My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Debunking of $70k happiness plateau in favor of continuous income-happiness correlation
Timeframe: Current shift happening in 2023+
What's Changing
Scientific consensus shifting from 'money doesn't make you happy above $70k' to 'more money continues increasing happiness up to $500k+'
Driving Forces
Better research methodologies
Larger sample sizes
Recognition of cost of living variations
Improved happiness measurement techniques
Winners
- High earners seeking validation for wealth accumulation
- Financial advisors promoting wealth building
- Career coaches advocating for salary negotiation
Losers
- Minimalist lifestyle advocates
- Companies using low-pay justification
- Anti-materialism movements
How to Position Yourself
Use updated research in salary negotiations
Build products targeting higher-income happiness optimization
Create content debunking old money myths
Early Signals to Watch
Example Implementation
“A financial planning app could market itself as helping users achieve proven happiness levels through systematic wealth building rather than promoting 'enough' money mindset”
Related Knowledge
Dumb vs Dumbass Decision Framework
A framework distinguishing between lack of intelligence (dumb) and poor judgment despite intelligence (dumbass).
Handle public employee termination situations without legal and PR disasters
Employee termination handled with dignity, no legal exposure, minimal negative PR, company reputation protected
Revealed Preference Assessment
Evaluate people's true beliefs and priorities by observing their actions rather than listening to their stated positions
Money continues to increase happiness well beyond basic needs
Wealth accumulation is a rational happiness optimization strategy
elon's not dumb but he's a dumbass and there's a big difference
Intelligence and good judgment are separate capabilities - smart people can consistently make terrible decisions
anytime a rich person tells you money doesn't make you happy just ask them for their money
People's actions reveal their true beliefs better than their words - if money truly didn't matter, wealthy people would