The Secret to Financial Success

Financial success is about more than just how much you save versus how much you spend. To be truly successful and prosperous you have to develop a healthy relationship with money. Goals can help define and create structure in this valuable relationship.

The first step in the goal setting process is to be aware of your current situation and attitudes about money. You must learn to trust yourself and life to give you what you need. With money comes power, and this can create problems for people who are overly controlling or people who fear power because they think it will change who they are. Develop a personal reason for wanting to become more successful that goes beyond the obvious (safety, security, happiness) such as improving self worth or creating personal boundaries. Just like a love relationship, value what money gives you, communicate openly, and spend time learning and educating yourself about money.

The next step is to dream. We call this the "Great Result", and you must be able to envision and imagine all possibilities. Use your mind to creatively build your ideal world and allow no limits. What does it look like? How does it feel?

If you need, help try this simple exercise: Write down what you want and what you don't want. Keep the exercise light and playful and allow it to grow. Once you get your dream envisioned, put it into words. "I am debt free. I have a life of beauty and simplicity, and I engage in enriching relationships. I am abundant. I am wealthy."

The third step is to build a system. Intentional organization delivers the "Great Result", which is the mechanics behind your dream. The system has to be built by you and personalized. Write down bite-sized chunks of repeatable action. Gather tools and people for support; talk to a financial advisor, take classes or hire a coach.

Don't worry about where to start; start where you are. Focus on one thing at a time.