing your life.

If freedom, generosity, or adventure is a core value for you, how does your spending reflect that? Are you investing in what lights you up, or are you stuck in cycles that drain you?

One client once said, "I can’t narrow my values down. There are too many!" That’s common. But the clearer you get, the easier your financial (and life) decisions become.

"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." — Roy E. Disney

So, Are You Rich?

That depends. Not just on what you have—but on how you feel about what you have.

Do you feel free?
Do you feel secure?
Do you feel content?
Do you feel aligned?

If the answer is no—or even “not quite”—maybe it’s time for a money mindset shift. Not necessarily more dollars, but more clarity. More intentionality. More purpose.

Let’s Redefine Rich Together

At Leadership Harbor, we help people rethink wealth—not just in terms of income, but in impact, integrity, and inner peace. A free 30–45 minute Discovery Session could help you get clear on: What’s driving your financial decisions? How do/don't your values align with your money habits? What does “rich” really looks like for you?

You don’t need a financial overhaul—you might just need a mindset upgrade.