The crisis can be used as an opportunity to “deal” with money and build new relationships that we will like more than those that have developed today, says psychologist and business coach Nadezhda Dyakonova.
As with changing any relationship, it is important to change your perceptions on two levels: on the one hand, to reconsider deep attitudes, and on the other, to change simple habits.
My relationship with money
Determine what your habitual attitudes are. Think back to pre-crisis times. How do you get used to thinking about your money and its amount: “money is never enough” or “I have money, I have enough for everything”? Or «if necessary, the money will come»?
This idea is often not related to real income: someone has an internal attitude that “I don’t have enough money, I need to save it” exists as a background, regardless of income level. And the other spends everything that is, not trying to save, because he believes that «the more you spend, the more will come.» And you?
Become aware of the emotions associated with money. Attitudes (of which we are far from always aware) largely determine our relationship with money: how easy money comes in, how easy it goes, whether we can enjoy spending money, feel stress or pleasure thinking about money and earning it. .
The emotions that we experience in relation to money also depend on these attitudes. Is it a pity to part with them? Are we afraid that we won’t be able to earn more? Are we happy when we shop? Do you feel guilty because you bought something completely unnecessary again?
Think about how your relationship with money has changed now. Often in crisis situations, old fears and beliefs wake up or become more active. What would you like to change about them? What would your ideal relationship with money look like? What other attitudes need to be changed in order to build relationships with money in a new way?
Be confident in your ability to earn. It can be very difficult to earn money if we don’t believe deep down in what we are doing, if we don’t believe that we can bring real benefit to society. Think about your skills and abilities, tell someone about it. Listen to yourself — is there any doubt in your voice? Are you confident in your professionalism?
Think and talk about the parts of the job that you really enjoy, that are important. Do you have confidence that you will always find an opportunity to earn? Try to strengthen this feeling of confidence, try to show it more often. Confidence will help you spot and seize opportunities as they arise and create new ones.
My financial habits
Avoid unnecessary spending. Surely you have noticed more than once that you spent money on something that is not really needed. It’s time to kick this habit. Develop the habit of being more mindful of spending. Ask yourself, do you really want to spend money on this or that product, or does the marketing department want you to spend money? Postpone the purchase for one day, perhaps the decision will change.
Be mindful of your finances. Your finances are a territory that only you yourself should manage. Get your expenses in order. Check for recurring bank account payments for services you no longer use and cancel them.
Plan your expenses. Make a list of what you need before you start shopping. If it’s too hard, allow yourself to shop once a month just for fun, but decide the amount in advance.