What’s the deal with this money mindset trend? Is it for real? Does it work? I took it upon myself to find out!
I’ve workshopped my money mindset, read money books, and engaged in discussions about money mindset. Over the past 6 months I’ve had a lot of fun increasing my money mindset and my monthly income has doubled! I’m doing the same type of work and the same amount of work, so I feel comfortable giving my money mindset some of the credit for the increase in my income. So… it works?! It works!
Well, think of it this way… if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. A simplified viewpoint, sure, and here it holds true. Increasing your money mindset can bring you more money.
I suppose it’s not really that surprising. After all, when I work with clients who are underpaid, most of the time the reason they aren’t making enough money relates to how they show up in their work. For example, they minimize or deflect praise, they say yes when they should say no, or they complain too much. These strategies are not related to skills or experience, yet they have a significant impact on how much money my clients make.
Improving your money mindset can work the same way- it’s not necessarily about your situation, it’s not even about your behavior- in this case it’s your thoughts and beliefs that make the difference.
Now obviously shifting your money mindset is not going to be enough if you’re in a bad financial situation, such as being unemployed or being thousands of dollars in debt. If you’re situationally broke I recommend finding new money strategies in a reputable book or by working with a money coach.
If you’re doing all right and just not really making the money you want to make, playing with your money mindset can increase your income pretty quickly!
The best part of increasing your money mindset is it’s a lot of fun! Here are 9 secrets to shift your money mindset!
01. Start a rich list
Make a list of things you would do or have if you were as rich as you want to be. Have fun with imagining what you can do and have! Allowing yourself to play with this can open your eyes to new ways you can have more of what you want, and new ways to earn money.
My rich list includes an annual budget for fine art, having fresh flowers delivered to my office weekly, and having a dedicated arts and crafts room in my home.
02. Identify your core desired feelings
Identify your core desired feelings around money. How do you want to feel about your life when you have more money? What does money allow you to feel?
Does more money mean more freedom? Independence? Ease? Fun? Luxury?
Connecting to your core desired feelings around money can invite more opportunities and paths to attract more money than when you’re focused on what you don’t want. When you’re focused on your core desired feelings you’re more likely to innovate, create, collaborate, and embrace opportunities that bring money to you.
03. Start a money gratitude practice
I’m a big fan of gratitude lists. A regular gratitude practice is proven to have a significant impact on your health, wellness, mood, and more. Let’s take that gratitude practice a step further.
Every day, write down 3 things you’re grateful for because you have money. You might include gratitudes such as being able to pay your bills, even if you’re only making the minimum payment.
Maybe you’re grateful for having the money to buy a morning coffee, or the affording to buy new socks, see a movie, or have healthcare. Even when it feels like there’s not enough money, there’s usually some money. Be grateful for the money you have as you step into having more.
04. Give more!
Give of your money, time, and expertise. Generosity increases the feeling of abundance, and like attracts like! AKA, abundance attracts abundance. I don’t personally buy into The Secret, so let me tell you how I see it.
When you’re feeling good because you’ve just been generous with someone, you’re walking around with a great attitude and a smile. You walk into work and your boss notices your great attitude. Oh, and guess what, your boss has just been asked to recommend someone for promotion. You do great work and you walk into work with a smile on your face more days than not. Your boss is likely to recommend YOU!
05. Get Comfortable Receiving
If you want more of anything, you have to receive. So let me ask you, how comfortable are you receiving praise? Do you shy away from being the center of attention? Do you accept gifts with joy or does gift-getting make you squirm? (I’m a squirmer, still.)
Get comfortable receiving in more areas of your life and more money will flow to you! This includes your boss or clients giving you a raise or bonus, getting cash gifts from friends or relatives, and more! Think about it, isn’t it more fun to give to someone who receives joyously and graciously? Be that joyous and gracious receiver and people will want to give you more- especially when you’ve worked for it!
06. Write a personals ad to money
Whatever your current relationship with money, write a personals ad to attract the relationship you want with money. You get what you ask for, so ask for what you want! Mine personals ad to money goes something like this:
Fun and joyful individual seeks companionship and adventure! I enjoy mountain retreats, original art, fine dining, and live music. Looking for connection and long-term commitment! Must be generous, fun-loving, and passionate about life.
07. Write a love letter to money
If you currently have a love-hate relationship with money, try reframing the relationship by writing a love letter to money. Exploring the ways in which you love money can alleviate stress and anxiety about money, and it’s easier to earn more money when you’re not feeling stressed and anxious.
Let’s say part of your job is talking to people about exchanging money for products or services. Your potential clients may notice your stress and anxiety and this can affect their decision to buy. No one wants to buy from someone who seems desperate! So write a mushy love letter to money and tell money all the ways you admire it.
08. Stop complaining
While we’re on the topic of reframing your relationship with money, stop complaining about money! There’s positive and negative in every situation and you choose which to focus on.
When you complain, you focus on the negative and you attract other people who are struggling with money. People are most comfortable being around people like themselves. And when everyone around you is struggling financially because that’s what you’re attracting with your complaints, you are less likely to know successful people who can give you a good reference, refer a client to you, contribute to your Kickstarter campaign to launch a new business idea, etc.
09. Have fun!
Have fun with your money mindset! Be playful in your thoughts and beliefs about money!
Also, have more fun in general in life, because, really, only good things come from having more fun. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun. Invite a friend for a picnic lunch, catch a discount movie at a Tuesday matinee showing, go for a walk, host a potluck, or host a game night. There are lots of ways to have fun with or without money!
Try one or more of these tips and watch your bank balance grow! And do your friends a favor- pin, share, and reshare this post! While you’re at it, join my email list for more mindset shifts so you can do work you love, increase your income, and feel happier in and out of the office!