"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” ~ Albert Schweitzer
Money can feel like a tricky topic, can’t it?
For some, it feels like a never-ending source of worry and stress, while for others, it seems to slip through our fingers, almost as if there’s a hole in our pocket—something my dad used to say. It’s tempting to think the answer is just better budgeting or money management.
But what if our financial struggles are rooted in something deeper?
I’ve noticed that when people struggle with money or feel unhappy about their financial situation, it often reflects challenges in other areas of their lives, too. And interestingly, there are those who don’t have a lot of money but still manage to find happiness and contentment.
Our feelings about money are deeply connected to how we feel about ourselves. By exploring this connection, we can approach financial challenges with a greater sense of understanding and ease.
Why We Struggle with Money
Our financial habits often mirror how we see ourselves and our worth. Many believe that money comes only through hard work. I remember working tirelessly, convinced that more effort would lead to more success. Despite my hard work, I ended up feeling burned out and stressed. It wasn’t until I learned to balance my work and personal life that I found true contentment. Albert Schweitzer’s words capture this perfectly: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”
On the other hand, some people earn a lot but still struggle with saving or managing their finances. This often traces back to family dynamics or past conflicts about money. In my own life, financial tension at home led to lasting anxiety about money. Understanding these roots was key to addressing my fears and building healthier financial habits.
The Link Between Self-Worth and Financial Success
A big part of financial struggles is how deserving we feel of stability and success. Many of us grapple with feelings of unworthiness that can hold us back from reaching our financial goals. I faced this when I started my own business. Each month, reviewing my financial statements made me feel insecure because my income wasn’t as stable as it had been in a regular job. It wasn’t just about the money—it was tied to my sense of security and self-worth. Once I realized this, I began working on improving my self-worth. Even though my business is still growing, I now feel more comfortable with where I am. Marianne Williamson’s quote resonates deeply: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
Steps to Improve Your Relationship with Money
1. Reflect on Your Beliefs: Take a moment to examine your beliefs about money. What messages did you receive growing up? How do these beliefs influence your current financial decisions? Journaling can help uncover these hidden patterns. Ask yourself, “What did I learn about money from my parents? How do these lessons affect my finances today?”
2. Redefine Success: Remember, success isn’t just about the numbers in your bank account. It’s about feeling secure and content with your financial situation. Focus on what truly matters to you, rather than societal standards. Buddha’s wisdom, “The mind is everything. What you think you become,” reminds us that our thoughts shape our reality.
3. Educate Yourself: Empower yourself with knowledge. Spend time learning about financial management and planning. A book I find incredibly helpful is Barefoot Investor—it’s practical and offers valuable advice on managing finances and communicating effectively about money matters.
4. See Money as Energy: Money is a form of energy that needs to flow. It’s not just about numbers; it reflects your beliefs and how you see yourself. By addressing the emotional factors affecting your financial habits, you can develop healthier practices and a more balanced approach to money.
Money isn’t just about numbers and accounts; it’s a reflection of our inner world. By improving our relationship with ourselves, we can build a more secure and fulfilling financial future. As you start this journey, you might find that other areas of your life begin to change for the better too.
If you’re looking for some extra support, check out the Financial Habits and Attitudes journal. It's a free resource with prompts to help you explore how your inner world and family influences might be shaping your financial habits without you even realizing it.
Click here to get started and start transforming your financial life!