Have you ever thought that your view(s) about wealth might be holding you back from acquiring it? Ever heard of the saying, what you perceive and believe, you shall receive?
Look at it this way, if you believe that money is bad or having lots of it is bad, chances are you may be undermining your own efforts to get it. Then again, you believe money is good and will help you achieve a lot and perhaps make life simpler. But the real question is what are you doing about it?
Are you taking positive action?
Positive action in changing your mindset will help you get back on track. You need to change your mindset and get out of your comfort zone. Self-pity and whining over lack of money or opportunities will not change your situation but doing something will. It’s time you thought of how much effort you are willing to put so as to change your current situation and acquire wealth.
So how do you start?
Begin by planning. Having a plan is essential, rather than working blindly. Know what you want, why you want it, how you think you are going to get it and what you are going to do once you get it. Planning is vital but you must also be realistic about where you want to go, what you are spending, what you are saving and what you can do to get more.
Be honest. Are you honest with yourself when it comes to managing your finances? As you strive to create wealth, you must be honest with yourself and take a closer look at your downfalls and weaknesses.
Identify your weaknesses and negative patterns. Challenge those negative beliefs that are limiting your potential and causing you financial harm. For some, its impulse buying, while for others it’s about making a statement (buying the latest phone, car etc.).
If you know you spend Ksh.10,000 monthly on alcohol or various pleasures, it’s no use pretending that you don’t. Plan for it, and when you begin doing so you will notice how simple life gets. You will have nothing to worry about when others see you spending ‘ridiculous’ amounts of money.
Working with a budget is crucial at this point. You need to be able to face the truth and plan/budget for everything. If you have never done so it’s time you began. A budget will help you create a spending plan for your money. It will also help you allocate money for savings and payment of debts you may have accrued. On the other hand, basic needs, luxuries, payment of religious dues should be part of your expenses.
Working with a budget will help you save what’s necessary and leave you to enjoy the rest.
I always tell my employees that I don’t go on fancy holidays but instead reward myself with good quality clothes, shoes and cars. It’s my weakness. I am able to spend a great amount of money because over the years I have managed to plan for these luxuries. It’s part of managing my wealth. You too need to find a way to manage the little that you have.
In his book “The rule of life”, Richard Templer clearly states that if you are indeed serious about making money, you have to start by finding the courage to confront the financial temptations in your life and doing something about them.
Challenge the status quo, effect changes in your workplace or at home, be innovative…You need to challenge your perceptions of money and wealth if at all you desire them. Have the courage to confront and control your financial temptations so that you remain wealthy.
Finally, change your attitude about money; take a step to create those changes and you will clearly see a difference in your finances. Flexibility is important in order to acquire a healthy attitude about money. Be willing to make the change and be the change.
