Have you ever thought I just don’t have enough money? Probably most of us have at one time or another. So how do you get from the thoughts (and actions) of I don’t have enough money to the thoughts (and actions) of abundance?

Step 1: Write down your concern

First, you have to recognize the thought precedes the action. So, the next time you are thinking, I don’t have enough money to….fill in the blank with whatever it is you don’t have enough money to do- take note of it. I would write it down. When I write something down, it helps me remember exactly what I was thinking at the moment.

For example, if the thought is, I don’t have enough money to pay my bills. Yes, that is concerning. Yet, if that is your current reality, you can examine that thought and not bury it in fear, worry, and inaction. Avoidance and denial will never solve the issue.

Step 2: Shift your thoughts and use positive self-talk

Next, you can acknowledge to yourself that the statement of I don’t have enough money to pay my bills is just a thought. A thought of what is happening in your life at the moment. Thoughts are not permanent. You could change that thought playing in your head to something along the lines of: At this moment my bills exceed my income but I am resilient and capable and with positive action on my part, I can make a shift.

Some people might say, but that is just talking, it will not change my circumstances. I believe, every person is the creator of their own life. To create positive change in your life, your self-talk needs to be working for you, not against you.

Step 3: Get your creativity flowing

Positive self-talk lends itself to action. When you tell yourself, I am resilient and capable, you are in a better state of mind to tackle your current situation. Also, remember we all have creativity. I am not talking about creativity in the sense of a music or art skill but creativity in the sense of creating your life as you choose.

There are so many ways to solve an issue or problem. When we get creative, sometimes ideas we never would have formulated are almost self-expressing themselves to us. So, take out that piece of paper again, or your computer, and start brainstorming about how you could change your current situation.

It can be a stream of consciousness or more organized- whatever method works best for you. Here is an example:

I can:

• Analyze my bills.
• Determine if any bill can be reduced or eliminated.
• Turn a passion into a side job.
• Sell something I no longer need.
• Get a temporary part-time job.
• Use what’s in my freezer before shopping for more.
• Don’t clothes shop for two months (I already have plenty) .
• Cut back or eliminate take-out food.

Step 4: Take a positive action

Next, you can take a solid action that leads you in the direction of your goal. There is a visual I often use for myself that I initially heard of in a yoga class many years ago. To get from Point A to Point B- whether in yoga or life- you have to go through, you can’t go around or jump over. It is the going through that makes the lasting impact. It is a practice, a disciplined practice, that ultimately leads to freedom.

So, taking steps to better your current financial situation is part of that practice. Now, that you have written down your concern, started positive self-talk, and let your creativity emerge, it’s time to take some action.

You can start by doing one thing to better your financial situation. Maybe, reduce your television bill- do you really need all those channels at a premium price? Or maybe it’s selling one thing you no longer need or use. I have done this multiple times on FaceBook Marketplace or another selling platform. It is a win/win/win. I infuse some extra money into my monthly budget, reduce clutter in my home, and someone else gets to enjoy the item.

How about being more mindful when you grocery shop and reducing your grocery bill? I know for me groceries are an area where it is easy for me to overspend. To see food that I bought spoil, reminds me to continue to hone my grocery shopping skills. I don’t like to waste food or money. The beautiful part, it is within my power to make this shift that positively affects my pocketbook and my mindset.

Step 5: Continue to grow and build

Finally, in this 5 step process, you continue to grow and build. Whatever you focus on is what expands in your life. I know this to be true. I grew up poor but refused to believe that was my destiny and changed the course of my life. You can too.

Build on the first four steps and the results will multiply. Once you practice positive self-talk regularly it becomes easier to do. When you open the gates of creativity, ideas will emerge. The ideas may ebb and flow but creativity does not have an end date. My dear friend Cheryl says, “I swim in the sea of possibility.” I love that!

Once you take one positive action you will start to see results and you will want to take more positive actions. These steps build on each other and clear the path to abundance.

With gratitude,

Susan, The MoneyMaestra