Raise Your Financial Set Point

Posted: May 21, 2019

Is there a certain income level that you just can’t seem to break through? Have you noticed that when you approach that number, you start to mysteriously incur debt, or you spend frivolously, or you lose your job? For some people there is a financial set point. It’s the number we feel comfortable with and beyond that, well, there may be dragons.

Our relationship with money reflects narratives about worthiness, safety, ease, and family loyalty. What are your childhood memories about your parents’ discussions about money? Were the conversations based on fear, or ease? Was there enough? What did you learn about how difficult it is supposed to be to earn enough? If your parents struggled financially, is it OK for you to not struggle? Try finishing this sentence: People with a lot of money are __________.

How do you feel even thinking about money? Is OK, or is it uncomfortable? Regardless of what you think, it’s your emotional reaction to these questions that shows up in your current financial situation. Are you under-earning or overs-pending? Do you micromanage your finances, or do you have no idea what is in your bank accounts right now? Do you live as if you are in lack even where you don’t have to?

The good news is that once you surface these limiting narratives, you can actually change your mind and your financial set point.