How You Think About Money

Your business relies on the exchange of energy we call money. Your clients get your awesome service or product, and you receive money in exchange.

This exchange relies on some pretty important aspects of your mindset. Everything that happens in your business was an idea first.

Think about it: starting a business, what you would offer, what you would charge – all of these started as an idea.

All the great accomplishments of humankind were first a twinkle in the mind of the originator. And so it is with your business.

That realization brings to light one very crucial point. How you think about money directly influences the money in your business.

I’m not talking about the, ‘sit in front of your TV thinking about money while watching The Simpson’s reruns, and money will fall from the sky,’ wishful thinking. That is a recipe for inertia. And that’s the last thing that will serve your business revenue, or you.

Have you ever noticed that when you think about something in an affirming, welcoming, confident way, it opens you? You feel relaxed, at ease. When you’re in that state, you are more open to new ideas. Your creativity is unleashed.

That’s the perfect place to start to manifest more money.

So I invite you to do whatever you can to find that place in you. You don’t have to leave it up to chance. You can cultivate that feeling, and call it up whenever you need it.

Here are 3 ways that you can readily use, summarized in 3 words: imagine, affirm, and embody.

1. Imagine. Think of a time when money came to you easily. For example, you received quick payment for a project that was so fun and easy to do that it almost didn’t feel like work. If you can’t think of a time when that happened, imagine what it would feel like it if it did. Take a few moments and be in that feeling. The body responds when you think this way – you’ll feel yourself relaxing and opening up to more of the same just by imagining this situation.

2. Affirm. Find a word or phrase that conjures up this feeling. I take Louise Hay’s advice and always start my affirmations with ‘I’m so happy and grateful’. That is opening in itself, and gratitude is a surefire way to bring in even more. Here’s an example of a money affirmation: I’m so happy and grateful that money comes to me in all kinds of ways, easily and through joyous effort on my part. If that wording doesn’t work for you, then come up with your own wording. Use words that sound like you, and evoke an emotional response of happiness when you say or read them. When you have the words, put them on a 3×5 file card and put the card where you’ll see it often.

3. Embody. You know that how you feel affects your body. You might be surprised to know that the reverse works just as well. How you sit, stand, walk, and the gestures you use can all affect how you feel. Just looking up can positively affect your mood. So you can just imagine how powerful it is to stand in a way that projects confidence. The way you hold yourself actually affects your brain chemistry. So think of a pose or posture that brings you that feeling of confidence and openness to receiving you explored in #1. You can use this whenever you want to have that feeling.

There are times when you’ll find it hard to get into that amazing space of confidence and openness to money in your business. Revenue might be down. You may be looking at a big equipment expense, or this month’s fixed expenses may be more than your income at this moment.

Or you’re just finding it hard to look at all of that and not get a little freaked out.

So another approach may be called for. Instead of turning away from the freakout, turn and face it head on. Acknowledge how it feels, get clear on exactly what is upsetting about it. And then (this is important), invite it to share what it is trying to tell you.

In every situation, there is a nugget, a kernel of value. What is the value of this situation? Rather than fending it off, let it speak to you. It might be telling you, hey, you need to start doing some financial planning for times like this. Or it’s time to create a new product or service. Or you’re ready to follow up with that prospective client who thought they might be interested.

The message could be even deeper, and tell you something important about your relationship with money in your business.

Whatever the message is for you, it’s an opportunity to listen. Then decide what you want to do. Even if that something is nothing, right now.

Your business revenue hinges on how you think about money in your business. Cultivate nurturing thoughts, and you’ll nurture your ability to make money.

Money challenges almost everyone in some way. What are your thoughts about money? Do you feed the positive, open ones and starve the ones that close you off? I’d love to hear from you about your money thoughts.