Choose Your Financial Destiny for 2009
It is often at the end of the year that we consider what our ‘New Year’s Resolution’ will be. But in these times of economic uncertainty, the trend is to re-examine one’s financial situation. People who are adept at wealth creation have probably made adjustments in order to weather the ‘predicted’ storm ahead. However, the majority of the population is caught up in the pay-to-pay cycle and times like these can be very unnerving.
As we have seen, global financial situations can become bleak very quickly - almost without warning - so it's important to gain a clear perspective on your personal finances. My suggestion is to seriously examine your situation and the choices you're currently making with your money. Take time to evaluate and adjust and try to remain optimistic. You can learn how to turn negatives into positives. Be mindful of getting stuck in a place where obstacles, rather than solutions, become the focus.
If you are in a relationship, it’s wise keep the lines of communication open – talk about your situation and be realistic. If times are very difficult – seek professional help – there are many free financial counselling services available. If you've been doing a lot of talking and have not moved forward, it's time to take alternative action. Counsellors can introduce new options and strategies that you may not have already considered.
We’ve all made bad choices with our money, however, dwelling on the negative is like drinking poison! Use your negative experiences as a lesson and learn from them - where did you go wrong? How can you prevent yourself from making the same mistake? What do you need to change?
In my book I discuss many ways to empower yourself to change and overcome negative situations and circumstances. One suggestion is to write a positive affirmation (or story) which entails your vision of where you want to be financially in a set period of time, for example - 3, 6 or 12 months.
By writing your financial goal (or vision) you take the first step to creating positive change. Thoughts are powerless until they are brought into the physical realm. This is where ‘wishful thinking’ differs from serious visions and goals. Be honest about where you are now and where you want to be by doing a realistic budget and accounting for every cent. The exercise is time consuming but very eye-opening.
Once you have all the relevant information, you can decide where to make adjustments. You may need to make some tough decisions - but keep reminding yourself that whatever you've done up to this point has not been working for you. Now is the time to learn how to implement new strategies. You will not see positive change unless the way you think, feel and act toward money changes!
Take some time to write your financial goals and continually affirm your destiny with new strategies to meet them each day. Be willing to accept the things you cannot change and change the things you can. If negativity arises, focus on what you want, NOT on what you don’t want. It simply comes down to choosing to think and act differently in order to create new patterns of behaviour. You possess the power to make changes in your financial situation – start using your power wisely today!
Vanessa J. Bonnette
New Era Woman
www.new.net.au
Tags: Advice Financial Economics
