A New Year for a Renewed Financial conversation

It’s the start of a new year, and one of the most popular resolutions or commitments to change revolves around finances.  But more often than not, this doesn’t seem to last.  The reason is that it’s often starting from negative emotions or views on ourselves.  An example of that is when you receive that January credit card bill after the holidays and the expletives start to roll of the tongue with abundance.  Or you start with statements like “I need to stop spending” or “I need to get out of debt.”  All of these are thoughts that are ultimately focused on the negative and what you don’t want – spending and debt.

But you looked to set resolutions because you want something different – a different result. To achieve a different result, we must do things differently. That’s exactly what I offer you in our conversation today with tools and ideas you can implement for a financially successful 2021.

1. Start with what you want

Instead of saying what you’re looking to stop doing (the negative), state what you want to start doing (the positive). For example, instead of “I need to stop spending”, you might say “I want to start investing more.” Or, if you’re ready for the advanced version of that you could say “I’m committed to growing my money.” Focusing on the positive is self-appreciating and is more likely to yield long-lasting results.

2. Set the affirmation

The next step is to put it into a statement that reminds you of what you want in present tense.  For example:

 “I am so happy and grateful now that my investment accounts are valued at $___________ and are continuing to grow through my contributions and market appreciation”

3. Step into the feeling of it

Effective affirmations are more than words, their power comes from the feeling behind the words. Continuing with our example of investments, if you to close your eyes and imagine the value of your investment accounts at that level, how would you feel? Do your best to describe this in a word. Then when you say your affirmation each day, be sure to focus on that word and the feeling associated.

4. What would your life look like?

Now it’s time to amplify those positive emotions by picturing the affirmation as though it has already happened. With this, describe to yourself in detail what your life would look and feel like. By answering this and repeating it, you are adding something powerful to the feeling – belief!