Stepping out of discouragement
When “John” started coaching with me, he was afraid to look his money straight in the eye. It was easier to avoid the situation, pretend the problems weren’t there, conclude the world was against him, or that he (or his income) was inadequate. But he realized this path wasn’t working, and things would only get worse. He decided to courageously step out of that growing discouragement, and enter what he called “exposure therapy” with his money! Thanks John for applying that term in an insightful way!
Exposure therapy: a type of therapy in which you're gradually exposed to the things, situations and activities you fear.
3 Critical Steps to leaving discouragement behind, and tackling your fears with money.
Create a Vision.
Create a vision for your financial future (and your mental health around it!). Why a vision? Images impact our emotions faster and more powerfully than words. So if there is an area of your life (e.g. your financial life) where you are discouraged and/or confused, create a vision of something better. It’s a powerful, and necessary first step.
Step Out in Faith.
Next, step out in faith! You don’t actually have to believe in the outcome yet—but hope, in what you can envision. Take one small step in a positive direction (exposure therapy: gradually exposing yourself to the things, situations, and activities you fear.) What will your first step be?
Tools and People.
Finally, gather and use the right tools; and have the right people in your corner, to guide and encourage you along the way. This is why I love what I do! I get to be a part of that journey with my clients, and witness transformation in their lives. Together we explore mindset and behaviors around money, while building a set of financial competencies—so you are in control of your money and can make that vision a reality.
