Cultivating Wealth Mentality

For many people, the thought of having lots of money is tantalizing, but also seems almost impossible. We have not been trained how to create wealth, and have perhaps even been taught that to do so is selfish, immoral or wrong in some way. This adds conflict to our desire for wealth, and we remain both financially strapped and guilt-ridden for wanting more. Imagine how frustrating this is...wait, you probably don't have to imagine, as it's true for millions of people.

It's time we counteract this tendency and get financially empowered. We need to not only want wealth but also to pursue it with clarity and positive intent. All of our conflicted beliefs about what it means to have money must be overcome or discarded, and our reasons for wanting money must be enough to draw us forward through the learning curve of how to do it.

The hows are easy - just go to the library and start reading and if you focus on a route of interest to you, you will certainly make headway. Anything you focus on improving in this way will get better - it's only natural. This article deals, instead, with what goes on in your mind as you do this. This is a critical piece of the puzzle for those who are struggling to attain a place in the sunlight of financial freedom. Your thoughts can drown your financial ambitions  just as surely as lack of know-how.

People born into wealth do not have such struggles with ambiguity, and would not even be reading an article such as this. They have what they need and have no conflict about it. People who are accustomed to thinking in terms of lack, on the other hand, believe that money is the answer to all their problems, which is a mistake - not only because it's not true but also becasue it gives money way too much power and creates an intimidation factor which further hampers their ability to attract it. We've all heard of lucky lotto winners who spent all their money and would up with nothing again...and we've all wondered why. 'Not me!' we say. But are you sure?

The reason people get rid of that money so fast is not foolishness or careless spending - it's usually that they are entirely misaligned with the concept of wealth. Money meant spending when they had little, and money means spending when they have lots. They have no idea what to do with so much money, so they blow it all. Most feel very uncomfortable having so much money, even though they may have yearned for it. It is no different than getting a bonus and blowing it - the money is burning a hole in their minds and pocketbooks.

On the other hand, someone who has invested the time to learn how money works and wants their money to make them more money, would never blow the bonus. They would consider it an extra chunk to put to use in the attainment of the wealth they seek, and would allocate it accordingly. They would have a plan, and even though such a person, ironically, would not likely buy a lottery ticket, if they did and won, they'd have a plan for that money, too. They would not be unconsciously frightened of it and send it away like a hot potato.

So, to conclude, a few tips to help you cultivate your wealth mentality:

• Think as if you are already wealthy. You'll have to pretend at first, of course, but being aware of your thoguhts as they surface is a good start - then you can change them!
• Get around wealthy people. This is one way to absorb wealth mentality - we are, after all, who we hang out with. Observe your thoughts and encourage the process as they transform from jealousy to curious to alignment.
• Learn all you can from those wealthy people you hang around with. At first, it's not likely you'll have a lot of wealthy friends, but if you can even get a job somewhere wealthy people hang out you will learn more than the job's worth. Soak everything up, and before long you'll be on your way!
• Recognize when your surroundings - family, friends, etc. - are holding you back. People with a lack-based mentality have a lifestyle which reflects this, and changing it will require and instigate some outward movement as well. We are all influenced by what surrounds us every day, from what we watch on TV to the conversations we have: ensure your influences are positive and encouraging.
• Get yourself thinking about money and all it can do for you and those you love. Read books about wealth building, listen to audio sets, go to seminars, take classes, etc.. Make money a priority. It is in no way selfish to focus on financial freedom as a goal, and anyone who says this does not want what's best for you. Money is undeniably important in our society, and to truly thrive and not live in fear and desperation we need money. Simple.
• Build a list of positive effects money will have on your life, and continue to add to it. Money is just a tool and can do a world of good in the right hands. Do not worry that it will corrupt you - if you are good person you will be a good person with money. In fact, you will have more power to do good and help those who love and need you, if you so choose. Any worries about lack of freedom you'd experience in terms of people asking for money, etc., should be more than offset, we must assume, by the lack of freedom you now experience when you don't have money.

Bringing yourself to a place in your mind where you can accept and encourage abundance is a key step on the path from lack of prosperity to financial freedom. Get started today - every journey begins with a single step in the right direction!