How much of what we believe about money is not of our own thoughts or intuitions? How much regarding money do we hold onto from the beliefs or suggestions from others without even realizing it? Often times, we have bought into other people’s mindsets on money – be it our parents, our teachers, or our social environment. We hold onto the things we have been told to, or perhaps we are not ready to let go of them – even if they are wrong or misrepresented.
When I started to look at this subject a little more closely in the different classes and trainings I offer, I realized that there are many stereotypes and a lot of preconceived ideas around money: it’s hard to come by, it flows freely for some and only some, there are the amazingly rich people and the very poor, … money is rotten, dirty, a lot in life, or if I have too much of it someone will steal from me, etc.
Then add debt into the equation and it becomes a heaping helping of shame and guilt, or further crisis.
Over time, I gleaned and collected many simple tools to change your point of view on money, debt and wealth. Here are some that I hope will adjust your money mindset and overall help you become money healthy:
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Stop disinviting money from your life.
At first, I didn’t understand what this meant. I did the same as everyone else: I used money irresponsibly, while complaining that I did not have enough of it. Well, therein lies the problem: not recognizing the money you already have. To have gratitude for what you have is the beginning of change. You change your mindset. Money is an energy that follows joy. By having gratitude, it makes you happier and it invites money into your life. It’s weird, huh? Therefore, it’s a training point, similar to a muscle you work with. And you can start now. Whenever you talk about your situation, look at the words you use, what energy you are in, the points of view you convey, and so on. Your points of view create your reality. The more you are in a negative state of mind, the more you will attract uncomfortable situations. Have you ever experienced this? When you say, “I’m not going to get there,” guess what’s going on? Do you succeed? Invite money by recognizing everything you already have, everything around you that is a contribution to you, everything that allows you to move forward and that you have not seen or considered yet. And it’s not necessarily all about money. It may be someone who supports you, someone who offers you something, who participates in your life in one way or another. Expand the vision you have of your life.
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If money was not the problem, what would you choose?
Every time you open your wallet or use your debit or credit cards to pay for something, start considering your thoughts. Be aware of what is going on in your mind in those moments. And if it’s a negative thought, an emotion such as shame, fear, regret or guilt, then take the time to look at what it is and recognize it. Then let go of it without critiquing yourself or making yourself wrong. You will feel lighter and start to change your relationship with money. Ask yourself, “If money was not the problem, would I buy that?” If the answer is yes, go without the guilt. The point is to be honest with yourself without judgment. What is right for you? What works for you? I use this tool when I buy an electrical appliance for example. What features am I looking for? Will all these options be useful to me? And in the end, I do not necessarily choose the most expensive device or the one with the largest options. Try to look at each situation honestly.
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Commit
To yourself. It’s crucial, it’s your life. You have one life to live and it is not a test. So, commit to yourself. Do not rely on others to live your life. It’s yours and you’re driving. It is not necessarily easy to read these words. This applies to debt too – it’s your life, it’s your situation, it’s you who got there and it’s you who will get out. So, ready to give up the comfort of being in debt? What could you change today in your situation? What do you think is unchangeable? I’m not talking about doing things in a different way, rather it’s about becoming aware of what no longer works for you and making different choices. In fact, nothing is unchangeable.
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Know exactly where you are in financial terms.
This is a key point. Be aware of what you need to live. We often minimize what it costs us to live each month and that is why our debts do not decrease. Look at your unavoidable expenses, the fixed costs, make the calculation to get this awareness. This financial review may allow you to see costs paid twice, as for insurance, for example. Do not be afraid to look at your financial situation in a precise and rigorous way. This exercise will bring you clarity on your inputs and outputs. And maybe even optimization ideas will come to you. Who can you ask for more comfort in your situation? What activity, easy and obvious for you, could you add to what you are already doing which could provide you with new income for example? Who owes you money or a service that would allow you to change something in your situation? Again, expand the vision you have of your financial situation. Step back to see possible doors that were invisible to you hitherto.
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Start having money to have money.
It’s not about having money to spend it. The energy is different, and you will feel more and more comfortable as you know you have money. It is a sensation, a well-being, an inner calm which invades you little by little and allows you to relax. You are gradually emerging from the feeling of lack that occupied you until then. So, how to have money? It is very simple. For every amount of money that comes in your life, you put 10% aside and you do not touch them. As you go, these 10% will increase until you feel this relaxation “to have money.” These 10% are not to save money or in anticipation of expenses or for a future project. They are there for you to have money. You will not spend them. And if it’s easier for you, you can start by putting 5% aside and increase later. The idea is to set in motion a system that will become natural to you and change your financial reality.
I did tell you; these tips are very easy to implement, and they are for everybody. You just have to choose to play with them and adjust them to your own situation. You can start with the one that pops up and add the others as you go. Have fun with them and start to become aware of your inner operations. This will allow you to change your situation with ease. What if money could be a joyful addition to your life?
