I aspire to accumulate a substantial amount of wealth.
Uttering this statement seems more like an admission rather than a boastful proclamation. Acknowledging my fondness for money and desire for more of it almost feels shameful. However, I will vocalize it nonetheless, as I believe it is time to take back control of our earnings.
I previously prided myself on being content with minimal earnings, taking pleasure in living frugally and privately judging individuals whom I believed placed too much emphasis on their finances. Ironically, it was my sense of pride in being able to manage with so little that made money the central focus of my life.
What could I achieve, craft, and contribute if I were not dedicating so much time to making ends meet?
I made the decision to explore this by redirecting the energy I had been investing in couponing, comparison shopping, researching, and rebating towards increasing my income.
Despite being quite adept at finding ways to cut corners and save, I realized that the potential of those tactics was inherently limited. Eventually, one exhausts all avenues for reduction. However, the potential to earn more is boundless.
I came to the realization that the desire to increase my income is not merely about limited earnings. It is about how limited earnings restrict your choices, freedom, generosity, peace of mind, quality of life, and ability to have a meaningful impact on the people, places, and things you hold dear.
I believe it is time to alter our perspectives on the notion of increasing our income so that we can take pride in our determination to do so, without feeling ashamed.
Embark on this journey with these four steps.
1. Make a declaration.
“I cherish the opportunities money provides me, and I yearn to amass more of it.” How does it feel to verbalize that? What about expressing it publicly? Observe if you feel compelled to justify your declaration with explanations or apologies.
2. Be mindful.
Pay attention to any negative thoughts and emotions that arise when discussing financially successful individuals or when making your own declaration.
3. Challenge your assumptions.
When negative associations surface, take a moment to reassess them.
How would you complete the sentence, “I would like to increase my earnings, but…”? Your response will reveal the beliefs you are holding onto regarding what you must do and who you must become. Challenge these assumptions by seeking examples of other individuals thriving despite similar circumstances.
4. Reprogram your money script.
Replace the pessimistic messages you have internalized about financial success with positive wealth-oriented thoughts and mantras, contemplating how earning more will empower you personally and enable you to make contributions on a larger scale.
Recognizing the patterns and beliefs that impede your progress towards increasing your income and making a deliberate effort to change them are the initial steps towards reclaiming ownership of your income potential.
