You’ve Won the Lottery: What’s the First Thing You’d Do?
Imagine this: you’ve just won the lottery. What’s the first thing you do? While the impulse might seem simple, psychologists would likely have a lot to say about how you handle the sudden wealth.
Who do you tell first? Do you quit your job on the spot? How would you behave, and what emotions would come up? Would you hide away, overwhelmed by the attention, or would your first instinct be to donate to a local cause? It’s tough to know exactly how you’d react, especially if you’ve never had access to such a large sum of money. But, you might have an inkling, or at least a rough idea, of how you’d handle the situation.
Having Money is Just the Beginning
Your first reaction to winning the lottery is just the starting point. It’s easy to assume that having money would solve all your problems, but as you might have heard, money can also change people. But what exactly does this change look like, and why does it happen? The debate around money’s effect on our behavior is ongoing, but psychologists generally agree that money does, indeed, impact the way we think and act.
Paul Piff, a professor of social psychology at the University of California, has studied the impact of money on behavior. He believes that wealth can bring out the worst in us. According to Piff, “The more money you have, the more focused on yourself you become, and less sensitive to the welfare of those around you.” In one experiment, Piff observed how players acted in a game of Monopoly. Those who started with more money in the game were louder, ruder, and more dominant.
Ego and Entitlement in the Wealthy
Piff also notes that people who come from wealth often feel a sense of entitlement, which can lead to selfish behaviors. This entitlement might cause them to act in ways that are less ethical—thinking only of themselves, lying, or even breaking the law. However, the relationship between money and behavior isn’t all black and white. Piff also found that while wealthier individuals might seem less generous at first, they are often willing to help when they are made aware of someone’s need.
In short, money might make you more self-focused, but it doesn’t necessarily make you a bad person. It’s important to understand that while wealth does influence how people think and act, it’s often a byproduct of how we, as individuals, perceive the world through a financial lens. For example, many people want to show their success to others. So, it makes sense that if you suddenly had the means, you’d want to flaunt your new car to your neighbor who’s always had more but never showed it off.
Embrace the Change
The reality is that major life changes, like coming into money, will inevitably alter you in some way. This change isn’t inherently bad—it’s just a part of life. If you’re aware of how these changes might manifest, such as becoming more focused on yourself or more materialistic, it’s a good idea to periodically check in with yourself. If you feel like you’re straying too far from your values, it could help to ask a trusted friend or family member to keep you grounded.
Just like any other big life shift, having money will change you. But, you have the power to decide how it changes you.
Still afraid of what money might do to you? Maybe today is the perfect day to stop worrying and try your luck with the Irish lottery. It could be your turn to embrace the change!