Releasing Negative Beliefs About Money
I have finally read Robert Kiyosaki’s book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. And even though I wouldn’t start investing after reading this book, it helped me shift my ideas about money greatly; in fact, I realised something so basic about my attitude to finance that not noticing this before now feels embarrassing.
Fear Of Unknown
“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown”
― H.P. Lovecraft
One of the biggest lessons in Kiyosaki’s book is this: don’t be afraid of money. Educate yourself about it.
When I read about this idea, I thought it was brilliant; when you’re afraid of something, it rules your life. I knew this about all other emotional issues I was working on, but money?
I’ve realised that it was a major problem for me; I was afraid of money! And for the most part, it was because I didn’t have a clue about finance. Accountancy is probably the last thing I would want to learn. At the same time, money seemed to have this power over my life. It felt so overwhelming and unpredictable. At the same time, it was so distant — almost like a god.
But just like imaginary gods’ powers fade with the rise of knowledge, so does the power of money with an understanding of finance. Educating yourself about how money works give you the power back. Don’t we usually fear what we don’t know? Isn’t the learning experience the best way to overcome fears?
Emotions and Financial EQ
While Kiyosaki’s book was a push for me to write this article, to say that his book solves all the money issues is an understatement. It’s a great start, but why would you even try to earn money if you don’t believe it’s OK for you to receive it?
There is an interesting exercise; it’s about imagining money as your partner — what would they be like? Would they be critical, judgemental, dishonest, scary even?
If the traits that come to your mind are negative, that has a lot to do with your relationship with money.
You may think that comparing money to a partner is a silly idea, but when you understand that feeling undeserving affects not just your partnership, but all the aspects of your life, the idea starts making sense.
Most people are stuck in the mentality of lack. They imagine there is some mystery number of money in the world and they’re cautious not to take it from someone more deserving.
It’s common for people with imposter syndrome, who are just starting their businesses. Seeing other, more experienced players, they feel like they are lying to the customers; even when their job is spotless!
Who would have thought that your emotional state impacts something so practical as money? It turns out, while financial IQ and educating yourself is important, there is another key aspect, if not more important.
It’s called financial EQ. The idea came to me with Ken Honda, who educates people on the importance of your emotional attitude towards money. If you possess low emotional intelligence, you tend to spend money impulsively, so even the largest amount of money will fade away soon.
Ken Honda and Robert Kiyosaki both notice that people who are seen as wealthy, often don’t feel financially secure.
You might have just enough money to live comfortably, but if you keep focusing on what you don’t have, you will keep buying more. Instead of balancing your budget, you will rely on basic emotional impulses.
That was an issue for me: the more money I would have more ideas to spend them. It’s almost like just having money wasn’t good at all; you need to put it to use until it’s gone. A long time ago, I was good at saving; but it was hard to go back when I tasted the pleasure of spending.
As it turns out, wealthy people focus more on making money rather than spending. It seems to be the most basic difference between poor and rich: while poor people get credits to spend more to look like rich, wealthy people use their money to invest and make more actual money.
Money Is The Root Of Evil
Some people say they want money, but subconsciously they will do anything to remain poor. Why is that? There’s this common belief that money is the root of evil.
As kids, we often see our parents fighting over money; some even treat it as a taboo that shouldn’t be spoken of (remember when I compared money to gods?). We are flooded by the tales about greedy and evil people, both in life and fiction- think of Ebenezer Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol”.
One of the most common problems around money is our ego. Ego wants to be seen as good at all costs, so if it believes money is bad, it will rather keep you poor than wealthy. There are environments where being seen as struggling and working too hard is even seen as a virtue. And honestly, nobody wants to be Scrooge, right? I know that I didn’t, so I struggled to balance my identity and a desire to have money.
Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of all evil, the sum of blessings.
Money Is Energy
I always wanted to see myself as a spiritual person, so my idea about finances was simple: spiritual people don’t care about money.
Do you know how people tend to hate all sorts of healers for charging for their services? We still have this idea in the back of our heads: you are truly selfless only if you work for free.
I truly believed it for years, and so I was stuck in feeling anxious and lacking the feeling of safety. The truth was, I wasn’t let myself experience money as it was.
It’s funny because as someone interested in spiritual growth, it should’ve been obvious for me: money is energy.
When I think of energy, two things come to my mind:
- Energy flows and moves all the time
- One type of energy attracts a similar type of energy
Money in itself holds no value; the fact we think of it as valuable comes from the fact that we all agreed to it. Think, how often you see your money physically? I bet that most of the time, money is just those changing numbers on your account.
This phenomenon, giving value to something so physically vague, helps you understand the concept of money as energy even more.
The numbers on your account will be changing as energy is always in motion; it’s natural for it to come and go — this is the cycle we need to accept.
And if the energy of money flows all the time, what’s stopping you from receiving it? If you fall into any of the beliefs I talked about before — there’s no doubt why you are blocking your abundance.
Based on the law of attraction, the more you think negative thoughts, such as “I never have enough money”, followed by heavy, negative emotions, and the more you focus on it — that’s exactly the reality you create for yourself.
There’s also a very important aspect when it comes to the energy of money. Have you heard that time is money? I’ve noticed that the way you spend your most precious dime — which is time, often reflects your abundance level. Do you tend to give much of your time away to others?
That’s obvious you can’t make money for yourself if you spend time on things that won’t pay off in the future (whether financially or not).
Why It’s OK For You To Have The Money
It’s easy to talk about releasing the money blocks; but let’s be honest, it’s easier said than done. If you feel resistant towards money, simply thinking different thoughts may be a good start. That’s why I would like to share some positive ideas I use to enhance my relationship with money.
Money is a free-flowing energy
Like all energy, money flows freely; the only thing stopping you from receiving it is your mindset.
I am worthy
The only reason you believe otherwise is because of your idea of being rich. Money doesn’t discriminate; there are no conditions to be wealthy.
There’s enough for everyone
Energy is available to everyone. That means that by receiving the energy of money, you’re not taking from someone else. You’re receiving what was already in the potential of manifesting.
Money is love
Having money gives you a great opportunity to express your love to your family and friends through providing for them.
Money is gratitude
Every time you feel a great sense of appreciation towards someone, money allows you to express this gratitude. It can be something as simple as leaving a tip for a friendly waiter or supporting your favourite YouTube artist.
Money is quality
Valuable things often go with a higher price tag. I’m thinking about small companies selling eco-friendly clothes, for example. Don’t you think they deserve to be paid well for the quality pieces they produce?
Money is independence
The more money you have, the more time and space to enjoy life. No one should feel restricted; we come to this world to experience, not to worry about money.
Conclusion
I’m not going to lie; I’m not any close to being a millionaire. But what I’ve learned on my journey, is that true abundance is not what you can see on the outside. To me, feeling good about money is compatible with the feeling of peace; it’s a connection with the Universe and a belief that I’m taken care of.
Who would have thought that money subject can go hand in hand with spiritual wisdom?
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you experience some money blocks? How do you cope with that?
I’ll be happy to read your thoughts. Thanks for reading!