Writing this makes me a very nervous. Criticizing the ultra-wealthy often comes across as being anti-money, anti-success, or anti-ambition. But that’s not where I stand at all. I want you to succeed. I want you to enjoy every perk that wealth brings. If you are working hard, building your business, or achieving financial goals, you deserve to reap the rewards.

But I also want you to avoid the wealth paradox, the psychological shift that can make people less compassionate as they accumulate money. We currently have a front-row seat to this phenomena watching ultra-wealthy in power and deciding elections.

That wealthy people are less empathetic than people with less wealth is not just my opinion; it is backed by science. A 2012 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that wealthier individuals tend to behave less ethically and are less likely to notice or empathise with those who have fewer resources. Similarly, Scientific American reported that financial security can reduce compassion because it insulates people from everyday struggles.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Extreme wealth is not just about private jets (and their impact on the environment), luxury vacations, and real estate, it influences politics, policy, and power. Billionaires do not just run businesses; they shape global conversations and government decisions – as we can currently see every day. Their influence often reflects the psychological distance that extreme wealth creates: Decisions that benefit their interests over the greater good.

And while you could think that this is not of interest for you, because you are just a few self-discipline decisions and morning routines away from becoming ultra-wealthy yourself, keep reading to see how you could profit from keeping your compassion no matter your net worth.

Why Empathy Matters for Your Own Well-Being

Studies show that wealth can affect not just how we relate to others but also our physical and mental health. A study in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in acts of kindness can actually increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Volunteering, for example, has been shown to improve both physical and mental health, boosting everything from mood to immune function. Mayo Clinic research highlights that helping others releases dopamine, giving us those warm feelings of satisfaction, and improving overall life satisfaction. In other words, compassion isn’t just good for the world, it is good for you, too.

The more we distance ourselves from struggles others are going through, the less we are able to connect, and the more it can hurt us in the long run. Staying empathetic does not just benefit others and the society overall, it helps ourselves to keep us grounded and healthier as we continue to grow.

How to Build Wealth Without Losing Your Values

If you are making or having great money, here are a few tips on how you can be financial successful without becoming disconnected:

1. Have a Diverse Group of Friends

Wealth can change your environment and social circle, but staying connected to people outside of your income bracket (people you know from school, University, or other events) helps maintain perspective. This empathy toward those who are not as financially affluent can keep you balanced, ensuring that your financial success is not just about you but about contributing to the broader community.

2. Practice Mindful Generosity

Giving does not have to mean massive donations. It can mean mentorship, supporting causes aligned with your values, or ensuring your business decisions positively impact others. This does not just build a better world, it also creates a more meaningful experience for you as the giver. As research shows, the act of giving is linked to improved well-being and can make you feel more connected to yourself and others.

3. Create a Financial System That Reflects Your Values

Your wealth should work for you and reflect what matters most to you. This means being intentional about where you invest, spend, and donate. Having a financial system aligned with your values does not just help others, it helps you maintain that ethical balance between ambition and compassion. That’s why one of the first step we always take when working together, is deep diving into your values to benchmark all future financial decisions against these values, making sure that you spend your money the way it most benefits you and your well-being.

4. Cultivate Gratitude to Stay Grounded

The more successful you become, the easier it is to focus on what’s next rather than appreciating what you have. Regular gratitude practices can keep you from falling into the trap of entitlement. Gratitude keeps your perspective intact, fostering empathy and a sense of community with others.

5. Success Comes With Ethical Responsibility

This is one of the most important points and very current as well: Wealth brings power and with power comes ethical responsibility. As you continue to grow, it is essential to think about how your success impacts the greater good. Successful individuals have the ability to influence change, and part of that responsibility is to give back. Whether through philanthropy, policy changes, or simple acts of kindness, the more you share your wealth, the more you maintain your compassion and connection to others.

Success and Compassion Can Coexist

Wealth does not have to make you detached, it can be a tool for empowerment, freedom, and positive impact. The goal is not to feel guilty about financial success; it is to ensure that success does not distance you from the world around you.

If you’re growing your wealth and want to ensure your financial systems align with your values, let’s talk. You can build wealth and stay true to yourself, without falling into the wealth paradox.