So, have you heard the one about money not growing on trees? I mean, seriously, I’ve been planting dollar bills in my garden for weeks now, and nothing has sprouted yet! I’m starting to think that my gardening skills need some serious improvement.
And what’s the deal with the idea that money can’t buy happiness? I mean, have these people ever tried shopping for shoes? Retail therapy is a real thing, my friend. I’ve never felt sad while trying on a pair of cute shoes, let me tell you that.
And don’t even get me started on the belief that rich people are evil. I mean, just because someone has a fancy car and a big house doesn’t mean they’re automatically a villain in a James Bond movie. Maybe they just worked hard and made smart financial decisions. Or maybe they inherited it from their grandpa who invented the shoe umbrella. Who knows?
Anyway, the point is that some of these money beliefs are just plain silly. They can also be harmful and prevent individuals from reaching their full financial potential. These beliefs are often deeply ingrained and can lead to negative behaviors such as overspending, undersaving, or avoiding investment opportunities.
Limiting Money Beliefs
Limiting beliefs about money are negative thoughts or attitudes that people hold about money that prevent them from achieving financial success. They develop these beliefs due to:
- Negative childhood experiences, such as struggling, shaped their beliefs growing up.
- The way that society talks about money.
- Personal experiences such as financial loss, bankruptcy, or falling for scams.
- Lack of education or information leads to uncertainty when dealing with money.
- Constantly comparing oneself to others can lead you to negative thoughts about your own financial situation and abilities.
It’s important to recognize what these beliefs are so that you can change them. Here are some examples of limiting beliefs about money:
1.”Money is the root of all evil.”
People say that money is the root of all evil and that money destroys families and relationships. This belief suggests that money is inherently bad and that those who have it are greedy and corrupt. This can create a subconscious aversion to wealth and financial success.
I think that money only shows who people truly are.
2. “I don’t deserve to be wealthy.”
Some people have low self-worth and believe they don’t deserve good things in their lives. It’s healthy to have these thoughts and it can be hard to break out of it
Believing that you are not worthy of financial success can lead to self-sabotage or a lack of effort in pursuing financial goals.
3. “Money is hard to come by.”
For many people, especially those living in poverty or with limited access to opportunities, earning and accumulating money can be a challenge. It can lead to the false belief that money is scarce and difficult to obtain.
This can lead to a scarcity mindset and a lack of willingness to take risks or invest in opportunities. However, with hard work, education, and resourcefulness, it is possible to increase one’s earning potential and financial stability.
4. “I’ll never be able to save enough money.”
It can be discouraging to feel like you will never be able to save enough money, but it’s important to remember that saving is a gradual process and it takes time to build up a savings fund. Believing that you can’t achieve it can lead to a lack of effort in budgeting and saving.
From my experience, it has only gotten easier to save as time has passed. Remember, saving money is a process that requires discipline and patience, but it is achievable with the right mindset and strategies in place.
5. “Money can’t buy happiness.”
This belief suggests that money is not important for personal fulfillment and can lead to a lack of focus on financial goals or investments in personal growth and development.
Money may not buy happiness, but it is still needed to at least fulfill our basic needs (food, shelter, clothing). Beyond those requirements being met, one’s state of mind is all that is needed to achieve lasting and stable happiness whether you have surplus money or not.
6. “I’m not good with money.”
Believing you’re not good with money is often rooted in past experiences or messages received from others that have created a negative association with money. However, you can always increase your financial education and improve if you don’t let this negative belief hold you back.
Focus on building your financial literacy skills with online resources such as this blog, courses, financial education books, or financial advisors.
How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs
I know that trying to overcome these beliefs can be challenging, but it is worth it to try. With the right mindset and strategies, it is possible.
1. Identify and acknowledge the belief
The first step is to recognize the limiting belief and acknowledge its presence in your thoughts. Are any of the above beliefs ones that you share? Write down all of the negative money thoughts that you have.
This can help you to understand the impact it has on your financial decisions and behaviors.
2. Challenge the belief
Is your belief really true? Ask yourself if it is a result of your own biases or experiences. Try to find evidence that contradicts the belief and challenges its validity.
Is your belief really true or are you hindering your financial success?
3. Create new beliefs that are positive
Change your negative beliefs into positive ones that empower you. For example, if you believe that money is hard to come by, try to reframe it as “There is money all around me; I just have to grab it.”
Practice repeating that and other money manifestations in your life.
4. Take steps toward your financial goals
Write out your long-term and short-term financial goals. Take small steps towards them, even if it feels uncomfortable and celebrate each victory.
Start money journaling or create a financial vision board to help build your confidence and reinforce a positive mindset.
5. Practice gratitude
Focus on the positive aspects of your financial situation and practice gratitude for what you do have.
After coming back from living overseas for a while, I’ve been getting upset over how the prices of everything have increased so much. I just have to keep reminding myself to be grateful that I can afford what I need and can try and increase my income.
Like this, it’s important to shift your money mindset towards abundance and positivity.
6. Surround yourself with positive influences
Surround yourself with people who have a positive and healthy relationship with money. Remember that “birds of a feather flock together.” Spending time with people that do such things as overspending or compulsively gambling can affect you as well.
Spend time with people who have a positive relationship with money and can encourage you to make smart financial decisions. You can also read books and articles that promote financial empowerment and success.
Summary
The way to overcome negative money beliefs is to focus on the positive aspects of money. Instead of thinking that money is the root of all evil, focus on the good that it can do. Money can be used to help others, to create opportunities for yourself and your loved ones, and to live a fulfilling life.
And let’s not forget the power of humor. Sometimes, all we need is a good laugh to shake off the negative thoughts and shift our perspective. So, if you find yourself stuck in a negative money mindset, try making a silly joke about it or watching a funny movie to lighten the mood.
Remember, overcoming negative money beliefs takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. By challenging our beliefs and focusing on the positive aspects of money, we can develop a healthy and productive relationship with it. And if all else fails, just remember that at least you’re not broke and living in a van down by the river (cue Chris Farley impression).