"Las tres grandes en la vida son riqueza salud y felicidad. Las perseguimos en ese orden pero su importancia es al revés."

The heart of this quote is about priorities. It’s pointing out that while we often chase after money first, then focus on our health, and finally think about happiness, we’ve got things backward. What really matters most is happiness, then health, and wealth is actually last on the list.

Now, let’s rewind a bit—why was this said, and when? The idea isn’t new, but it’s one of those things we need to be reminded of, especially in today's fast-paced world. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, climbing the career ladder or hustling for that next pay raise, thinking that more money will solve everything. But this notion has been around for ages, gently tapping on our shoulders, reminding us to slow down and rethink our priorities.

Let’s dive into an example. Picture Sarah, a marketing executive. She’s been laser-focused on her career for the last decade, working late nights, skipping vacations, and thinking, “Once I make VP, I’ll be happy.” She gets the promotion, but at what cost? Her relationships are strained, she’s gained weight, and she’s constantly stressed. Her wealth has grown, sure, but her health and happiness? Not so much.

One day, Sarah has a wake-up call—literally. She ends up in the hospital with a stress-induced condition. Lying in that hospital bed, she realizes something’s got to give. So, she starts small. First, she prioritizes her health. Regular workouts, better diet, and meditation become her new non-negotiables. And guess what? She begins to feel better, physically and mentally. Then, she shifts her focus to happiness. She reconnects with old friends, picks up painting, a hobby she’d abandoned, and starts spending more quality time with her family. Gradually, she finds herself smiling more, feeling lighter. The wealth? It’s still there, but it’s no longer the all-consuming priority.

So, how do you apply this? Start by flipping your priorities. Focus on what genuinely makes you happy. Maybe it’s spending time with loved ones, traveling, or simply reading a good book. Make time for these things. Next, invest in your health. You don’t need to run marathons—consistent, small steps like a daily walk or choosing to eat more veggies can make a huge difference. The wealth part? It’ll follow. When you’re happy and healthy, you’re more productive, creative, and resilient. And those qualities? They’re like magnets for success.

Now, imagine sitting in a cozy coffee shop with a friend. You’re talking about life, and they’re stressing over a big project at work. You share Sarah’s story. You say, “Look, I get it. We all want to succeed. But think about it—what’s the point of all that money if you’re too sick or unhappy to enjoy it? Focus on what makes you happy first, take care of your health, and the rest will follow.” They nod, maybe a bit skeptical, but you can see the wheels turning.

In the end, it’s all about perspective. We chase after wealth thinking it’ll bring happiness, but it’s often the reverse. Happiness and health are the true treasures. Wealth? That’s just the cherry on top. So next time you’re tempted to put in those extra hours for a bit more cash, maybe take a moment to consider what truly matters. You might find that happiness and health are the real goals, and everything else just falls into place.