Learn what prosperous people do that others don’t

Wanting to build prosperity on purpose? After many conversations and work with those who are truly prosperous, I’ve learned there are seven important things that they just don’t do. 

Here are the 7 things not to do if you want to be more prosperous:

1. They don’t measure their success purely on financial measures. The definition of prosperity is the condition of being successful or thriving. It’s not having stock piles of money while going home at the end of the day and kicking your dog and fighting with your partner. Prosperous people realize there are many ways to feel rich that don’t have to do with financial wealth. Now this doesn’t meant that having a solid financial situation isn’t awesome, but it doesn’t ensure happiness. What if you looked at all the ways you are already rich that have nothing to do with money?

2. They don’t wait to be generous. You don’t have to wait until you know that you have more than enough for yourself before you help others. Here’s the reality, some people will never feel they have enough. Security is an illusion. And, waiting to be generous until you have lots of money is backwards – generosity actually is a catalyst for prosperity. When you loosen your grip on money you allow more to flow to you. Of course giving of your time and talents is fabulous too. But don’t let your volunteerism be an excuse for not giving financially as well. Now, I’m not just talking about charitable contributions. Prosperous people aren’t cheap – they realize that it’s okay for people to make a living. They tip well. They pay people promptly and gratefully for good service and a job well done.

 3. They don’t focus on what they don’t have. I’ve noticed something interesting over the years. When I talk with people who are overspenders they tell me all about what they don’t do and don’t have. I’ll hear things like “I don’t drive a fancy car.” Or, “We don’t take big vacations.” They have a lot of attention on what isn’t working for them. On the other hand, really good savers and financially responsible people will share what’s working really well for them. “Yea, maybe someday we’ll redo our kitchen, but we’re so comfortable now.” Or, “I’m so grateful for my family and that I really enjoy my work.” It doesn’t mean that these ‘great with money’ people don’t aspire for things and experiences; it’s that they also really appreciate what’s working for them now. You’ve likely heard that a gratitude practice can boost your happiness levels. But did you know it can also boost your wealth?  Focusing on what’s working and what you’re thankful for will calm you down and speed things up. 

4. They don’t worry about what they can’t control. You can’t control the stock market, whether there’s a recession or not, or tax policies. You can control how much you prepare for unexpected events both practically (insurance, savings) and emotionally. Have a generous emergency reserve or as my friend and caregiving expert Denise Brown calls it … a solutions fund (so much more upbeat sounding). Worry is a lousy financial planning strategy and can also lead to really bad financial decisions. Instead, when you start to feel freaked out about money turn to a contemplative practice like meditation, yoga, walking in nature or breath work. Focusing on what you are grateful for is another great practice to lower your stress levels.

5. They don’t wait to save and invest. Good habits with money start when we’re kids. Saving coins in piggy banks teaches many good money lessons: Count your pennies, putting money away for the future, small amounts add up … you get the idea. Need a nudge to be better at this? Putting savings on automatic pilot helps pretty much everyone be better at socking money away. So up your 401k plan savings, or set up a regular withdrawal from your pay check or checking account. Prosperous people are very discerning about how they spend their money. They consciously spend money on things they value and skip the rest. Even if they start late they start. Think of financial flower pots. Plant seeds for different goals that you have. You may put more seeds into one pot if you want bigger blooms (like retirement for example) and different seeds in another pot if the goal is coming up more quickly (like funding education). Naming your goals, and investments “pots” helps to move you ahead and takes advantage of the natural way you brain may think about your money.

6. They don’t resent and judge other people’s financial success. This is scarcity focused. They don’t compare themselves to others financially. Just because someone has a fancier car, a bigger house, or takes better vacations doesn’t mean jack. They may or may not have more than you and it doesn’t matter anyway. Instead they celebrate other’s successes. There is abundance all around and just because someone else is doing well doesn’t mean you can’t do well too. When you judge other people in the way they spend or earn their money this acts likes a drag on your financial success. 

7. They don’t believe all their thoughts about money. We develop many of our subconscious beliefs about money at an age much earlier than we can imagine. Bruce Lipton, author of The Biology of Belief, says that many of these beliefs are formed between conception and age 7! So in the background we all have all sorts of thoughts and beliefs about money floating around. Many of these are not positive or supportive. Exploring what you really think about money can be eye opening. Start by noticing your thoughts about money as they appear. Are you saying things like “I can’t ever afford this.” “I don’t have a head from money.” “I don’t deserve to do well.” If you catch these less than excellent thoughts say to yourself (or out loud) “cancel/clear.” Cancel that thought and clear it out. Then replace it with what you’d prefer instead. Easy. Quick. Effective.

Move away from Scare-city into the Prosperity Zone

Try not doing some of these things and see what happens! Often to bring more prosperity in your life it’s more about what you don’t do than what you do.

Gain Traction Through Action

Let me know what you try not doing and how it works for you. Leave a comment below. Hey you Abundance Activists, remember to share this with your people.  

Every good wish!