5 Empowering Steps to Grow a Great Financial Mindset – Guest Blog
Money has been at the forefront of many people’s minds over the past few years with job instability, changes in tax, and decreasing pay cheques etc. It is understandable that the change in the economy has not passed without leaving a negative effect on our financial mindsets. However, I would like to instil the confidence to accept with certainty that money can be made in all economic climates; and in this article I will be sharing my top five steps to help you rebuild and regain a healthy financial mindset, so you can live in health, wealth, and abundance – in any economic climate.
Step 1
First of all identify as many of the limiting thoughts and beliefs you have with regard to money. For example, “I’d rather be healthy than be rich.”, “There’s not enough money to go round.”, “We can’t afford it.”, “Rich people are selfish.”, “You have to work hard to earn more money.” etc. Why? Because in the first instance, why must you choose to be healthy or rich? Why can’t you have both? And if you think rich people are selfish you would not want to become selfish which means that, subconsciously, you would sabotage your effort to become rich because of course rich people are selfish, aren’t they? Once you have identified these limiting beliefs, think about each one and laugh, to yourself or out aloud, at the nonsense of these beliefs. Also, find evidence to the contrary, e.g. that rich people are in fact generous.
Step 2
Now, write down at least 10 great things that you can do with some extra money. Here are five to get you started:
1) Give an extra $1,000 to your favourite charity.
2) Put down a deposit on that new apartment/house you love so much.
3) Take the holiday in the Caribbean that you have always wanted.
4) Buy yourself a new flash car.
5) Pay off all your existing bills and debts and live financially free.
Why is this important? – Because your personal reasons are more powerful than your goals.
Step 3
Next, write down some empowering declaration about money. I do not mean affirmations such as “I am a millionaire.” which is most probably not true and neither your conscious nor unconscious mind will be fooled. What I do mean is declarations such as “I value money.” “I want to be healthy and rich.” “There are many ways to make more money.” “Many rich people are generous and give large amounts of money to charities.” “I have a millionaire mind.” “I am a money magnet.” This last declaration is particularly powerful when said at times of prosperity such as when you find a coin in the street.
Step 4
Next develop healthy habits towards money such as:
- Saving money regularly whatever amount you can afford and remember that even $5 per week is $260 per year plus interest.
- Buy cheaper branded shopping products, or look out for good deals in the sales – this will help you to save even more money.
- Stop smoking and use the money you will save – $5+ (pack of 20) – towards something that will make you feel good like a massage, manicure, new hair style, a new dress…
- Shopping on-line can help too! There are many bargains to be found online.
Step 5
The fifth step is to develop a love affair with money. Love it! Think about it! Dream of ways of making it! Imagine what you could do with lots more of it! Find and create opportunities for making more money. Why? Well, if you don’t care deeply enough about a ‘friend’, how often do you think they will visit you or stay with you?
Finally, I want to encourage all women to educate themselves about money – and I don’t just mean how to add numbers together. I mean real education. Go to seminars like ‘Millionaire Minds II’ (a whole day seminar dedicated to helping you gain an excellent financial mindset) and read inspiring and educational books about money. I would highly recommend ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ by Robert Kiyosaki – this will completely change the way you look at and think about money. And if you are really serious, get a life coach to work with you one2one.
I challenge YOU to make a start. Stop thinking and start doing. You can wish for something better. You can hope for something better. You can intend for something better. But the truth is: actions are what make a difference to your life.
To your physical, spiritual and your financial health!
Anthony Fleming is a life coach and co-founder of Passion4Life alongside his wife Shoreh. They are currently focusing on helping people to change their financial mindsets to lead to less financial strain in their lives. For more information please visit: www.passion4life.org