Money, finances, investments… it is easy to see why, logically, financial success could be considered a numbers game. However, real financial success requires much more than just numbers that work.
It also requires passion, interest, determination, commitment, perseverance, optimism, resilience, and more. This is why mindset is such a critical ingredient to the financial success equation.
Here are six steps you can take to improve your mindset and create a more successful relationship with your money, to enable you to live a better life, today:
- Determine your Values
When was the last time you thought about what was MOST important to you?
Your core life values are a valuable tool when considering your personal finances. If you are not living (and spending) in alignment with your values, then you might start to feel some dissatisfaction or a sense that something is missing.
Your values should function as a lighthouse when decision making so that you can make sure your financial decisions, and life, are heading in the direction of those things that are most important to you.
- Have a Vision
Once you know your core values, the next step is to get clarity on your big picture – AKA your vision.
The key word here is ‘your’.
It’s easy to get caught up in ‘keeping up with the Joneses’, but it’s highly unlikely the Joneses have the same values, priorities, or vision as you… so keeping up with them will not only likely be very expensive, but will also only get you somewhere that you never really wanted to be in in the first place.
Remember your values, priorities, and your vision, stay in your own lane, and enjoy the journey towards achieving your own goals, at your own pace.
- Review your Belief Systems
‘Money doesn’t grow on trees’. ‘Money is the root of all evil’. ‘Money doesn’t buy happiness’.
You’ve no doubt heard one or all of these common sayings or beliefs about money.
The belief system of a person or society is the set of beliefs that they have about what is right and wrong and what is true and false (Collins Dictionary 2022).
They are often formed through our experiences when we are children and guide our thoughts and behaviours throughout life. We often don’t have great role models when it comes to our beliefs about money, so it is not surprising that many people have a challenging relationship with money.
If you find that you have limiting beliefs around money, it might be time to rewrite your money story.
- Find a Healthy Balance
We know from diet culture that having a highly restrictive diet and/or exercise regime is unhealthy and often difficult to maintain.
Balance is key to a healthy lifestyle. The same is true for your budget.
Having an unrealistic budget will only set you up for disappointment, so make sure you are being honest when preparing your budget and strike a healthy balance between living life in the present and setting aside funds for the future you.
This might also include having a reality check around your goals and ensuring these are realistic and achievable.
- Take Action
Nothing happens without action. Successful and unsuccessful people often share the same goals. It’s only when you implement a system of continuous small improvements that you achieve a different outcome[1].
Whilst goals are good for setting a direction, it’s the systems you implement that enable you to progress toward that direction. If you want better results, then focus on your systems (or habits). Habits are like the atoms of our lives, each one a fundamental unit that contributes to your overall improvement.
It doesn’t matter how successful you are right now. What matters is whether your habits are setting you on the path to success.
- Express Gratitude
Practicing gratitude isn’t just another new age concept. Positive psychology and the effects of gratitude have been scientifically researched, with most studies finding a link between gratitude and improved well-being.
According to research by Robert Emmons, author of ‘Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier’, regular grateful thinking can increase happiness by as much as 25 percent[2].
Next time you’re feeling down about your financial situation, take a moment to acknowledge the positives in your life to shift your thinking!
The key to financial success is more than just about numbers, just as achieving your financial goals requires – more than a well thought out financial plan.
You can take steps to align your plan with your values to improve your beliefs around money, and take action to live a grateful and balanced life, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving greater financial success.
What action will you take to get started on improving your financial mindset and creating a more successful relationship with your money today?
[1] Atomic habits by James Clear
[2] https://www.amazon.com/Thanks-Practicing-Gratitude-Make-Happier/
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