November 2024 - The Small Reset

Money - it's more than just numbers in a bank account. It's a reflection of our deepest beliefs, fears, and relationship patterns that often trace back to childhood. In a fascinating conversation with Richard Friesen, author of "A Private Conversation with Money," we explore how our unconscious beliefs about money can either propel us forward or hold us back from achieving financial success and fulfillment. What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its focus on practical tools and insights that can help anyone transform their relationship with money, regardless of their current financial situation. The Power of Self-Awareness At the core of transforming our relationship with money lies awareness. Friesen shares his powerful personal story of breaking through an income ceiling of $200,000 after confronting his own limiting belief about self-worth. Through his extensive work with traders and entrepreneurs, he discovered that success often has less to do with strategy and more to do with our internal dialogue and identity. This revelation came from observing traders with identical training and resources achieving vastly different results - a phenomenon that highlighted the crucial role of mindset in financial success. The key insight is that our unconscious beliefs about money often operate like invisible scripts, silently directing our financial decisions and behaviors without our awareness. Reframing Our Relationship with Money One of Friesen's most powerful insights is reframing money as "certificates of appreciation" rather than something inherently good or evil. When we view money as a reflection of the value we create for others, it shifts us from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and service. The more value we create, the more "certificates of appreciation" naturally flow our way. This perspective helps resolve the internal conflicts many people face about wanting financial success while also wanting to be "good" people. It's particularly relevant in today's world, where discussions about wealth and success often become entangled with moral judgments and societal tensions. Practical Tools for Transformation Friesen introduces several practical exercises for developing greater awareness around money, including the powerful "three chair" exercise where you engage in dialogue between yourself, money, and a wise observer. This exercise helps uncover hidden beliefs and patterns that may be sabotaging your financial success. He emphasizes the importance of regular check-ins with our physical sensations, emotions, and thought patterns as keys to transformation. These tools aren't just theoretical - they're based on years of practical application with clients who have achieved significant breakthroughs in their financial lives. Beyond Money: Cultural Divides and Finding Common Ground The conversation extends beyond personal finance to explore how similar patterns of rigid beliefs and lack of awareness contribute to broader cultural divides. Friesen advocates for holding our beliefs more lightly and recognizing them as "emotional truths" rather than absolute facts - a perspective that could help heal divisions in many areas of life. This broader context helps us understand how our individual relationship with money connects to larger societal patterns and challenges. The Role of Identity and Purpose A crucial aspect of financial transformation is understanding that money itself is never the real goal. Instead, it's about aligning our financial lives with our deeper values and purpose. Friesen emphasizes that trying to fill emotional voids with material success never works - a lesson many successful people learn the hard way. True financial wellbeing comes from developing a healthy relationship with money that supports our authentic goals and values rather than compensating for emotional wounds or seeking external validation. Moving Forward The path to a healthier relationship with money starts with awareness, acceptance, and agency. By examining our beliefs, reframing our relationship with money, and staying connected to our deeper values, we can create both material success and meaningful impact. This journey requires patience and commitment, but the rewards extend far beyond our bank accounts to touch every aspect of our lives. Ready to transform your relationship with money? Check out the full video conversation with Richard Friesen for more practical wisdom and detailed exercises that can help you break free from limiting beliefs and create the financial life you desire. Rich´s website https://youtu.be/JmFjBFZo3jw