A well known spiritual author named Henri Nouwen came up with 3 lies we tell ourselves that hold us back from a more fulfilled and meaningful life. These lies make us feel like we’re not enough, and I believe they play an important role in how we relate to money.
LIE 1 – I AM WHAT I HAVE
I am the house I own. I am the fancy car I drive. I am the cool new gadgets, the fancy labels, and the expensive tequila. I am my bank account.
LIE 2 – I AM WHAT I DO
I am the income that I earn. I am the prestigious titles that I hold. I am my degree. I am what I have achieved.
LIE 3 – I AM WHAT OTHERS SAY OR THINK ABOUT ME
I am what is expected of me. I am my social status. I am my circle of friends.
Does any of this sound like you? Do you tie your worth and value to any of these lies?
Since childhood, you’ve been shaping your mindset about money and the role it plays in your life. The stories you tell yourself shape how you spend money, why you buy the things you do, and how you value yourself and your work. This is really important stuff! We can talk all day about budgeting tips and savings goals, (and trust me, I’m down for that), but your real power is in knowing WHY you use money the way you do.
Some of us place so much value on our bank balance that we miss out on enjoying life just to save a few bucks. On the flip side, some of us are losing sleep at night because we’ve leased a lifestyle we know we can’t sustain, just to “fit in” with a certain crowd.
Do you know these people? Are you one of these people?
When our self worth is no longer tangled up in stuff, or achievements, or the expectations of others we take back our power over our money and our lives.