This is What Happens When Material Things Become a Symbol of Personal Identity

The materialistic world we live in is bound to impair human relations and its already happening at an alarming rate, It is not an exaggeration to say that today's life thrives on materialistic pleasures, In the good old days  life was to care for people and use things. But today people are being used and things are being given utmost importance. 

In my opinion, some people seek material possessions because they feel insecure, and they have to buy expensive things, flashy things, to assert themselves that they are secure and important. If you observe carefully, most people with great success, inventors of extraordinary things, great leaders, owners of conglomerates, etc. They do not care so much about the "things" in their lives. Mark Zuckerberg is known for his famous gray T-shirt – he said, “I refuses to spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous”.  Barack Obama is also known for his gray or blue suits (he said in an interview, “I'm trying to pare down decisions”). Bill gate on the other hand has been jokingly described as dressing like a high school math teacher. Steve Jobs famously wore a simple black poloneck jersey, blue jeans and sneakers almost every day. The world’s richest people understands the science of simplicity. 

I am all pro dressing well, having a nice car and whatever but not to live through the things you own or look down on those who don’t own your type of cars or dress like you’d want them. An outfit cannot change the world, it probably won't even change your day. This is not to say that fashion isn't important but to chock yourself with gold chains, diamond rings, best of Gucci/Carvella then look down on others isn’t the best way to live life and any real impact. The ultimate goal should be to actually be rich and not just look rich.

Its hard to live up to people’s expectations. Some people will respect you on social media till the day they meet you in real life. They expected you to show up in a Ferrari and you showed up in a taxi or just some ordinary car. They expected you to show up wearing Gucci/Carvella and you showed up wearing Mr Price. Some people don’t care how decent, kind, respectful, compassionate, intelligent, caring, committed, loyal, inspiring and hardworking you are. All they care about is material things. And if you can’t show them material things then they want nothing to do with you.

Are you aware that some people will even ask “What do you do for a living?” only because they want to measure the amount of respect they can give you? There is a different measure of respect for a doctor/engineer/accountant/biz tycoon etc…compared to a teacher/cashier/waiter/street hawker/startup/sales guy/cook/hairdresser etc.

Real impact is NOT in “hey, look at what I’ve got”. Real impact is “Hey, see how many lives I’ve touched” May we change our mindset on how we treat people who don’t yet have nothing to show for their hustle. If you’ve been treated poorly or disrespected because you have nothing yet to show for your dreams. You are not alone. Personally, I've faced this over and over. Please, stay strong, keep your eyes on your goals and keep moving. Keep in mind "NOT EVERYONE CAN SEE A TREE WITHIN A SEED".

You don't owe anyone a car or certain certificates or positions or certain clothing brands to prove your worth. Material things are great BUT they don't define anyone. Material things are not a symbol of your personal identity. Focus on yourself, focus on your grind and focus on creating and adding VALUE.

I know it’s hard, but you've come too far to give up now. Your breakthrough is coming. Keep building, keep perfecting your craft. Noah looked like a fool until it started raining...

By Nicky Verd 

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