Uncovering your money beliefs (Part 2)

Taking the time to introspectively examine ourselves is not a practice that most employ on a regular basis. We live our lives on autopilot, navigating the course to each destination with as little brain power as possible. Understandably so, given all that we are trying to keep up with. Last week we talked about how we can start to come off of autopilot and uncover our beliefs around money (check it out here). This week, in part 2, we’ll go into action item steps that you can begin to take now that you are operating in manual mode. 

Before we jump into action, I’d like to mention that uncovering your money beliefs may not be just a one and done exercise. I encourage you to go back to Part 1 as new connections are made or behaviors noticed. You can also make it a part of your yearly check-in around your goals. As time moves forward, it’s important that we check in to see where we still stand with ourselves. 

Now, let’s get to the action! 

Pull out those money beliefs that you jotted down from last week and let’s dig in. The first step is to challenge yourself by answering this question; “Are these beliefs helping or hindering me financially, relationally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually?” Keep in mind that just because a belief helps you financially, it may be hindering you with your spouse, your kids, your emotional health, etc. Examine each of those categories with your money belief and decide whether it is helping or hindering. 

If your belief is helping, go one step further and ask yourself how; how is this particular belief helping you and in which areas? Is there room to grow in this helping space? If your belief is found to be hindering, then asking yourself what changes need to be made so that you can move from hindering to helping. Maybe the changes are simple such as educating yourself on a particular financial topic. Maybe the changes require some professional help such as working with a financial planner, financial therapist, or financial mindset coach. 

Now that you have an idea of what your beliefs are, how they are helping or hindering you, it’s time to think a little more to the future. If or when these beliefs show up again, how do you want to handle the situation. By thinking ahead and putting a plan in place we are less likely to act impulsively…on autopilot. Maybe you want to hit pause and take 24 hours before making the financial decision. That’s a great plan. Maybe you want to check in with your partner, planner, therapist, or trusted friend to ask about any blindspots you may be experiencing. Find a plan that is reasonable and simple enough that will make you want to implement it. Allow for flexibility and compassion if you forget or don’t follow through the first time. You are doing something new and it can take some time for that to register. 

Putting in the time to look inward and examine parts of yourself is never an easy task. Remember to go easy and give yourself praise and affirmation for learning something new about yourself.