Money is an emotional subject for many of us. Fear and anxieties around money are common and can often dictate our lives in ways we don't even realize. Right here, right now, we'll discuss some of the most common money fears and thoughts and how to overcome them. By learning to change a money mindset, you can free yourself from the negative thoughts and fears holding you back. Fears that you may never have known were even present.
You are probably familiar with the saying, "Money can't buy happiness." But what you may not know is that money can buy freedom, choice and independence. The happiness part is entirely down to what you do with those dividends and what you want from life.
The more money you have, the more choices and opportunities you have. And while it's true that there are many things money can't buy, it's also true that having savings gives you options and flexibility that those who don't have money stored away often don't have.
Ready for the switch?
So how do we start to change our mindset around money? How do we go from feeling fear or anxiety around it to viewing it as a tool for creating the life we want?
It starts with understanding your relationship with money and getting honest about your thoughts and feelings. Only then can you begin to make changes to create a more positive mindset around wealth. So if you're ready, let's dive into this topic together!
We all have a money mindset. It's the collection of thoughts and fears about money accumulated over time. Unfortunately, many of us unwittingly develop a negative money headspace which prevents us from getting ahead and staying ahead.
If you want to achieve your financial goals, you need to overcome those anchoring limiting beliefs. So let's explore that now.
Nine fears that are crushing your money dreams
1. Believe that you are not worthy of having money
Feeling unworthy of money is a common and deeply-rooted issue that many of us face. It can stem from a variety of sources, such as a lack of money management skills or unfavourable money-related experiences in childhood. These money fears can significantly impact our daily lives, often causing us to limit our potential through self-sabotage. This can take the form of undercharging for services, neglecting money-making opportunities, and avoiding conversations about money altogether. By recognizing the source of our money-related anxieties and taking steps to address them, we can break out of our current cycles and interactions with money to build a life in which we feel secure and worthy enough to pursue the money opportunities that come our way.
2. No plan to make and save money
Not having a money plan can be intimidating, especially when you don't think money management skills come naturally. So many people are worried about money — not having enough, making the wrong decisions, and incurring more debt. But the good news is that creating a money plan, more often called a budget, can help reduce money fears and empower you to manage your money better. The more control you have over your money, the more likely you will be able to save money and build wealth in the long run.
Developing a plan for both short-term and long-term financial success gives you an edge by clarifying your ultimate money goals and offering direction for each step. Having a money plan doesn't only lead to stress relief; it also creates positive changes in managing your money that can bring financial freedom.
3. Not taking action towards your goals
Money fears can be one of the most paralyzing feelings someone experiences. Taking action towards your money goals is key in setting yourself up for financial security and stability. It doesn't have to be an intimidating process - small steps of progress can make a major difference in your money management. Start by assessing your money situation as honestly and thoroughly as possible, then brainstorm a few changes you can make to take control of it. Making realistic plans tailored to your needs and limits will equip you with the confidence and motivation you need to stay on track with your money journey. Don't forget to reward yourself for milestones achieved - financial security begins with you!
4. Not being patient
Patience is an invaluable trait when it comes to money management. We're all guilty of wanting money fast, and it's no surprise that money fears can drive us to take desperate measures. But don't forget the adage-Rome wasn't built in a day! To be responsible with your money, you should practice being patient. There are so many money tips and strategies out there, and when you take the time to research the best one for you, your finances will thank you for it. Investing money takes time before returns are seen; patience and a plan are essential here. . When good money management is exercised, time is your friend-- like any building project, when patience and dedication are called upon, impressive results will follow.
5. Forgetting to stay positive, especially when things get tough
It's easy to forget to stay positive when money fears and other worries arise. Although it may feel like the demands of life are too much, focusing on the things you can control and finding ways to cope with difficult circumstances can help you keep a positive outlook. Taking time out of your day for self-care, whether exercising, reading a book or talking with friends, is also crucial in helping us stay in tune with ourselves when times get tough. Remember that you can choose how you see yourself and your current situation - it can be an opportunity for growth or inspiration if you look for it!
6. Not practising gratitude for what you have
It's important to keep things in perspective and practice gratitude. Appreciating what you have can alleviate money fears because it helps us to remember that there are always good things in our lives. Additionally, by taking the time to be thankful for what we already possess, we may better set ourselves up for success from now on. Finally, focusing on how far we have come instead of comparing ourselves to someone else can make the journey much easier when working towards financial security.
7. Not believing that you are worth more than your current net worth
Achieving financial balance is no small task, and money fears are commonplace for many. This can make it difficult to recognize your worth. However, understanding that you have an inherent value beyond your current net worth is essential to preserve mental clarity and emotional stability on your money journey. It's not just money that highlights our self-worth; our interactions in numerous other areas shape how we see ourselves and others. That's why believing in yourself and pushing through money roadblocks with integrity will work wonders for you on the path to achieving financial harmony.
8. Not having money goals.
Financial goals often evoke money fears, making them challenging to undertake. However, regularly working towards financial objectives can be a source of great success, and this is best achieved through consistent effort. Taking small steps each day to reach your money goals is essential; tiny improvements over time can lead to far-reaching results. Establishing achievable benchmarks will also assist you in meeting your financial goals. You can then celebrate each milestone along the way towards financial security.
9. Impulsive spending
Practising delayed gratification is a crucial money management tool to help us conquer money fears. Impulse purchases may give us short-term satisfaction, but it costs money that could have been saved or used towards investments or other larger goals that would benefit us in the long term. As such, we must resist unnecessary purchases and delay these gratifications until we can responsibly afford them. Adopting this mindset will help foster money security now and in the future, giving us the confidence to set higher money goals for ourselves.
Final Thoughts
It's time to take back our power and create lives we love. We can do this by getting honest with ourselves about money, learning what triggers our fear and anxiety around it, and then taking action steps to address those fears. When we understand how money works in our lives - and how we work with money - we can create a life of abundance and prosperity. So what are you waiting for? There is no better time than now to take the next step.
I'll be sharing more money-saving tips and money mindset tips with you soon, so stay tuned! In the meantime, make sure you are subscribed to the Smart Money Times Newsletter and get your hands on my new ebook From Out of Control to Cruise Control, 20 Simple Things to Completely Transform Your Money Life here
Disclaimer: This is information – not financial advice or recommendation
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