Successful investor Arnold Van Den Berg initially affirmed "I am happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise." He later realized true joy came from helping others and changed his mantra to "I am a loving, kind person, and I'm happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise," placing compassion first.

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Happiness studies reveal that fulfillment comes from the active process of caring for others. The happiest individuals are not those who are the passive recipients of the most affection, but rather those who actively cultivate deep, meaningful relationships where they can give love.

To become more loving or kind, simply start behaving as if you are already a loving and kind person. According to anthropologist Ashley Montague, persistent, low-level acts of care eventually rewire your identity. You wake up one day and realize you've become the person you aspired to be.

Regularly stating affirmations acts as a mental filter, making you more attuned to opportunities that align with your stated goals. This 'law of assumption' transforms mindset into tangible action by changing how you perceive and react to potential projects and connections.

After decades of using the affirmation "I'm happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise," investor Arnold Van Den Berg realized a crucial element was missing. He updated it to "I am a loving, kind person..." recognizing that love is a foundational component of an abundant life, not just an outcome of other successes.

A guest's business success only came after he stopped focusing on money and instead prioritized building a family and becoming a good person. A weak emotional foundation causes you to fold at the first sign of business hardship. True professional scaling happens after personal stability is achieved.

The pursuit of wealth as a final goal leads to misery because money is only a tool. True satisfaction comes from engaging in meaningful work you would enjoy even if it failed. Prioritizing purpose over profit is essential, as wealth cannot buy self-respect or happiness.

The key to happiness isn't being the recipient of love, but the giver. Studies show the most fulfilled people are those who find many outlets to give their love—serving family, community, or causes. The act of loving is more crucial for personal happiness than the state of being loved.

Goals (e.g., "be a doctor," "be happy") are outcome-focused and can lead to frustration if not achieved. Intentions (e.g., "act with kindness") are process-focused and within your control in any moment. Centering your life on intentions creates a stable internal anchor, regardless of your job title or external circumstances.

Money is just one pillar of a happy life. Without physical health, mental well-being, and a spiritual purpose, wealth is meaningless. Financial fitness provides the fuel and freedom to enhance the other areas, but it cannot fix deficiencies in them.

One speaker's best investment wasn't in stocks but in moving to a new city, simplifying his life, and being closer to family. This emotional investment yielded significant returns in happiness and well-being, highlighting that not all valuable investments are financial.

Investor Arnold Van Den Berg Evolved His Affirmations to Prioritize Love Over Wealth | RiffOn