Happy with your finances? If your answer is a resounding ‘no’, you’re not alone. Few of us have a completely stress-free relationship with money, regardless the size of our bank balance. But whatever our starting point financially, it’s possible to change our relationship with money for the better. And once we begin to feel more at peace around the whole topic – and pair that ease with a greater appreciation of all the non-material riches in our life – we may notice that not only are we wealthier than we thought, but abundance of all sorts begins to find its way more easily into our lives.
Sound good? Without further ado…
1. Believe in abundance
“If the thought of lack – whether it be money, recognition, or love has become part of who you think you are, you will always experience lack. Rather than acknowledge the good that is already in your life, all you see is lack.” — Eckhart Tolle
When we have a hard time creating abundance in our lives, it may have a lot to do with the beliefs we picked up somewhere along the way. We all have our ‘default settings’ that guide our actions and influence how we see the world. Are yours based on abundance or scarcity? Think about it…
Spend some time writing down your thoughts on money and abundance. When you’ve identified your beliefs, ask yourself: Where did this belief come from? Is it 100% true? How does this belief guide my actions and affect the decisions I make? Does thinking this way serve or hinder me?
Our beliefs could be stopping us from asking for a pay raise, charging enough for our work, or even noticing the blessings coming our way… By challenging the beliefs we hold about money and abundance, we can begin to unravel the obstacles that stand in our way to greater prosperity.
2. Zoom out to see your wealth
When we think of abundance, we often zoom straight in on money. But even millions can’t make us truly rich unless that money also contributes to our happiness. So, what if we deliberately thought of abundance more in terms of all the things that make up a rich life – including loving relationships, a sense of purpose and spending time doing the things we enjoy?
Try this experiment for a month: After covering the essentials expenses, challenge yourself to spend as little money as possible. Get creative and make your own birthday cards instead of buying them and come up with non-material present ideas. Visit free museums and parks and look out for free events to keep the family entertained. Cook simple meals and try homemade picnics with friends instead of eating out.
De-emphasise the cash-side of things for a bit, and all the riches that money can’t buy come more clearly into focus. Whoever wrote this ancient proverb was onto something…
If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.
3. Money worries? Meet money mindfulness
Bills, taxes, loans, savings, investments… Our relationship with money can feel like a never-ending juggling performance. But whatever we’ve got going on financially, mindfulness can take much of the stress out of the picture. The simple act of slowing down and being present with what’s happening can also give us the clarity to make better decisions.
When we manage our money mindfully, we’re constantly steered towards the choices that truly enrich our lives. Try it out the next time you’re about to make a money-related decision. Take a moment to breathe and check in with yourself. Does this contribute to my wellbeing, health and happiness? The ‘yes’s’ point us towards those things that give us the maximum returns in terms of living our best life.
4. Love your numbers
Are you keeping track of your finances on a regular basis? If not, arrange a money date ASAP (you don’t need to take your accounts to a fancy restaurant, though a glass of wine could be nice). Taking the time at least once a month to jot down all the numbers can eliminate much of our money-related stress and help us stay on top of our finances (as well as on the same page with our significant other).
Committing to a monthly money date is also great way to stop thinking about setting goals and jolt us into action. Use your session to identify the next baby steps – and don’t forget to celebrate the progress you’re making!
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