The change of seasons reminds us that, while many aspects of life change, what must remain constant is confidence in our ability to respond versus react to change in general. At times, it may seem as if you have no control over what happens, but you always have control over how you respond to everything that happens to you.

With the leisure days of Summer behind you, now is a good time to re-evaluate your beliefs about change and consider whether your approach to it helps you or harms you, serves you or enslaves you. There is no question that doing what you’ve always done will result in the same outcome. The question is, are you ready to change the way you have always related to the world and people around you? Are you ready to change the way you have previously looked at one major aspect of life in particular, money? Are you ready to improve your financial life and thrive instead of survive?

I hear a lot of people comment that they are having a hard time financially because the economy is so “bad.” The reality is that there always were (and will continue to be) bad times for people who struggle to make ends meet and think they always will be poor thus have given up trying to get out of their rut. They have adopted a “scarcity” mentality. On the other hand, there always appears to be “good” times for those taking advantage of the financial opportunities the economy presents.  These habitual optimists envision a brighter future with a “prosperity” mindset. The question is, is it the economythat is “bad” or “good” or is the economic reality in the eyes of the beholder?

For the past 40 years, it has been my belief that, since I can’t change what can’t be changed (the laws of nature, the economy, growing older to name a few), I must have the confidence and foresight to change my view of the unchangeable in order to reveal what other choices may be available that were not previously evident to me looking at things through the old paradigm. Albert Einstein said, “Problems cannot be solved with the same mind set that created them.”

Yes, it’s frustrating that income levels for all but the wealthiest Americans are stagnating or dropping. But that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive financially in this economy, which is likely to remain stagnant for a long time. There are steps you can take to create your paradigm shift, change how you generate income, and how you manage what you generate. Here are a few suggestions:

Look Back to Move Forward.

Examine the history of how your relationship with money and spending and saving habits evolved. What were your family experiences with money which impacted your current attitude and beliefs about money? What are you doing today to reinforce good habits and work through undesired behaviors and beliefs?  Whatever beliefs you choose becomes your reality.  Your subconscious brain remains programmed neurologically to protect you in your comfort zone, until you consciously change your  quality of thoughts.

Decide Now to Choose to Change.

Here are three steps to reprogram your past beliefs and create new successful scenarios.

1. Write down the doubts, fears, feelings, and uncertainties still present in your life.
2. Read each negative thought aloud and notice how each one makes you feel. Do you feel the tension, discomfort and anxiety? Imagine what your life will be like 10 years from now if you keep on thinking these same negative sabotaging thoughts thus reinforcing self-limiting beliefs.
3. Replace each one of these negative thoughts, by restating it in a more positive declaration.  For the Fear statement, “I’m afraid I will not make enough money.” the positive restatement might be:  “I welcome all the power and intelligence required to make the money I want and deserve.”  Repeat them out loud 4 or 5 times. Now notice how each one makes you feel.  The difference will astound you.

Repeat this exercise over a period of 30 days until your brain begins to automatically access the new thoughts first.  Soon, you will begin taking the required action based on these new paradigms which will then improve future outcomes.  Utilizing the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) I have incorporated into my coaching practicing for the last decade has provided more powerful results.   I welcome comments about any results you achieve after your 30 day exercise.

Let’s Get Real.

Are you fervently holding onto a dream that you’ll either win, inherit, or miraculously create great wealth overnight? You know what holding your breath will do for you, don’t you? Are you willing to do the “extra” things that ordinary people won’t in order to get extraordinary results? Ask yourself if you are waiting for the economy to improve before taking proactive steps to adjust to the new economic reality.  Your outlook for future wealth must be based on a realistic assessment of your potential in your current business or career or you must at least consider changing it. Be clear about your long term financial goals or you will end up where you are now except for having had time pass you can never get back.

Get a real sense of your financial situation by developing a personal financial statement and cash flow summary to understand fully how you spent and continue to spend financial resources. Greater levels of financial comfort come from understanding the marketplace, adjusting your skills, business products and services to fit the marketplace, and honing your financial management skills, or simply having a financial team or business staff who can do what you can’t.

Rethink Your Resource Flow.

Most people think they need more money, when in fact a lifestyle adjustment may be in order. Do you maintain expensive assets that add little practical value to your present lifestyle? If so, let it go! Are you drowning in an overwhelming amount of stuff that drains your energy as soon as you walk in your home? If so, let it go! Is your business ruining your life?  If so, let it go! Besides the Return on Investment (ROI), are you getting an adequate return of energy (ROE) in all of the areas you expend your personal energy?  If the answer is no, let it go!  After decades of observing where clients get stuck and become unhappy, I find that happiness comes from wanting all that I have, not having all that I want.

As a former CPA, I love to help clients understand their financial picture and how it impacts their entire life.  As a life coach, I have more satisfaction witnessing the personal development they experience as they move toward their goals in a more focused, fulfilling, and timely manner to achieve their desired outcomes.

While political realities make it more difficult for the middle class to thrive and prosper, opportunities still exist. Complaining is certainly not going to change your economic position. It’s up to you to be proactive and find a way to improve your skills and your relationship with money so that you too can thrive in the new economy.  Decide today to contact me and begin the exciting journey of improving your relationship with money!

Filomena Day, a former CPA, with 40 years of accounting, financial and coaching experience with individuals and businesses, works with people from ages 25 to 65 who would like to plan for a more comfortable retirement with tax free strategies. Call or write to be on her mailing list for free quality newsletters or to ask about her SHIFT Your Money Maker program.