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Turning Financial Struggles Into Empowering Lessons
By Ife Thomas
As someone often dubbed the “mother of motivation,” I understand the weight that words carry, especially when facing financial struggles. This blog aims to guide you in transforming your mindset and reclaiming your power, even when the financial odds seem against you.
Step 1: Recognise and Acknowledge
The first step is to recognise where you are financially. Take an honest inventory of your situation, acknowledging any disempowering language you’ve been using. Phrases like “I’m skint” or “I can’t afford that” are not just negative, but also disempowering.
Action Step: Write down the words or phrases that contribute to a mindset of scarcity and powerlessness. Acknowledge that these words describe your current situation but don’t define your worth or future potential.
Step 2: Release Negative Energy
Negative energy can linger long after you’ve expressed disempowering words. To truly move forward, it’s crucial to release this energy.
Action Step: Choose an activity that allows you to physically expel negative energy. Whether it’s dancing, kickboxing, or a brisk walk, find something that resonates with you and do it wholeheartedly.
Step 3: Empower Yourself
After expelling the negative energy, the next step involves asking empowering questions and taking actionable steps. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?”, reframe your mindset to inquire, “What can this situation teach me? How can this help me grow?”
Action Step: Take a few minutes to write down a list of what this financial struggle can teach you. Maybe you need to sharpen your budgeting skills, diversify your income streams, or reassess your spending habits. These aren’t just learning experiences; they’re opportunities for course correction. Take responsibility for your choices and identify actions that will better position you for financial stability.
A Shopping Diversion: From Regret to Reframe
As you may see from the photo accompanying this blog, I am a shopping enthusiast myself. We’ve all been there—pondering over past expenditures when a financial crisis hits. It’s easy to fall into the trap of regretting those clothes, accessories, or even experiences we indulged in. But remember, tearing yourself down over past decisions won’t propel you forward. It’s not about “I shouldn’t have” but rather “What can I do now?” Don’t dwell on the past; focus on your future financial decisions.
A Personal Note
Even as someone who teaches these principles, I find myself in challenging situations at least twice, sometimes thrice a year. There are months where my outgoings exceed my incomings. Financial experts often advise against spending beyond one’s means, and I’ve taken that to heart. There was a time when this was a monthly struggle, but not anymore. Now, it’s a rare event, and each time it happens, I ask myself: “What can I learn from this, and how can it better prepare me for the next time?” Because if you’re continuously growing and pushing boundaries, a ‘next time’ is inevitable.
Conclusion
Financial struggles, while daunting, also offer invaluable opportunities for growth and self-improvement. By recognising your situation, releasing negative energy, and empowering yourself through actionable steps, you set the stage for a more financially stable future. Remember, the words you choose and the energy you carry play pivotal roles in your journey from disempowerment to empowerment.
Take back your power. You’ve got this!
Step 1: Recognise and Acknowledge
The first step is to recognise where you are financially. Take an honest inventory of your situation, acknowledging any disempowering language you’ve been using. Phrases like “I’m skint” or “I can’t afford that” are not just negative, but also disempowering.
Action Step: Write down the words or phrases that contribute to a mindset of scarcity and powerlessness. Acknowledge that these words describe your current situation but don’t define your worth or future potential.
Step 2: Release Negative Energy
Negative energy can linger long after you’ve expressed disempowering words. To truly move forward, it’s crucial to release this energy.
Action Step: Choose an activity that allows you to physically expel negative energy. Whether it’s dancing, kickboxing, or a brisk walk, find something that resonates with you and do it wholeheartedly.
Step 3: Empower Yourself
After expelling the negative energy, the next step involves asking empowering questions and taking actionable steps. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?”, reframe your mindset to inquire, “What can this situation teach me? How can this help me grow?”
Action Step: Take a few minutes to write down a list of what this financial struggle can teach you. Maybe you need to sharpen your budgeting skills, diversify your income streams, or reassess your spending habits. These aren’t just learning experiences; they’re opportunities for course correction. Take responsibility for your choices and identify actions that will better position you for financial stability.
A Shopping Diversion: From Regret to Reframe
As you may see from the photo accompanying this blog, I am a shopping enthusiast myself. We’ve all been there—pondering over past expenditures when a financial crisis hits. It’s easy to fall into the trap of regretting those clothes, accessories, or even experiences we indulged in. But remember, tearing yourself down over past decisions won’t propel you forward. It’s not about “I shouldn’t have” but rather “What can I do now?” Don’t dwell on the past; focus on your future financial decisions.
A Personal Note
Even as someone who teaches these principles, I find myself in challenging situations at least twice, sometimes thrice a year. There are months where my outgoings exceed my incomings. Financial experts often advise against spending beyond one’s means, and I’ve taken that to heart. There was a time when this was a monthly struggle, but not anymore. Now, it’s a rare event, and each time it happens, I ask myself: “What can I learn from this, and how can it better prepare me for the next time?” Because if you’re continuously growing and pushing boundaries, a ‘next time’ is inevitable.
Conclusion
Financial struggles, while daunting, also offer invaluable opportunities for growth and self-improvement. By recognising your situation, releasing negative energy, and empowering yourself through actionable steps, you set the stage for a more financially stable future. Remember, the words you choose and the energy you carry play pivotal roles in your journey from disempowerment to empowerment.
Take back your power. You’ve got this!
