BEE Jenifer Madson

New Year's is usually the time when we take stock of our lives and resolve to improve in categories like our bodies, our relationships, or our finances, but there's no time like the present to revisit those goals and gauge our progress. We all know that fitness in any of these areas has as much to do with how we see ourselves in the role as the actions we take to get there; we have to see ourselves as worthy of success for the practical steps to make sense and take hold.

So, our financial success starts with forging a relationship with money that magnificently supports who you are and what you love, and you do that by first creating a new identity with money, and then by building environments to support it and drive new actions. Your choices then become a lifestyle to choose, not a resolution to be broken. Here are the top ten steps to your financial transformation:

1. Release The Past

No matter where you've been with money in the past, it's time to forgive yourself and move forward. You are where you are now, for better or for worse, because of old choices; you can now make new and improved choices for the future.

2. Create A New Financial Identity

Write down statements that express how you want to see yourself financially, and write them in present-day terms, as though they're already true. For example, "I am a great steward of my money" or "Money is my partner in forging a fabulous future."

By giving yourself permission to move forward, and taking that step with a "new you" in mind, you give yourself the opportunity to change your financial course for the better, forever.

3. Identify What You Really Want

Figure out what ultimately makes you happy, as opposed to what brings fleeting pleasure. Overspending tends to come from meeting our emotional needs by way of our wallet, so brainstorm more lasting ways to meet those needs, and you'll never again be at the mercy of the mall!

4. Know What It Takes To Get There

Once you know what you want, research what resources--time, money, effort, education, etc.--it will take to get there, and start mapping out a plan.

Don't just carry the vision of your financial future in your head: give it the power to come true by writing it down in all its glorious detail.

5. Change Your Environment

Align your external environments with whatever you've decided is your new financial identity and purpose. For instance, if you've decided that you are now clear and organized financially, make sure the physical places where your money resides reflect that identity by being clear and organized also.

6. Build The Right Team

Protect your new "financial self" by building a "mastermind" of like-minded individuals who are also focused on productive financial choices.

Creating a new financial reality is a simple process of creating integrity among the elements of that reality. Accept what and who is in alignment with what you want, and refuse what isn't, and enjoy how authentic you feel in the process.

7. Develop A Solid System

This includes understanding your financial statements, having a budget, using Internet technology: incorporating anything that has to do with expertly tracking your financial activity.

8. Commit To Accountability

Have meetings as often as you need to with your family and financial professionals to determine whether you're on track to meet your goals.

Don't let old ideas get in the way of embracing technology. By taking on the learning curve of these systems now, you will ultimately recoup the time that is so precious to your other pursuits.

9. Be Flexible

Life changes, so stay curious about different ways to accomplish your goals, to keep up with those changes. If a particular way of doing things isn't getting you where you want to go, look for alternatives.

10. Celebrate!

Take pleasure in all the little victories that accompany your journey to financial freedom. Pat yourself on the back or share your successes with a supportive friend; just don't wait until the big milestones before you acknowledge yourself for the focus and determination you brought to this very important part of your life.

It only takes a minute to do something that can change your life forever. Take the time to decide who you want to be financially, and make the time to take action on it, and before you know it, who you are and what you experience financially will be better than you've ever imagined.

Website: A Financial Minute

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