We have all unconsciously downloaded misinformation into our brains. We now have to consciously begin identifying our early money programming memories based on our family, early childhood and how we were raised. It will take some work to identify and change those beliefs.
By finding and following The Money Nerve, you have already started the process of self-discovery. The more I’ve learned about myself, the more I’ve understood the impact that even the most seemingly insignificant events have had on my life and that probably rings true for you as well.
Before you start any journey, you need to know where you want to go (your goal), what you have to work with (your beliefs), and what new things you will bring (your new perspective).
It’s important to bring your story to consciousness so that you begin to take responsibility for where you are. This, in turn, helps you make clearer choices that will take you where you WANT to go—and allows you to realize your own power.
Explore some of your old habits and see if those actions are still serving you. If they hold you back, it is time to clean out any financial and emotional “trash” and move forward. Once you are aware of where you sabotage yourself financially, you can begin to change your automatic responses. Be more present and listen carefully to the words you are using. As you start to consciously hear yourself creating roadblocks, choose to intentionally reroute your mind toward the fresh course of action that you have set for yourself.
Start by setting aside time to think, reflect and write down your thoughts, present and future. Spending time by yourself gives you the ability to hear your own voice and discover your dreams. Einstein said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
With a certain amount of quiet time, you start to listen with the ears behind your ears. You may hear voices saying, “Only special people do that,” “I don’t deserve it”— and the voices may not be your own. It will sound like you are saying it, but if you are like me, you might hear your parents telling you that you are not capable. Tell those voices to be quiet; you are busy. And then go back and pay attention to your own voice.
Are you ready to take action? If you hate your job, find your passion and work in that field. If you don’t have skills, take classes. If you hate being broke, start saving. If you are unhappy with your debt, make a plan to pay it down while curbing spending.
What is working for you and what isn’t? Are you ready to start creating your financial freedom even if the process is scary? Now you can begin to head in a new direction.
Invest in Value for Long Term Sustainability
The financial quick-fixers have a duct tape mentality, and contrary to popular belief, duct tape doesn’t fix everything. They may get immediate results, but are not actually dealing with the cause of their problem.
If you are overdrawn in your bank account, you might think you are doing right by using your credit card to bring your account back into balance. That is robbing Peter to pay Paul. The reality is that you are creating more debt for yourself and adding interest payments to what you owe already.
I joke that I wish I could “un-know” what I know. It is a lot more work when you start to take responsibility for your life. Imagine going to a seminar and hearing that there are eight steps you have to take in order to become a millionaire. Many people in the seminar will stop at four steps and say, “I’ve finished four steps, why don’t I have 500,000 dollars?”
We live in a volatile world. Instead of being a financial quick-fixer, take a longer view into the future and begin to make choices will create a healthy and abundant lifestyle over time.
- Figure out where you are: Take a look at your spending habits and write down every purchase in a month.
- Identify your priorities: How can you reallocate funds to support your priorities and provide additional value in your life?
- Create a financial support system: Actively seek support utilizing professional advice, friends, financial tools, software and applications to set yourself up for success.
Once you learn to work with your list of financial goals and stop operating out of fear regarding money, you will see your efforts transfer to other aspects of your life. You may feel more financially confident once you have a clear vision of where you are and where you want to be.
Empowering yourself financially allows you to toss out old reactions and habits. You choose your actions! As you tap into your own power, you no longer wait for luck to happen or hope that you win the lottery—you actively take charge of your life. I call this positive lifestyle where the riches of life are inherent in your soul—proactive abundance!
