What your life aspirations reveal about you

Photo: Tom Claeren ©tomclaeren

Why? Because they placed disproportionate value in material things, and a few non-material things, namely ‘status’, whatever that is. The truth is that you–without self-improvement, without evolving as a person, without refining your tastes and your judgment, without becoming inner-directed in your decision making process, without doing the hard work of growing up–you will be the same person in that big house with all your toys that you are now. And if you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy then. You’ll be angry, disillusioned, and bitter because the things you thought would make you happy haven’t. The work you did for money will not be fulfilling, no matter how much money you’ve made.

You have to do the work you love, create all the wealth that you ethically and legally can, but do it for the sake of doing it. Do it to be of service. Do it with a sense of purpose, and then do your best, like many an "Old Money" Guy or Gal, to remain detached from the fruits of your labor. Dress modestly. Live quietly. Enjoy the rare luxuries of loving what you do for a living and being free from worry. To hell with what other people think: dance to your own tune.

So take a moment to assess your aspirations, your goals, whom you admire and why.

As the old saying goes…Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.

About Byron Tully (right)

Grandson of a newspaper publisher and son of an oil industry executive, Byron Tully is an author who also writes for the entertainment industry. His nonfiction debut, "The Old Money Book," was published in April of 2013 to excellent reviews and enjoys consistently strong sales worldwide. His other works include "The Old Money Guide To Marriage", "Old Money, New Woman: How To Manage Your Money and Your Life", and "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition".

Byron regularly contributes to its blog, www.theoldmoneybook.com, which has been visited by over 1 million readers since 2014.

In February of 2020, "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition" was published by Acorn Street Press. This fourth book in the Old Money series reveals the fundamentals of dressing well in a classic and timeless style. In November of 2020, Byron published a 2nd Edition of "The Old Money Book", which expands on his original classic. This 2nd Edition includes vital information and insights for readers as they navigate a very different, post-pandemic world.

Byron speaks frequently about the culture and values of Old Money. He has been interviewed by KABC New York's Financial Quarterback Show, The Huffington Post, and The Simple Dollar, among others.

He lives in Paris and is happily married to an Old Money Gal from Boston.