When it comes to improving your personal finances your money mindset is a critical foundational piece. Your goals may revolve around becoming debt-free, saving money, investing, getting to 7 figures in savings but without the right financial mindset, it will be really difficult to accomplish.
These days all it takes is a quick Google search and within seconds you'll be provided with thousands of articles giving you step-by-step guidance on how to do all of the above to get you closer to your money goals.
But, if you've ever attempted to accomplish a difficult goal and failed, you know that it requires a lot more than a step-by-step guide of what to do in order to successfully meet that goal right?
So, in this article we are going to dive into how adjusting your mindset can help you achieve your goals, tips on how to do it, plus you get free access to our money mindset course!
Adjusting your money mindset to achieve your financial goals
The absolute most important part of being able to achieve your goals requires having the right mindset. Sounds simple enough right?
Well, it isn't always that easy to keep your mindset in check while you take on the (at times difficult) long-term task of building wealth.
Attaining the right mindset to build wealth means working on the way you think, working on discipline, getting uncomfortable, and doing what it REALLY takes to get to your end goal.
Improving your mindset is not a one-and-done type of thing. Just like with the muscles in your body, you have to work to maintain it continuously otherwise it will begin to deteriorate.
With that being said, let's jump into how to change your perception and attain a positive money mindset!
11 Key tips to create a positive money mindset
So, here are a few tips to help you improve your money mindset as you go along on your journey to building real wealth.
Remember, no matter what your current financial situation is you can change your mindset and money habits to achieve success. (You can also check out our list of favorite money mindset books!)
1. Decide to be financially successful
Getting wealthy actually starts way before you open that investment account or make that first deposit into your savings account. It starts with a simple decision, which in itself is a very profound one.
It's deciding that you are going to be wealthy and that in turn means deciding to commit to the journey and trust the process.
Deciding you are going to be wealthy (with full conviction) is an incredible boost to your mindset. This is because, with this decision, you are telling yourself you can do it. Unless you believe you can be wealthy, you probably won't be inclined to do what it takes to actually build wealth.
2. Determine your life values
Once you've decided you are going to be wealthy, you have to determine your reason for wanting this financial success. That means determining your 'why". Your "why" drives a deep sense of purpose and helps you develop the motivation you need.
In fact, having a "why" can directly improve factors in your life that tie into overall happiness.
So why do you want to pay off your debt, save money, become financially fit and successful, financially independent, etc?
Knowing your "why" will be your ultimate motivator. Especially on the days or during the seasons when things are not going exactly as you planned.
3. Let go of standards and focus on what really matters to you
When it comes to building wealth and working on your money mindset you have to go with what works for you and it's important to not get caught up in standards that are defined by the world. And you also want to avoid comparison with others; it's the thief of joy.
Again this goes back to your "why."
You might want to retire young, having $500,000 might be your definition of financial independence or perhaps it's $1 million. Or your financial goal might just be to have enough money to backpack around the world.
Whatever your goals might be, focus on your own standards and what money means to you in relation to what you want in your life.
4. Get comfortable with your fears and your discomfort
Anxiety and fear are natural byproducts when you want to accomplish something big. There's the fear of the unknown, the fear of change, the fear of failure.
And in many instances, fear can stop you dead in your tracks and can become really overwhelming. Especially when you start making up things in your head about all the "what ifs" and "whatnots" around what could happen (that more often than not, never happens).
The thing about fear though is that since it comes with the territory you really have two choices. The first choice is to let it keep you stuck. The second and better choice is to embrace fear as part of the journey, let it come along for the ride but let it know it's not allowed to hold you back.
One great way to overcome fear is to remember your "why" and look back at all the accomplishments you've had to date and the fears you overcame to get there. If you could get past those fears you can most definitely get past your current fears about money.
For every fear you have, there is probably one action (even if it's just a small one) you can take to counter the fear. For example, are you afraid you'll never get out of debt? You can focus on making a debt payment right now or in the near future to work against that fear.
Remind yourself constantly, no matter how terrifying it can be, that you can do this and focus on taking small steps every day before you know it, you will have made big progress.
