First of Eight Great Money Habits
This is the first of a series of eight articles I'll be writing on the eight great money habits I encourage in my students and my clients.
For the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" fans out there, the following reference is clear. For the rest of us, you'll just have to accept that there's a big smile on my face as I type.
The First Great Money Habit: DON'T PANIC!!
As you look at your finances in these stressful days, how are you feeling? Every time I pick up a newspaper, read an article on the web, or watch TV, I see something about our economy and the financial state of the world. It's horrible.
But, my clients can tell you that I never worry about money. Sounds strange, but it really does help. How in the world can I not worry? Because I trust myself. As time has gone by and as I have been trained, I've learned one extraordinary lesson: I'm in charge. I don't spend money because I'm depressed (although I will go window shopping). I don't spend money because I'm afraid a sale will end, and I might need that cashmere sweater some day in the future. I don't spend money because my teen-aged children will absolutely fall off the social radar without the latest electronic device.
At all times, my intellect governs my money. It's no different than when we're on the job, and we're told to find ways to cut costs professionally. You don't panic at work, you simply find ways to do the same amount of work with fewer resources, or you eliminate a trip and hold a conference call instead, or you stop printing every email you receive because it's easier to read paper than your computer screen. You don't take these things personally when it's your job. You can afford yourself the same luxury with your money. You have the power, the right, and the ability to question expenditures, and to say "No" when you want.
The question does arise, however, of how in the world can I not worry? Because I not only know that I'm in charge of my money and my spending behavior, but I also know that I can and always have worked through all of my problems. Each of us can look at our lives and see both good and bad decisions, actions and behaviors, and the causes and effects of our day to day lives. Where do you put your focus? On what went right or what went wrong?
There are many folks who say that the Law of Attraction is bunk, and that simply thinking good thoughts about what you want will not make good things happen. Well, that's not entirely true, in my book. I think positive thoughts about the future because I know I can weather anything that comes my way. I know that I have lived long enough to find solutions to most of my problems in life, and that even if I don't have a solution right now, it will come to me.
And honestly, that's what I hear from my clients, too. They're adults. They've lived. They've made good decisions and bad. They've learned lessons that have helped them grow. More importantly, the older you become, the more you realize that your reality is where you put your focus. If I decide I'm always broke, and that it will never get better, that's exactly what's going to happen. If I decide that I'm in the middle of a minor set back and that things will get better, those opportunities will present themselves, and I can choose to take advantage of them.
Positive thinking is not idiot thinking. It doesn't all go away if you ignore it (other than your teeth). Your money is yours to spend, save, invest or waste. What results do you want from your life? Who's in charge of your money? Don't wish for things to get better -- that implies that you have no control, and that you don't expect that things will improve. Instead, say to yourself "I know that things will get better, and I know the opportunities will arise to help me solve this situation." Then, when those opportunities present themselves, take advantage of them, and let yourself succeed. Each of us can only do our best in any situation. Make every decision your best decision. Say "No" when you don't want to purchase something, even if it means disappointing someone. Say "No" when you'd like to indulge in something, but it will result in you missing a payment on a bill. The opportunity to indulge always comes around again, and you won't feel guilty when you take advantage of it with your conscience clear.
Allow yourself to be true to your goals. Allow yourself to take a deep breath and take a break. Allow yourself to be selfish and not spend money because someone else wants you to. Allow yourself to skip an indulgence because it will mean great rewards in the long run. Allow yourself to succeed on your own terms. You have the power, the choice and the freedom to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day at a time, one decision at a time, you CAN get there.
And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.
Sharon.
Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.
Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.
