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Your true “net worth”

by Donna Johnson

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A prominent headline in today's Wall Street Journal sports the potentially utterly depressing news that Americans' net worth fell 18% in 2008. I say that this news is potentially depressing because it's only a downer if you allow it to be.

Consider the meaning of the term "net worth." Clearly, the Wall Street Journal article measures it according to dollars and cents. While cash is no doubt important, it really has little to do with your overall net worth. Who in your family defines you according to how much money you have in the bank? Who among your lifelong friends considers you less valuable because the market value of your home is less this year than it was last year. If you can actually put anyone on either of those lists, you know what to do — remove them from your inner circle.

You see, our net worth has nothing to do with how many bucks we have in the bank, and everything to do with how we use the talents and gifts our Creator has given us to serve others and create the best and most enjoyable lifestyle we can for ourselves, our family members and friends. So don't take the traditional meaning of "net worth" to heart.

Your true value lies in the zest with which you live your life to its fullest potential, using the resources at your disposal. That's what net worth is all about, and it far exceeds mere numbers reflected on a few pieces of paper.

Question: How does your perception of your true "net worth" change the way you approach your everyday Indie Business activities?

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Tagged as: donnamaria, indiebeauty, indiebusiness, Money

posted on March 13, 2009 ·

Facebook comments:

  • http://www.nidasii.com/ Nicole Perkins

    America’s networth may down 18%, but, as long as I have a roof over my head and food in my cabinets I’m OK. I measure my networth by having enough to share with others. It may be food,money or shelter but it’s something I can share with someone going through a rough time.

  • http://www.nidasii.com Nicole Perkins

    America’s networth may down 18%, but, as long as I have a roof over my head and food in my cabinets I’m OK. I measure my networth by having enough to share with others. It may be food,money or shelter but it’s something I can share with someone going through a rough time.

  • Tanya in Hotlanta

    So true. A friend of mine should see this. He measures his “self” worth by his pockets. Net-worth, self-worth – I guess those two can go hand in hand since one can affect the other.
    Great post as always.

  • Tanya in Hotlanta

    So true. A friend of mine should see this. He measures his “self” worth by his pockets. Net-worth, self-worth – I guess those two can go hand in hand since one can affect the other.
    Great post as always.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Tanya: I think it’s a common challenge for many of us at some time or other in our lives. Please feel free to pass the audio and text along to your friend if you feel it would encourage him. Thanks for visiting us here!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Tanya: I think it’s a common challenge for many of us at some time or other in our lives. Please feel free to pass the audio and text along to your friend if you feel it would encourage him. Thanks for visiting us here!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Nicole: thanks for sharing that viewpoint. There is an article in my local paper from last week about a realtor who is struggling to stay in business. She just started giving away $10 coupons to homeless people in her area. Her attitude is that people with less than her need her help more than ever and so she’s going straight to them with seful aid and encouragement.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Nicole: thanks for sharing that viewpoint. There is an article in my local paper from last week about a realtor who is struggling to stay in business. She just started giving away $10 coupons to homeless people in her area. Her attitude is that people with less than her need her help more than ever and so she’s going straight to them with seful aid and encouragement.

  • http://www.soap-queen.blogspot.com/ Anne-Marie

    My goal is to feel joy every day. My net worth does not reflect this. It’s difficult to measure life’s emotions by a dollar in the bank account.
    PS – Of course American’s net worth went down by 18%. If the stock market was down by 40% and half of Americans are in the stock market … well, that’s roughly 18-20%. Makes sense. But either way, if you don’t measure success by your bank account and instead measure it by the gentle and authentic moments you share with others, you’re more successful than ever.

  • http://www.soap-queen.blogspot.com Anne-Marie

    My goal is to feel joy every day. My net worth does not reflect this. It’s difficult to measure life’s emotions by a dollar in the bank account.
    PS – Of course American’s net worth went down by 18%. If the stock market was down by 40% and half of Americans are in the stock market … well, that’s roughly 18-20%. Makes sense. But either way, if you don’t measure success by your bank account and instead measure it by the gentle and authentic moments you share with others, you’re more successful than ever.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Anne-Marie: Well put — “measuring by the authentic moments you share with others.” Storing that away in my knapsack of wisdom. Thanks for sharing it here.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Anne-Marie: Well put — “measuring by the authentic moments you share with others.” Storing that away in my knapsack of wisdom. Thanks for sharing it here.

  • http://www.ZularisNaturals.com/ Penny

    Wall Street’s idea of “net worth” revolves around money and physical assets. If you go by their version, then I’m sure anyone who owns a home, has a retirement plan or invests in the stock market has seen their net worth decrease. My idea of net worth however does NOT involve money or objects. Love, caring, respect, kindness, friendship and happiness never decrease in value. If anything, they only become more meaningful and of greater value as time goes on. So, no matter what Wall Street has to say, my “net worth” is always increasing.

  • http://www.ZularisNaturals.com Penny

    Wall Street’s idea of “net worth” revolves around money and physical assets. If you go by their version, then I’m sure anyone who owns a home, has a retirement plan or invests in the stock market has seen their net worth decrease. My idea of net worth however does NOT involve money or objects. Love, caring, respect, kindness, friendship and happiness never decrease in value. If anything, they only become more meaningful and of greater value as time goes on. So, no matter what Wall Street has to say, my “net worth” is always increasing.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Penny: Love this: “Love, caring, respect, kindness, friendship and happiness never decrease in value. So, no matter what Wall Street has to say, my “net worth” is always increasing.” Those are fantastic words to live by. Thanks for sharing them here.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

    @Penny: Love this: “Love, caring, respect, kindness, friendship and happiness never decrease in value. So, no matter what Wall Street has to say, my “net worth” is always increasing.” Those are fantastic words to live by. Thanks for sharing them here.

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