According to a new study, basing your self-worth on how much money you make can lead to problems.
Researchers found that people who think their success is tied to their salary or net worth are setting themselves up for negative comparisons to others – as well as an increase in stress and anxiety.
The problem is that valuing money too much ends up causing a feeling of lack of control. Nobody is totally in control of how much money they make and nobody is in control of how much money other people make.
That lack of control leads to stress – and even anger.
In order to maximize happiness, the scientists behind the study recommend focusing on personal strengths instead of bank accounts. (Buffalo.edu)