5. Express gratitude
Expressing gratitude is one of the best money mindset exercises because it is a good way to adjust what you focus on. When you are grateful, you focus more on the things you have that you are appreciative of as well as on all the good that has come to you.
Gratitude also drives contentment in your life which is key to wealth building because when you are content with what you have, you are less compelled to spend, spend, spend, in order to gain material satisfaction which doesn't always work because you'll find that there's always something new that you can buy. Check out our 30-day gratitude challenge to get started!
6. Use affirmations to improve your money mindset
It's so easy to let negativity creep into our mindset. However, you can combat those bad thoughts with good ones! Using positive financial affirmations as part of your daily routine is another one of the top money mindset exercises to start.
In fact, studies show that practicing positive affirmations can actually reprogram your brain! So, using affirmations will improve your outlook and give you a healthy money mindset.
Check out our article on "55 Financial Affirmations You Should Tell Yourself" to stop the negative self-talk and incorporate more positivity into your thoughts!
7. Don't dwell on your past financial mistakes
If you beat yourself up for your past financial mistakes, it's time to stop. Why? Because failure is the path to success! We all make mistakes and have had money problems, but you can use them to learn lessons and grow as a person. This includes bettering yourself financially.
So rather than dwelling on what you did wrong, use those past experiences as a learning tool to make a financial plan to do better.
8. Let go of limiting money beliefs
Letting go of limiting beliefs is another key step to creating a positive money mindset. Limiting beliefs do just that...they limit you. You can achieve financial success if you try! So write down some big hairy audacious goals and set your sights high.
This is also another reason to use your daily affirmations. They will help you bust through those old beliefs and set new unlimited ones!
9. Get help with money mindset coaching and courses
So, what's the best way to improve your mindset about money? Get help with money mindset coaching! The best thing is, it doesn't have to cost you a dime.
Clever Girl Finance offers free money mindset coaching calls with our mentors! Plus, we have over 50 hours of prior replay videos on a wide variety of money topics.
We also have over 30 financial courses and worksheets that are completely free! Our "Build a solid foundation" bundle includes a "how to transform your money mindset course" so you can go from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
We also have completely free courses on everything from budgeting to investing, so you have the tools you need to become financially successful!
10. Follow fin-fluencers to improve your money mindset
Getting inspired by fin-fluencers is one of the best ways to boost your financial mindset. They help you realize that they too have made money mistakes so you don't need to carry guilt or shame around for your past mistakes.
Listening to personal finance podcasts, reading books, blogs, and watching YouTube channels will give you the motivation to transform your bad money mindset into a good one! You will also learn how to change your behavior with money, with tips on how to save, budget, and invest for your financial future.
11. Use money mindset quotes to inspire you
Like affirmations, money mindset quotes can have a positive effect on your mentality. Reading quotes also have a "coaching effect."
They motivate and inspire you. So, using money mindset quotes can really help you when it comes to your financial mindset.
Here are a few of our favorite quotes to get you started:
"If broke people are making fun of your financial plan, you are on the right track.” – Unknown
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The slightest adjustments to your daily routines can dramatically alter the outcomes in your life.” – Darren Hardy
“It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.” – Warren Buffett
“Stop being the chess piece, and start being the chess player. It’s time to master the game of money once and for all.” – Tony Robbins
Need assistance finding more great money mindset quotes? Get started with our "Funny money quotes", and "Budgeting quotes" articles!"
Be sure to check out our full list of favorite quotes about becoming debt free. We also share some budget quotes, funny money quotes, mompreneur quotes, sustainable living quotes, and even quotes from the classic book, The Richest Man in Babylon!
You can improve your money mindset!
Having the right money mindset can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your life and financial goals. It will, however, require constant focus and nurturing.
It's all about setting the right intentions and keeping your goals top of mind. You are more than capable of adjusting and improving your financial mindset and the rewards will be well worth it.
Remember to practice money mindset exercises such as expressing gratitude, using inspirational quotes, and positive affirmations as part of your routine.
Don't forget to access our mentors for free money mindset coaching along with all of our completely free courses and worksheets!