The One Word That Completely Transformed My Affirmations
I started going to therapy again to dive into some negative beliefs I have around money. I grew up surrounded by the mentality of “you have to work hard to make money” and that “you need a job with benefits.”
There have been times in my life where I certainly worked hard (and it paid off!), but there comes a point in business where the amount of hours you work does not correlate to the amount of money you earn. And as for benefits, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that self-employed individuals qualify for some pretty awesome perks.
So I've been in therapy to release the guilt I feel for being able to work less while earning more money. This was exacerbated when my husband, Shelby accepted a job that requires 58 hour weeks and Saturday shifts a couple of times a month. On 2nd shift.
I felt so guilty coming home from a 5 hour work day and seeing him trudge to a 3 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. shift.
But despite working just 5 hours a day, I've been on top of all client projects and been able to get ahead of my own marketing campaigns. Working more would not bring home more money.
But I still felt guilty!!!
My therapist asked if I was into affirmations, and I shared with her a few of my go tos:
“It's okay to earn more money in less time.”
“It's okay to work less.”
“It's okay to earn money easily, doing what I love and am good at.”
She replied, “What's with the ‘okays’?”
I pondered that for a few seconds, and then she pointed out, “The word ‘okay’ implies that it's actually not okay, that there's still something not right. Let's find you a stronger word. How about ‘proud’?".
“I'm proud of how I earn money.”
“I'm proud of the hours I work.”
“I'm proud that I can make money easily, doing what I love.”
WOW! She was right. Swapping just one word makes me say these affirmations with more conviction, and feel that they're true. My mindset is finally shifting and I’m feeling less guilt.
While I’m not an expert on releasing negative beliefs, I can help you set-up your business to earn more money in less time. Here’s how:
How to Earn More Money in Less Time (Business Edition)
Set boundaries with your clients and the work you choose to take on.
Write a Yes, No, and Hard No List so you only accept work in your zone of genius.
Price your offer correctly. (There’s a whole lesson on this in my no cost Begin Your Business course!)
There’s no shame in earning more money in less time, and it doesn’t make you a bad person or “lazy.” Think of what you’d be able to do with more time: spend it with your family, pursue a hobby, volunteer, etc.
I’ve been putting time in LEAD - mine and Shelby’s community organization -, being with friends and having fun, decluttering, and working on a few upcoming businesses that will have a wonderful impact on my community. (Stay tuned!)
What are some negative beliefs you have around money, and what are your tools for clearing them?
P.S. My favorite book on the subject is “Chillpreneur” by Denise Duffield-Thomas, which I'm holding in the photo above!
—
Just getting started in business and looking for a roadmap? Check out my free Begin Your Business online course. We’ll cover everything from pricing to forming an LLC, assembling your team to getting your first clients, and everything in between.
Been around the business block and looking to grow? My Self-Employed School online course provides a deep dive on topics including website SEO and design, e-newsletters, social media, public relations, and more. It all culminates in creating an easy and effective marketing strategy for your business.