Reframing Your Money Journey - It’s Not a Competition

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Money-related tension is an unfortunate reality for many of us and a common source of stress. In fact, according to a recent survey, 90% of Americans say that money impacts their stress levels.

One major contributor to this stress is the pressure we feel to compare ourselves to others on our money journey. We often measure our success by comparing our wealth, homes, cars, and careers to those around us. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure.

Instead of allowing this stressor to control our lives, let's focus on the unique journey each one of us is taking - after all no two stories are alike!

Why It’s Unhealthy to Compare Yourself to Others on the Money Journey 

You are putting yourself at risk for never reaching the financial goals that matter most to you.

Comparing yourself to others on their financial journeys is unhealthy and can be harmful to your emotions as well as your wallet. You may begin to feel as if you should have already reached certain milestones or been further along; however, there is no specific rank that must be met in order for one to be successful.

Furthermore, it can foster unhealthy peer competition and encourage risky decisions based solely on the desire to outdo someone else.

Everyone has their own financial pace and path, with some experiencing success quickly while others take a more gradual approach. Respect the special character of each person's money journey - no two are alike!

Don't let comparison inhibit you from seizing control of your destiny; reframe your perspective and take charge of it now to create positive change in the future.

Reframing our Perspectives so we can Celebrate our Unique Paths

Instead of feeling like a second-place finisher when someone else achieves success, take the time to celebrate their accomplishment and look for ways in which you can be successful too.

Reframing your approach to money can help reduce stress levels while maintaining a positive attitude toward it. With this mindset, you will be able to make better decisions on how best to manage your finances and navigate through life's financial journey with greater ease!

Take the time to appreciate what makes your money path special. Celebrate the milestones that you've already achieved and recognize where you are on your journey as a starting point. Doing this will help you focus on improving yourself instead of comparing yourself to others, leading to greater satisfaction with your financial situation.

No Particular Point Along the Journey That Must Be Reached

Don't hold yourself back from effective money management because you want to achieve perfection. You don't have to achieve success overnight; small, steady steps are equally important and can make a significant difference in the long run!

Moreover, society tends to glorify certain types of accomplishments (such as having an affluent job or buying a house) that may not necessarily reflect your life goals. Setting goals beyond these conventional standards will empower you to recognize other forms of success too - even if simply feeling proud after paying off credit card debt works wonders for your confidence.

Inner Critics Lie About Your Progress and Pace

It is important to remember that our inner critic often lies when it comes to our progress and pace. We may feel like we are failing, even when we are actually succeeding! It can be hard to stay positive amidst the negative voices in our heads.

One way of dealing with this is by reflecting on your unique successes and writing them down. This is a great way to allow yourself to be proud of what you have achieved and it can also serve as motivation for progress in the future.

Taking Control of Your Own Money Story

It’s important to remember that taking control of your own money story is about more than just what you do with it. It’s also about how you think and feel about money, and the stories you tell yourself about it.

Start by asking yourself questions like:

• What does money mean to me?
• How have I been taught to think about money?
• Are those thoughts helping or hindering my financial goals?
• Do I have any limiting beliefs or stories around money that don’t serve me anymore?

Once you understand how your thoughts and feelings are influencing your financial decisions, ask yourself:

• What changes can I make in order to better align my thoughts and actions with my financial goals?

This could involve anything from setting up a budget to finding an accountability partner, or simply taking the time to reflect on your money story and redefining it.

Taking control of your own money story is ultimately about living in alignment with your values and being intentional about how you use money to support those values.

As you take ownership of your financial choices, you’ll be empowered to create a life that reflects your true desires rather than one based on external pressures or expectations.

Remember: There’s no ‘right’ way to do this; everyone has their own unique relationship with money and what works for one person may not work for someone else. With a little bit of self-awareness and intentionality, however, you can create a money story that works for you.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to taking charge of your financial narrative? Our DIY Money Story Guide is here for you! Follow the simple instructions and start unraveling your money story today.

This guide will assist in uncovering any financial limitations such as biases, assumptions, or misconceptions that may be blocking your path toward success. Moreover, the guide can also heighten awareness of those behaviors that should be kept and/or changed in order to ignite a prescription for monetary prosperity.

At the end of the day, it is critical to take charge of our financial future and accept that everyone’s journey is unique. It is important to remember that reframing your money journey is not about competing with others or achieving success overnight. It's about understanding your relationship with money and taking control of your own financial narrative by setting goals beyond conventional standards and reflecting on your unique successes. By tapping into self-awareness and being purposeful in your approach, you can craft a money story that is beneficial to you.

If you're just starting out or have been investing for decades, take the time to reflect on your progress and be grateful for where you are at. Gratitude brings us joy and helps keep us driven in our pursuit of financial independence. Celebrate how far you have come!

Everyone is capable of taking control of their own money stories. The journey begins with you. So, what are you waiting for? Take charge of your financial narrative and create a money story that serves you.

If you ever forget how wonderful, powerful, and capable you are, simply return to this page and read these words: Really, you are. Yes, you surely are. Absolutely, you are!

With Gratitude,

Your Money Mindfulness Coach,

Sue

P.S. Need some guidance? My book " Smart Woman's Guide: The Money Belief Formula. Mindset + Behavior = Financial Success..." is available online.

PPS Can you help me gather data for my research by answering this one quick poll question on LinkedIn?

ABOUT SUSAN M DIAMOND

Sue Diamond, M.S.W is a Certified Financial Social Worker and Founder of The Herfinance Club, a virtual platform that provides financial coaching and resources for women to secure their future for years ahead.

Susan is the author of The Money Belief Formula: Mindset + Behavior = Financial Success. She can be found at herfinanceclub.com. Take advantage of her DIY Money Story Guide to gain insights into how your past experiences with money may influence your financial future, then delve further by exploring Susan's book, 1-1 financial coaching and mentoring services, or money mastery program. To find out more about Susan visit here!

Susan is on a mission to socialize the idea that it’s OK for women to talk candidly about money and inspire ONE MILLION women to start the money conversation with spouses, friends, or colleagues because when women are stronger financially, everyone’s better off.

She has dedicated her business to making an impact on women's economic empowerment. With this goal, Herfinance Club pledges 5% of its net profits to Working For Women - a national nonprofit committed to providing financial autonomy for females. She hopes that by doing so she can be part of the solution and help create positive change on a global scale.