Have you ever looked at the lives of people you know or don’t know and wondered how they became financially successful? For a split second, you may question what you are or aren’t doing, then go about your life.
These moments present missed opportunities to have the life and financial success you desire. You see, assessing our own actions or inactions is a chance to learn and grow. Instead, we often choose the status quo and don’t explore the unknown.
Is it fear, pride, embarrassment or something else that holds us back? Whatever the obstruction is, it prevents us from having the financial life we want.
The barriers that keep many of us stuck are rooted in our outlook. As Proverbs 23:7 says, “What a man thinks, so is he.” A person’s financial mindset is his or her reality. To change the story, we must change how we view money, our capabilities and our circumstances.
STEP 1: HAVE A CONVERSATION
If you know people who are doing well for themselves financially, respectfully ask how they achieved this goal. Many are willing to share their story; it’s their testimony. Not asking or feeling uncomfortable asking someone about their success is a barrier created by fear.
Even if this approach makes you feel awkward, there are other ways to glean information that only require you to listen. For instance, many financial podcasts offer stories and tips, and you can learn without feeling uncomfortable. A few good podcasts I recommend are ChooseFI, Radical Personal Finance, Afford Anything and How to Money.
STEP 2: NETWORK
This is a great, indirect way to learn from and build new relationships with people who are where you want to be financially. Research events and clubs or become a board member in your area of interest. This puts you in rooms with financially successful mentors from whom you can learn. Not only that, but networking also can open doors that would have remained closed if you had gone on with your day-to-day life.
STEP 3: READ
There are many great books and blogs about money. These resources can open your mind and awaken interests you never knew existed. It inspires curiosity, which can lead you to take additional steps toward a better financial future. Here are a few great titles: “The Richest Man in Babylon,” “Your Money or Your Life,” “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” and “The Wisdom of Finance.”
Taking these small steps creates change in someone’s life and affects his or her thoughts and beliefs about money. Over time, these small changes will create new beliefs and a new financial life.
