Cut through the clutter when making decisions
You get from this life what you have the courage to ask for
- Oprah Winfrey
I recently stumbled upon this quote and its simplicity struck me. Yet, being courageous is not simple. And it’s certainly not always easy.
As humans, we strive to belong and to be part of a community. In today’s screen-obsessed world, we want likes and approval. Unfortunately, at times, this constant quest can lead us to hang back or to shrink down to a fraction of who we are.
That’s why having the courage to show up in your life authentically is so important. When you shrink, the world misses out. With courage, you bring a willingness to engage in conversations, decisions, and activities. Which sounds more fun to you?
Among the decisions we make during our lifetimes, financial ones are some of the most stressful. So, how do we make more authentic money choices? Consider these two questions to cut through the clutter of outside pressures and influences.
What do you want?
Let’s put aside the fact that it’s really hard to ask for something when you don’t know what it is. When we make a conscious effort to make decisions authentically, based on what’s important to us, we free ourselves from the pressure to be something we’re not.
For example, many of us have been taught that the loudest, boldest, most assertive voice in any negotiation will prevail. Yet, what if that’s not your voice? Will you show up to an already charged conversation trying to be something you’re not? That sounds tiring.
Imagine if we approached all negotiations and decisions with clarity and conviction. If we knew that it doesn’t matter if someone else might not be happy with anything but a $250,000 salary, when you might be content with half that and flexible time to spend with your family. Knowing what we want regardless of what others think? That feels powerful.
Why is it important to you?
When you know why something matters to you, you’re more likely to get it. You’re more willing to put in the work and you’re less likely to get off track.
For example, say you decide you want to buy a vacation home on Cape Cod because you have wonderful memories of spending time with your grandmother there as a child. Now you want to build your own legacy and create similar memories with your grandchildren. Chances are you’ll be more likely to prioritize updating your financial plan to make your dream a reality.
Plus, the next time you’re wavering on another financial choice you can come back to this inner knowing to help you decide what to do. Ah, well as much I want to renovate the bathroom this fall, I know I’m on a plan to purchase my Cape house next year - I’ll wait.
Pull out the pen and paper the next time you have a money choice to make. Commit to using your inner courage as your guide. When you look at what you want and why it’s important to you, you’ll find yourself opening up to creative ideas and solutions.
And perhaps most importantly, you can use these questions to help you toss regrets to the curb.