Face Financial Fears: Celebrate Small Wins!

When was the last time you were proud of yourself because you did something for YOU? This can show up in many forms and doesn’t have to be “big”. I recently went to the dentist for a cleaning after a several year (yes – YEARS) break. I’m irrationally terrified of dentists. But I did it and was so proud of myself for showing up and not cancelling my appointment for the umpteenth time.

Sometimes seemingly mundane tasks can feel too big. Difficult. Challenging. This can result in procrastination, where it’s just easier for our minds to justify all the reasons not to do the thing. This is fear talking.

If you work with me, we’ve likely discussed fear as it relates to finances. This can look like:

• Avoiding opening the bills you know you need to pay
• Skirting around having a sensitive money conversation with your partner
• Neglecting future you by not saving enough for retirement
• Attempting to impress others by buying [insert trendy item]

Fear creates a barrier to happiness by preventing us from doing the thing that would make us proud of ourselves. If you haven’t been proud of yourself recently, this may be a sign you’re letting fear run the show. But this doesn’t have to be your reality. Having the courage to face our fears head on is one of the best ways of breaking down that barrier. Thinking doesn’t overcome fear. Action does.

When fear feels insurmountable, focus on taking baby steps. This can look like:

• Opening up one bill and laying it out on the counter. Be proud that you were honest with yourself in facing the amount owed.
• Writing a letter to your spouse spelling out what you need from them relating to finances. You don’t have to give it to them, but it will help you process your thoughts more clearly and that’s something to be proud of.
• Scheduling a meeting with a financial professional to discuss what appropriate retirement savings may look like. You’re just having a conversation about future you. That’s something to pat yourself on the back for.
• Evaluating whether the [insert trendy item] is worth the life you’re exchanging to pay for it. Being true to self and living with intention are most definitely reasons to be proud.

The next time you do something courageous – no matter how big or small – take time to look yourself in the mirror and say “I’m proud of you!”. Yes. It will be awkward. Especially if you do this in a public restroom. But do it anyway. It imprints a sense of pride on your subconscious and makes taking that next baby step even easier. Then eventually fear takes a backseat and YOU are driving. [insert happiness]

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn