Let me tell you something that might sound crazy: forgetting about money won’t make you rich. It sounds counterintuitive, right? Society tells us to focus on money, to chase it, to make it our priority. But after years of struggling and then finally achieving financial success, I’ve learned that the secret isn’t obsessing over money—it’s cultivating a mindset that goes beyond it.
It’s Not About the Money (At First)
I used to think that the more I focused on money, the more I’d have. I’d wake up thinking about it, I’d go to bed thinking about it, and I’d spend every waking moment in between trying to figure out how to get more of it. But guess what? I was broke. I was stressed, and I was stuck in a cycle of scarcity.
Then I had a wake-up call. In 2018, I was $25,000 in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and constantly worried about my financial future. I decided to try something different: I stopped focusing solely on money and started focusing on value. I asked myself, “How can I provide more value to the world?” Instead of “How can I make more money?”
This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took time, patience, and a lot of self-reflection. But slowly, as I started to focus on creating value—whether through my work, my relationships, or my personal growth—I saw my financial situation improve. By the end of 2020, I had paid off my debt, saved $50,000, and was well on my way to building wealth.
Embrace Delayed Gratification
One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to make was learning to delay gratification. I used to be the queen of impulse buys. If I wanted something, I bought it—no matter the cost. But I soon realized that this habit was keeping me stuck in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.
I started practicing delayed gratification by setting financial goals and creating a plan to achieve them. For example, instead of buying a new car when I wanted one, I decided to save for six months. I set aside $500 a month, and by the end of that period, I had $3,000 saved. I didn’t buy the car I wanted, but I did treat myself to a smaller, more practical used car that fit my budget. The key was to find a balance between deprivation and indulgence.
This practice taught me patience and discipline. It also helped me break the cycle of living beyond my means. I started to see money as a tool for building wealth, not just a means for instant gratification.
Invest in Yourself
Another secret of successful people is that they invest in themselves. This doesn’t mean spending money on fancy gadgets or luxury items—it means investing in your personal growth, your skills, and your knowledge.
I used to think that investing in myself meant spending thousands of dollars on courses or coaching. While those can be valuable, I learned that there are many affordable (or even free) ways to invest in yourself. For example, I started reading books on personal finance, listening to podcasts, and attending free webinars. I also started setting aside time each week to work on my personal development, whether that meant learning a new skill or working on a side project.
One of the most impactful investments I made was in a mentor. In early 2021, I hired a financial coach for $200 a month. This investment paid off in ways I never imagined. My coach helped me create a budget, set financial goals, and develop a plan to achieve them. Within six months, I had saved an additional $10,000 and was on track to reach my long-term financial goals.
Remember, investing in yourself doesn’t always have to be expensive. It’s about committing to your growth and taking actionable steps to improve your life.
Build Multiple Income Streams
Successful people don’t rely on a single source of income. They build multiple income streams to create financial security and flexibility. I used to think that having a stable job was enough to ensure financial success. But I soon realized that relying on a single income stream was risky. If something happened to that job, I’d be in trouble.
I started exploring ways to create additional income streams. I began by identifying my skills and interests and brainstorming ways to monetize them. For example, I love writing, so I started a blog and offered freelance writing services on the side. I also invested in a few stocks and put some money into a high-yield savings account to earn interest.
Here’s a practical example: In 2021, I decided to start a side hustle offering social media management services. I invested $200 in a few online courses to learn the basics, and within three months, I had landed my first client. By the end of the year, I was earning an extra $1,500 a month from this side hustle. This additional income allowed me to pay off more debt, save more money, and invest in my future.
Building multiple income streams doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn and adapt. But the payoff is worth it. Not only does it provide financial security, but it also opens up new opportunities for growth and success.
Practice Gratitude and Abundance
Finally, one of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve made is practicing gratitude and abundance. For years, I focused on what I didn’t have, which only reinforced a scarcity mindset. I was constantly worried about money, always feeling like I didn’t have enough.
But then I started practicing gratitude. I made a list of everything I was thankful for—my health, my family, my home, even the small things like a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. This practice helped me shift my focus from lack to abundance. I started to see all the good things in my life, and that shifted my mindset in a powerful way.
I also started using affirmations to reinforce an abundance mindset. Every morning, I’d repeat phrases like “I’m worthy of abundance” and “Money flows easily to me.” At first, it felt silly, but over time, I noticed a shift in my thinking. I became more open to opportunities, more confident in my abilities, and more optimistic about my financial future.
This shift in mindset had a deep impact on my financial situation. As I focused on abundance, I started attracting more opportunities and experiencing greater success. It wasn’t magic—it was a shift in my mindset that allowed me to see and seize opportunities I might have otherwise missed.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in your financial journey, I encourage you to try these mindset shifts. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But with patience, persistence, and a willingness to grow, you can transform your financial future. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know it’s possible. You’ve got this!