There he stood, an unassuming figure in a sea of everyday people—yet beneath the surface, he was the king of his own glittering kingdom. Our protagonist, a franchise owner of Canadian Tire and a private equity investor, held the keys to an Aladdin’s Cave of wealth. But you’d never guess it, given the lengths he went to downplay his affluence.

With a whisper, he confided his net worth. A number so astonishing, even Google might struggle to estimate it accurately. Yet, his intent was clear: he wanted the world to believe he was far poorer than reality. Why? To avoid the avalanche of problems that come with being rich.

In a world obsessed with wealth, his affluence had become a burden. Imagine meeting someone new, only to have them ask for an investment in their latest business venture. Picture a distant relative suddenly appearing, pleading for help with debt. Or even closer to home—family members expecting freebies from his Canadian Tire store. And then, there were the changes in behavior, the subtle shifts in how people treated him when they knew about his wealth. To him, being rich was not a blessing but a curse, a weight that occupied his every thought.

And yet, despite this, he found himself chasing more. More wealth, more investments, more success. The irony was palpable. Here was a man drowning in riches, yet he couldn’t stop himself from diving deeper into the pool. It’s a phenomenon many wealthy individuals grapple with—this relentless pursuit of more, even when they already possess an abundance.

Dan Sullivan, the Founder of Strategic Coach, calls this the “Gap and Gain” mindset. It's the idea that wealthy individuals often focus on what they haven’t achieved rather than appreciating what they have. They measure their success against others’ wealth, never pausing to give themselves credit for their accomplishments. It’s a vicious cycle, one that leaves them perpetually dissatisfied.

But let’s take a step back. Wealth, in its truest sense, is a process. It’s not just about the numbers in your bank account, but the journey you’ve taken, the lives you’ve touched, and the impact you’ve made. Our Canadian Tire franchise owner, for all his wealth, had created opportunities, provided jobs, and positively influenced countless lives through his investments and businesses.

Yet, as he stood on the precipice of even greater wealth, one question loomed large: on his deathbed, would he want to be surrounded by his financial statements, or by the people who loved him for who he was, not what he had?

It’s a question every wealthy individual must ponder. The chase for more is never-ending, but the true measure of wealth is found in relationships, experiences, and the legacy you leave behind. Our protagonist’s story is a reminder that wealth is not just about accumulating riches; it’s about recognizing and appreciating the gains, and understanding that sometimes, the greatest wealth lies not in what you have, but in who you are.

So, as we navigate our own journeys to wealth, let’s remember to celebrate our gains, cherish our relationships, and keep our eyes on what truly matters. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the wealth in our bank accounts that defines us, but the wealth in our hearts.