Issue 74: Your Money Mindset
THE LEAP
BY QUANTUM ORANGE
GROW, EXPAND & EVOLVE
ISSUE 74 | YOUR MONEY MINDSET
Each week The (Quantum) Leap summarises a key aspect of success into what you need to Think, Feel and Do to create a personal shift.
Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.
~ Norman Vincent Peale
THINK
Often, we think we have a positive attitude towards money, but somehow never seem to achieve our goals. In general, our life reflects our beliefs. The same is true for money.
A fundamental issue underlies our our financial results: a direct link between money and self-worth. For many, self-worth is so deeply connected to financial well being that when self-image plummets, so too do financial results.
It is utterly ridiculous to think we can boost our self-esteem by increasing our income, but most people try it at some point, whether they realise it or not.
Our family of origin instills in us very precise ideas and messages about money, work and value. If you’re like most people, many of these messages were negative or restrictive. The people we most love and respect - parents, grandparents, teachers and friends - meant well and certainly wanted us to succeed, but were often not good financial mentors.
Our early childhood messages about money remain buried somewhere in our subconscious until we deal with them, and they can influence our behaviour in ways we aren’t even aware of.
Take a few moments to examine what you were taught about money in your early life:
- What did you learn from your family, friends, school or church about money?
- Were associations to money and wealthy people considered good or bad?
- Was money associated with scarcity or abundance? Explain.
- Do you believe that there is a limited supply of money and opportunity to go around?
FEEL
All subconscious beliefs have accompanying emotions. The stronger the belief, the more charged and obvious the emotions that surround it will be. Shifting your beliefs at a conscious level will be fruitless if you have not also examined the emotions that underpin and exacerbate those beliefs.
Bring to mind a negative belief you hold about money. Perhaps something like, ‘I don’t believe I can win with money’ or ‘Money is hard to come by’.
While you consider this belief, what feelings arise? Explore the feelings.
What happens to your energy while you are thinking about this negative belief?
Your emotions can be a great assistant when it comes to identifying negative beliefs. If you’re feeling low, upset, angry, hurting, blaming, hopeless, or any combination of these emotions, look closely to see what thoughts and beliefs are present.
- What thoughts or beliefs are your emotions pointing to that may need changing?
- What would be a more positive replacement that serves you well?
- How are you going to make that shift?
- What will you do to prevent yourself from slipping back?
DO
Bring to mind your results in one particular area of your financial life. Look at any challenges you are experiencing and write them down.
Now, ask yourself:
- 'What must I believe to have these experiences and get these results?’
- Write the answer down.
- What are you consistently telling yourself about life, yourself or others in regard to money and success with it?
Remember that you are not your beliefs. While you’re exploring your beliefs don’t judge yourself or use your negative self-beliefs as an excuse to beat yourself up. Just observe.
Express and release your feelings rather than denying, repressing, controlling or judging them. This doesn’t mean wallowing in self-pity or giving beliefs that do not serve you undue attention - just accept your emotions and allow them to flow through you. Experience them, express them and release them so you can move on to establishing positive beliefs that will serve you well.
Read. Watch. Listen.
