In our ambitious desire to find a career that both satisfies our passion and our pocketbook, it’s hard to imagine anyone having a fear of money. But in reality, a lot of us have real apprehension when it comes to dealing with the green stuff. This is commonly referred to as a "money block", and it can severely impact your bottom line when it comes to your business.
Money blocks are really about your relationship with money. A relationship that started - more than likely - in your childhood. These could have been beliefs that were instilled in you by your parents or loved ones, or events and experiences that shaped your perception or attitude.
Do you have money block? More than likely! Read on to see if any of these symptoms apply to you.
Avoidance
Do you avoid looking at your bank account, afraid of what you might find? (raises hand) Do you put off talking about retirement? Do your bills pile up because you can’t seem to face them? Looking at the numbers can be hard! Avoidance is one type of money block that could cause a severe downward spiral if you let it go too long. Even though you may want to, the worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand. Pick your head up, and get a handle on where your money is going. There are a lot of tools out there that can help you with this task. Tools like Mint.com can connect to your bank account and filter them into categories so you can clearly see what you are spending your money on and what you might be able to cut out. Even a good ol’ fashioned spreadsheet can do the trick. (I have a love/hate relationship with Excel :) )Avoiding an issue is easy, but admitting you need help is your first step in the right direction.
Guilt and Shame
When I was young, my father was the breadwinner in the family while my mother stayed home to raise the kids. When I was 12, my mother went back to work but didn’t want to make more than my father. For whatever reason, she felt she wasn’t worthy of making a substantial amount of money, let alone a salary that might rival my father's. She didn't want to "insult" his status as the breadwinner. Guilt and shame around money is something that is very common. A lot of us were raised to only pursue what was attainable and not something that was desired. The concept of abundance can trigger major feelings of guilt. Have you ever thought, “Who am I to want so much?” or “There are so many people in this world that don’t have anything? I shouldn’t wish for more than I need.” So, what can you do about these guilty feelings of desiring money? Try to think through why you are feeling this way. Are there areas in your life and in your community that you would be able to improve once you receive the money you desire? There really is no shame in wanting to make your situation better for you and your loved ones.
Greed
There is a myth that all rich people are greedy. Yet, Bill Gates and his wife run the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is reported to be the largest private foundation in the world. The foundation helps people in poverty by providing quality healthcare and a good education. And, not all wealthy people have had their wealth given to them. Many well-known people with wealth started out with nothing and worked really hard to get to where they are today. Remember, the desire for wealth, possessions and abundance doesn't necessarily make you greedy. Greed has a negative connotation and is usually associated with those that are selfish and ruthless and will do whatever it takes to get what they want. You have a choice not to acquire wealth in that manner. Finally, remember rich is subjective. What may seem like a lot of money to one person may not be that much to another.
Why Not You?
Sometimes when you don’t feel worthy you say, “why me?” Instead of, “why not me?” Remember, as a business owner, you need to make money in order for your business to survive. But why just survive? Thrive! Reframing your mindset to think more positively like this can really help to overcome any conscious (or subconscious) blocks you may have.
If you do have a money block, (or more than one), start by first admitting that you have one. Once you have done that, you can understand it for what it is. Then think about where it might have come from. Was it something you learned at an early age, or something told to you throughout your life? Think about this and then leave this learned behavior in the past where it belongs. You don't need to bring that energy into your current business today.
Next, work on reframing that mindset. Start celebrating and finding joy in receiving money! You've worked hard! You've earned it! If you have ever worked in a corporate environment and have seen sales teams, you know know how excited they can get when they make a sale. They celebrate their wins by ringing a bell or playing a special song. Take a cue from this crowd and ring a bell when you get a check in the mail.
In the end try to remember, how much work, time, money, blood, sweat, and tears you have put into your business. This is your passion. This is your dream. Don’t let the fear of money hold you back from the lifestyle that you desire.
For more info, check out our VO BOSS episode on this topic:
Do you have a money block? If so, what have you done about it? Feel free to comment below, or schedule a chat with me to discuss!
Keep on rockin' your biz.
XOXO,
About the Author: Anne Ganguzza is a full-time voice talent and award-winning director and producer who works with students to develop their voice over and business skills - including VO demo training and production. She specializes in Conversational Commercial and Narration styles, including Corporate, E-Learning, Technology, Healthcare - Medical, Telephony, and On-Hold. Located in Orange County, CA, Anne offers private coaching and mentoring services to students in person and via Skype, ipDTL or Zoom.