Money Mindset

This is a topic that I do not delve into often or ever really.  Rarely, do I bring this topic up with friends. I don't ask them if they invest in the market or retirement.  These are both uncomfortable topics.  They need to be addressed and considered though.  I have a friend that retired at the end of last year which is incredible.  For me, at this point, retirement is out of the question.  Perhaps that is why I chose to focus on health and wellness a more sustainable lifelong job. The service industry is hard on the body.  Balancing out focusing on my physical health and decreasing my time serving has added years to my life. (Or so I am telling myself).

Back to the topic at hand--what is my money mindset?  I am content with my financial situation. I have been fortunate to make decisions that have not hindered me.  I can choose to treat myself to dinner, travel, etc.  It is a position of contentment, not growth.  I can put money into my savings and I am okay with it.  Yet, how do I go about growing the money I have?  Why has it taken me this long to address this?  It all goes back to my mindset.

I should be pursuing passive income is what I am realizing.  If you really look into this topic--I have a poor outlook. I have one stream of income. I have a belief that I can earn a certain amount of money but I self-sabotage.  I have been taught negative beliefs about money.  Money doesn't grow on trees is a great example of a negative belief and I heard this throughout my childhood.  Live below your means. All of these limiting beliefs.

I want to change that. I am currently listening to a podcast dealing with finance.  It's interesting.  And something that I should have tackled years ago.  I set up an IRA and have just let it sit.  It is intimidating to think about trading. I have the means to do more. I am scared to risk it.  I need to think bigger, do better and consider more. 

I remember my last trip to Las Vegas.  Most people go to Vegas to go to the casinos.  I go to Vegas to eat.  For real.  The food factor is insane.  I have found most success off the Strip with the food factor.  Yet, the last trip, we decided to test out a table.  I told Maghan that I had to change my money mindset.  I couldn't think about it as throwing it away (this is typically how I think about casinos.  Earned money that I am throwing away.  And, believing that, does make it happen.)  Instead, I told him we should promote that we were releasing the money. That it was a positive thing.  We approached the roulette table with a fifty dollar bill. Put the chip on black and doubled our money.  It was great!

So, I know that in that situation, changing my mindset helped me be fine with whatever happened.  I wasn't thinking about it in a negative connotation.  I was able to get out of my own way and be successful with it.

I have one friend that we do discuss finances, growing businesses and investing. I love it.  If I am honest with myself, it all goes back to trying to be perfect and not be judged. I have this nonstop record of my mom's voice saying--you don't want to look stupid.  On repeat.  

And, this is something that I have done to myself.  No one is judging me.  They are only concerned with their own situation.  I create these theories that have led to limiting beliefs.  I need to change my inner story about money, looking stupid and judgment.

This seminar is going to be great. It's insightful and although I was hopeful for a little more direction today in regards to trading/investing, it is beneficial to look into mindset and limiting beliefs.  I can start today.  I am going to.