Given the recent stock market turbulence it’s easy to feel nervous about money. Have you noticed that when you make decisions from a place of peace and calm, they are always better ones that serve you well? Making snap decisions in a time of stress can be disastrous. When it comes to money decisions and financial planning, being clear and calm leads to plans that are better in the long run.
This got me thinking about a 4-step model for a CALM approach to money:
Step 1: Claim what you desire – you can’t build a prosperous life without knowing what that means to you. What is it that you desire? What is your vision for the future?
Step 2: Appreciate where you are at right now – You won’t move ahead if you are putting all of your attention on how unhappy you are at the present moment. We are in the perfect place always – it just might not feel like it. Where you are now is setting the stage for where you will be going. Your present situation gives you clarity on what you would like instead.
Step 3: Listen to your inner guidance. We are always directed on the right path – we just can’t always hear the guidance. It’s like having a GPS that helps us find our way, but turning off the sound and refusing to look at the display. One of the best ways I’ve found to turn up the volume on my internal GPS is to meditate and quiet the chatter in my mind.
Step 4: Move your feet! Once you are clear on the path and you have the direction to get there (or the guidance to figure it out), step into action. Start doing what you need to do or figuring out your next move. Taking some action in the direction you want to go is much better than doing nothing (unless, of course, doing nothing is a deliberate step).
Practice these steps whenever you want to switch off financial fear.
Thanks Ellen; well-timed and expressed. FYI I recommend your book Picture Your PRosperity to my Loyola Professional Identity and Development classes!
Glad you found these ideas helpful, Cyndi. Thank you for recommending my book to your Loyola classes!