The stock market is soaring. Everywhere I go, the conversation is the same: “Ritu, the market is at an all-time high! Where should I invest? How can I double my money?”
My answer is always the same: Of course, you should invest. Who doesn’t want to be financially free? Who doesn’t want to build a legacy for their children? But before you open that trading app, I want to ask you one question—and I want you to be brutally honest with yourself.
Suppose you have 50,000 crores in your bank account today. But, there is a catch: you don’t have the right to touch it, the strength to enjoy it, or the breath to spend it. Is that money worth anything to you?
Recently, I had the honor of speaking at the National Wealth Summit in Kolkata. While the room was filled with financial gurus talking about ROIs and portfolios, my topic was a bit different:
Health is the Real Wealth. After the session, so many of my friends and followers requested me to share the crux of that talk. They realized that while they were busy building empires, they were neglecting the only vehicle that allows them to enjoy that empire—their body.
Checkout: Ritu Inspires Healthcare
The 45,000 Crore Regret: The Lesson of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
We all know the legend of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. He is the ultimate inspiration for every Indian investor. He started his journey in 1985 with just ₹5,000 and, by the time he passed away, he had built a net worth of roughly ₹45,000 crores.
But there is a heartbreaking side to this success story.
He once told his dear friend Anand Mahindra, “I wish I live up to the age where I can see my children turn 25.” Think about that for a second. Most of us take it for granted that we will see our children grow up, get married, and have their own kids. We assume we will be there at age 60, 70, or 80.
But near the end, the “Big Bull” of the share market was worried. There is a famous video of him dancing in a wheelchair; his spirit was alive, but his body had given up. He couldn’t even stand. It is said that at one point, he remarked he would be ready to give 1,000 crores just for one more year of healthy life.
He earned the world, but he ran out of time to enjoy it with his family.
Checkout: Healthy Relationships 2026: Healing a Broken Heart and Moving Forward with Strength
Why Do We Keep Financial Records But Ignore Health Records?
As an entrepreneur or a professional, you probably keep meticulous records. You have:
Profit and Loss statements.
Investment portfolios.
Balance sheets.
Tax records.
But let me ask you: Where is your Health Balance Sheet? Do you have a record of your health cycle? Do you know where your blood pressure is heading? Is your sugar level spiking? Is your cholesterol quietly clogging your dreams? We analyze market trends every hour, but we don’t analyze our own vital organs until they scream for help.
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The Steve Jobs Example
Even the greatest visionaries fall into this trap. Reports suggest that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, had a form of pancreatic cancer that could have been treated more effectively if he had opted for conventional surgery and medical intervention earlier. Doctors believe he could have lived many more years.
When we ignore the “maintenance” of our body because we are “too busy” making money, we are essentially committing financial success at the cost of life itself.
The Secret to a Long, Vibrant Life: Look at the Elders
On the flip side, I see people who have mastered the balance. In my Rotary circle, many know Raja Sabu, the former President of Rotary International. He is around 85 years old now, and I have watched him for the last 20 years.
He is incredible! He travels internationally, gives powerful lectures, and leads medical missions to help the poor. I have seen him with my own eyes—he is active, sharp, and full of life.
What is his secret? It’s discipline. He knows exactly how much to eat. He carries home-cooked food. He avoids fried, processed junk. He treats his body like a temple because he knows that if the temple falls, the God within has nowhere to stay.
The Silent Killer: Mental Wealth
Wealth isn’t just physical; it’s mental. If you search the internet, you will find the tragic stories of successful entrepreneurs like Suraj Parmar, Sanjay Agarwal, and Paras Porwal. These were billionaire builders and successful businessmen.
Why did they commit suicide?
They had the money. They had the fame. But they lacked mental strength. We focus so much on “hustle culture” that we forget to build emotional resilience. If your mind is weak, no amount of money can save you from the pressures of life.
My Advice: Build Your Two Empires Simultaneously
I am not telling you to stop making money. I want you to be the wealthiest version of yourself! But I want you to be able to use that wealth.
Audit Your Health: Just as you check your bank balance, check your vitals every six months.
Invest in “Health Assets”: 30 minutes of exercise is a deposit into your future. Eating clean is a dividend you’ll reap at age 70.
Prioritize Mental Health: Don’t be afraid to seek coaching or therapy. Strength isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting the weight of your thoughts.
The “25-Year” Goal: Don’t just plan to be rich in 25 years; plan to be running a marathon in 25 years.
Checkout: Why Read ‘I Decided Not To Cry’
Conclusion: Your Best Investment
Don’t let the opportunity to enjoy your hard-earned success slip away. Don’t create a massive empire only to watch it from a hospital bed.
Health is the real wealth. Without it, your “net worth” is just a number on a piece of paper that someone else will eventually spend. Take care of your body, take care of your mind, and then—and only then—will your money truly be yours.
Would you like me to help you create a “Holistic Success Plan” that balances your professional goals with your personal well-being?
