Some run after the instantaneous reward of pursuing something new. Once the endorphins fade away, the void still remains.
The thrill of possessing something is one that every human being can relate to. At a certain point, one has to honestly reflect on the outcome of accumulating stuff.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs attributes social belonging to a human desire that must be fulfilled as one climbs the status quo. But the intrinsic desire for more money or to join a certain club in order to feel accepted is a challenge that costs people money or possessions.
Money solves problems.
The value of a human being should not be attributed to what one owns. “It’s easier said than done when one needs money to survive,” the words echoed among the multitude of people.
“A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; But money answers everything.” Ecclesiastes 10:19
Yes, money is useful in this world. We need it to buy food, shelter, and to move from one place to another.
But greed creates problems.
What makes people run after overfilling the coffers more than they could ever need? What makes others gamble their lives to sell everything to obtain more riches? The rise of unemployment and lifestyle inflation has led others to chase instant rewards.
Gambling has literally become an expensive habit. According to the National Gambling Board, South Africans spent over 1.5 trillion rands in gambling over the 2024/2025 financial year-end. The 30.7% increase from the previous financial year-end shows that gambling has taken over.
False sense of belonging.
No one can imagine gambling as a recreational sport where one can create lasting friendships. Unless a gambling club over sports betting is considered a friendly circle.
The false sense of belonging that causes people to overspend is a fear response. The gambling problem that has overtaken people’s lives has created a real void.
A psychological problem associated with gambling and overspending is something that has to be studied deeply.
Understand the system to heal the void.
The system is designed so that one ignores the sense of belonging to a club without accounting for the cost to be part of the club. Some purchase luxury cars, designer bags, or clothing without proper planning. This is money that could go to investing in one’s future.
Those who study the market fill up the gap, even if people are left vulnerable. What needs to be observed is not the money spent, but the underlying cause of reckless spending. There’s an apparent void that is deeper than one can understand through psychological research.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10
The coldness of wanting to succeed at all costs is dangerous. We observe daily that much of the state funds are lost through fraud and mismanagement of taxpayers’ money. Funds that should be used to build hospitals and provide proper health care for society are being used for fraudulent tenders and to enrich corrupt officials.
Escapism, abuse of alcohol, club entertainment, and the broken family unit have contributed to a damaged society. When there’s deep sorrow in our society, there’s no fruitful pursuit.
The only way to heal is to acknowledge the problem first. Then replace the undesired habits with something meaningful. Something that will build sustainable generational wealth without corruption or greedy means to attain success.
How to replace the thrill with consistency:
1. Exercise discipline.
Start a habit that replaces the time you spend on your cell phone, gambling, or shopping. Pick up a hobby that allows you to exert the same endorphins you chase by overspending or gambling through physical exercise.
Doing physical training through apps or online videos can help you stay in prime shape. Therefore, you get the same thrill you chase by benefiting your body and mental state.
2. Plan your financial goals.
There’s a correlation between debt and access to credit facilities, as one assumes it is free money. But the interest paid could go towards investments or to other important expenses. Access to credit facilities without proper risk management is a huge problem. The booming businesses offering cash loans have ruined people’s lives.
When some are desperate for cash, they sell possessions at a loss to fund gambling and overspending habits. Assets are often sold for less than the market value. Desperation impairs the ability to bargain properly. However, some who have acquired too much stuff might need to give away or sell some cars, designer clothing, bags, or electronics.
Having a plan is important. The four ways to stay up-to-date with paying bills help manage one’s budget.
3. Automate and plan investment goals.
Set up an investment plan and automate an amount from your budget towards investment goals. The amount spent on gambling or overspending can now be redirected to investments.
One of the best exercises is to download a compound interest tool or watch a YouTube video on how to create one in Google Sheets or LibreOffice Calc. Or visit the websites of investment companies that have tools to show you the historical performances of different financial instruments.
For example, if one spends 250 rands per week on gambling, that’s 1,000 per month, which adds up to 12,000 per year. Through consistent automated investment, the power of compound interest can make you rich. If one invested 1,000 rands per month on the Satrix Top 40 over twenty years from 2006 to 2026, the total amount would be 907,001 rands today. Most opportunities go unrealized because being patient is hard when it comes to money.
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Proverbs 13:11
To labor through a consistent plan by being patient and careful with all that is readily available to you. Just as some have spent 250 rands per week on gambling or acquiring unnecessary goods and services, the same discipline can help one become wealthy.
Vanity denotes excessive spending or concerns about looking attractive or appearing rich to others. That’s how some industries or professions have managed to create a false illusion of vanity standards by selling a certain way of life, which means success to others. That’s why some jackpot winners or people who have inherited money in excess of 10 million rands become broke after a while. If there’s no discipline and a structured plan, there’s often no hope in managing finances successfully.
The best way to avoid chasing the thrill.
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:10-12
Healing has to take place within society and individually. God’s counseling is the only way to heal the chase of the thrill. When contentment is the pursuit of one’s life, there’s no worry about how one looks in the eyes of the world. Contentment allows you to follow through with your labored plan and God’s plan.
Disclaimer: Upper Ground is not liable for any financial decisions you make. Consult a certified financial professional for financial services.
