I used to grow up in a warm home with loving parents. Very thankful about that ❤️.
But lately, I noticed that - apart from the love, and care - I also picked up something else.
They taught me to dislike money.
And to be afraid of not having enough, and afraid of having too much.
How did I internalize that kind of viewpoint when it comes to money? By hearing negative stuff about people who were having a lot of it: they were probably earning money in immoral ways, finding loopholes to earn even more, having to work all day and all night, they were born rich so it's easy for them.
Bottom line: we were not that kind of people. And we would never earn a lot. That’s just how it is.
Result: I was having a difficult time pinpointing my rates and prices. I was hesitant because of that mindset. Always afraid: what will people think when I ask x amount. Or just very rational: X amount of money makes sure I can survive.
But lately, I discovered that this money mindset (money is difficult and scary) was just in my head, and: it was holding me back. Luckily, by diving into this theme, I switched my mind.
Money is a neutral thing, I realized.
It’s a payment method. People exchange it for something else. People spend it and get paid. Money is always in motion, it fluctuates.
Also: money is a means to structure your life. To create room. To make choices. This implies: more money allows you to choose more freely.
Now. What about you? How did your (grand)parents talk about money? Which rusty ideas around money are still living in your head? Determining your ways? Was there a never-ending money shortage? Or did you have uber-careful parents: careful with money, careful with spending, carefully saving? Or was there always enough?
Look at your emotions around money
What do you feel and where does it come from?
What effect do those emotions have on you and your business?
Don’t be judgemental about your money mindset. It has been taught to you. But if you realize: those money emotions are not serving me well, they’re holding me back. Well, then it’s time to switch.
Embrace the theme of money. Don’t push it away. And don’t be helpless about it. Educate yourself about it. Ask your accountant to explain to you the tax system, the VAT system, the social security system. Explore different saving systems. Listen to podcasts, read books or watch documentaries that explain how you can change your money mindset. And ultimately: create money goals, next to your creative ones.
Just remember: money is not the enemy. It doesn't have to be difficult, or scary.