Raise your hand if you’ve ever had negative emotions about money. Have you ever felt jealous of others making more money than you? Scared to lose the money you have? Devastated you are not making enough? Uncomfortable to spend money on you and your needs? You name it. I’ve been there too.

I’m making a change this year. I want to shift my mindset for good and I hope we’re in this together.

Here’s why I did my research and discovered things that may help us overcome those negative emotions about money.

Step 1: Discover what’s bothering you

I want you to do an experiment this week. Anytime you think about money – grab your notebook and write it down. Positive or negative – write down whatever that comes to your mind.

Then, at the end of the week look at the list you’ve put together and try to collect the pieces together. Did you remember your parents constantly fighting about the money? Have you find yourself avoiding to invest into your future? Whatever obstacles you have during the week will help you discover what’s particularly bothering you when it comes to money.

Understanding is powerful.

I personally LOVED listening to this meditation practise:

Step 2: Focus Your Energy On Earning, Not Saving

I bet your parents have told you to save up, save up, save up. However, I feel like the importance of saving up can be quite misguiding. You see, I believe that both what you earn AND what you save matter. A high savings rate is amazing, but it ultimately won’t make you reach that if you have a very low income.

Thus, to secure your finances, you’ll have to start focussing on increasing the gap between your earnings and your spending. That gap can be grown in two ways: spending less or earning more. Don’t ignore one for the sake of the other.

Now, repeat after me: I am capable of making more money and I deserve to increase my income (read this out loud x3)

Now the reason I wanted to shift your energy towards earning more rather than saving is that often, to make money you have to spend money.

That’s a rule. Want to get a promotion? Invest in your appearance and education. Want to increase your business income? Invest into your presence, hire a couch or sign up for an e-course! Every investment you make for YOURSELF and your future is worthy!

Step 3: Stop thinking that you have to choose between happiness & financial freedom

Look, there’s no tradeoff. You can be happy and rich at the same time just as you can be happy and poor. You also can be unhappy and poor, and you can be unhappy and rich. You choose.

You see, by playing your cards right you can get financial stability AND be a present parent, great friend as well as take holidays without your laptop. There’s no connection between your personal happiness and money.

The most important thing money can buy is the feeling of security. Imagine your life where you don’t have to worry about unplanned expenses, you have fully funded retirement funds, debt-free properties, and your kids have healthy college savings. That definitely wouldn’t ruin your happiness for you now, would it?

Step 4: Stop The Comparison

Yes, the grass is always greener on the other side. You may feel like your friends or family members have more money than you and that leaves you feeling overwhelmed.

I get it. You feel like you deserve it too and that’s a start.

However, you won’t get far by constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like sh*t.

Instead, why don’t you give a call to someone that you think has a great way around their money and ask for tips! Admit you are not managing that well and share your excitement to change things. This is not embarrassing, we were just raised to think that it is. I bet your friend will be more than happy to answer your questions!

Step 5: Start Tracking Your Income

At its root, feeling overwhelmed about your financial situation may be the result of a lack of control. So taking action—even if it’s something small—will help get through it, and give you the nudge you need to get working toward your goal.

I personally love using my income tracker you can download here. It helps me see how much money I make and which months I need to push harder to meet my quarterly or yearly goals.

You can also simply use a notebook or list down your income and expenses in your phone’s notes. Do what works for you, but do it. Tracking your income is the first step to taking control.

---

Have you ever felt any negative emotions towards money? Why do you think that is?