I’ll be the first to admit that I used to have some toxic thoughts about finances. And while some of them made sense, refusing to change my mindset also meant I couldn’t change my circumstances.
Shifting my outlook with these five phrases helped me see money in a new light — one that was honest, practical, and helped me develop a healthier attitude towards cash.
Think From Abundance, Not Scarcity
If you’re always convinced there’s “never enough,” you’ll act desperate, make bad calls, and miss out on opportunities. I started looking around for chances instead of just panicking about what I didn’t have. Thinking there’s enough to go around made me more generous, less anxious, and, weirdly, opportunities started popping up.
Realistically?
Many of those opportunities were there all along; I just wasn’t in the headspace to accept them.
Patience Pays Off
Building real wealth is slow and, honestly, kinda boring sometimes. But sticking with it through investing, saving, and learning pays off way more than quick wins. I remind myself to be patient, both with myself and my decisions regarding my finances.
Time is excellent for revealing your path, and letting things run their course can shed light on virtually anything. I now know that delayed gratification can be a beautiful thing, and I appreciate the insight I get from pausing, even if it’s for just a second.
Financial Freedom Is About Choice
I used to think money was “bad” because it meant it would corrupt me, turning me into someone who would constantly chase luxury. I worried that having too much money meant you were vapid and obsessed with gaining more and more of it.
But I’ve since learned that financial freedom is rarely about what things it can buy you. It’s about feeling like you have enough time and the freedom of choice. Once I realized it’s more about having more control over your life and how you want to live it, I started to see it more as the tool it is.
My Worth Is Not My Wallet
I grew to resent money when I didn’t have “enough” of it because I was tying it to my self-worth without even realizing it. I’m no less of a wonderful person when I’m strapped for cash. I’m also not suddenly the best person in the world when I finally have the salary I want.
Decoupling my self-worth from my finances was a game-changer for my mental health, and it even took away the pressure from making money, which ironically helped me be better with it.
Debt Isn’t Bad, but Make Sure Your Intentions Aren’t, Either
Debt can open doors (student loans, mortgages, starting a biz), but only if you’re careful and responsible. I used to be someone who would avoid debt entirely. Then I got a little too comfortable with debt, just assuming I’d figure it out eventually.
I’ve since landed on a much more measured take: debt is only as good or bad as my intentions with it are. So, don’t let debt control you, but you can’t just pretend it isn’t there.