How to Break Free From a Poor Money Mindset
Many people associate the idea of money with stress and uncertainty. They work harder to earn more, and yet they never get ahead.
This can keep them trapped in a lifelong cycle of fear and struggle around money.
After finally breaking free from a 20-year pattern of the same income-to-debt ratio, I've learned that to break this cycle, I had to discard my limiting beliefs about money.
The Roots of Money Beliefs
We grow up absorbing messages about money from our families, society, and culture. We form childhood beliefs that are closely connected to our emotions and grounded in experiences. Remember that for a child forming their beliefs and understandings of the world, experience is proof!
If your parents experienced financial stress, you likely absorbed the belief that money brings stress. Even if your family talked about money, their fear and frustration spoiled the lessons. Over time, these experiences create subconscious associations between money and negative feelings.
Society Says So too
Our societal narrative further compounds this issue. Money is often seen as a double-edged sword. We need it to survive. But wanting or chasing it is often seen as greedy or immoral. The mainstream media also highlights the negative side of wealth, focusing on greed, corruption, and inequality. All of this skews our perception, making us wary of money and those who have it.
The Morality of Money
One of the most pervasive limiting beliefs is the idea that the desire for money is inherently selfish or wrong. Many people believe that pursuing wealth implies you are willing to sacrifice morals or harm others in the process. Look at all the ambitious people. They are often cast in a negative light, or their morality is questioned, once they start to get ahead financially.
Redefining Deservingness
At the heart of many negative money beliefs is a sense of unworthiness. While having enough money lets us do our best and help others, many doubt they deserve success. This is especially true if they've internalized messages like:
- “Money is hard to come by.”
- “Only greedy people have a lot of money.”
- “I have to sacrifice everything to be wealthy.”
These beliefs can act as mental roadblocks. They can prevent you from pursuing financial goals with the confidence and clarity required to achieve them.
To shift this perspective, start by asking yourself:
Why don’t I feel deserving of great abundance? Often, the answer lies in societal conditioning or outdated beliefs passed down through generations. Recognizing that these beliefs are learned and not absolute truths is the first step to breaking free from them.
It's Time to Shift From Limiting Beliefs to Empowering Actions
Here are practical steps to help you reframe your beliefs about money and embrace the idea that you deserve financial abundance:
1. Identify Your Money Story
Reflect on the messages you received about money growing up. Were there moments when money was tied to stress, conflict, or shame? Write down these memories and identify any recurring themes. When you pull things out into the light, you start to realize how ridiculous they really are.
2. Challenge Negative Beliefs
Ask yourself: Is this belief true? For instance, if you believe “money is evil,” consider examples of people using wealth for good. Replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones creates a foundation for a healthier money mindset.
3. Reframe Deservingness
Remember, wealth isn't a measure of morality. It's a tool for living your best life. You deserve to thrive, not just survive. By doing so, you improve the beliefs and futures of everyone around you.
4. Celebrate Generosity
Make a habit of giving, whether it’s donating to a cause, helping a friend, or sharing your time. Talk openly about what you are doing to inspire others and normalize the idea of wealth as a force for good.
5. Surround Yourself with Empowering Influences
Seek out communities, books, and mentors that celebrate financial freedom and abundance. Positive reinforcement from like-minded people helps you stay aligned with your goals. We naturally adopt the habits and mindsets of those with whom we spend the most time. This practice sets the stage for you to approach financial abundance on autopilot.
Your New Perspective on Money
Changing your perspective on money is not just about growing your wealth. It's about enjoying the process. Wealth is a tool. It helps us live well and give back to the world.
When you let go of guilt, shame, and outdated beliefs about money, you open the door to possibilities. You allow yourself to pursue financial freedom with confidence, knowing that wealth can be a force for good in your life and in others.
It’s time to rewrite your money story. You deserve abundance—not just for yourself, but for the ripple effect it creates in the world. By shifting your perspective and embracing a healthier relationship with money, you can create financial freedom in your life without the stress and overwhelm.
Share this with someone you love who is ready to own their wealth!
Until next week,
Kristen
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