Are you one of the millions of Americans seeking to make the best use of your money? What if that means debunking the old beliefs that have become the guiding principles in how you manage your finances? Do you feel like you may know how to make a living, but not know how to make a life?
You're not alone. We are in the middle of a serious epidemic in the U.S. -- an epidemic I call "lost sense of self." This epidemic has invaded our culture and has altered our sense of collective consciousness. We live in a culture that has placed inordinate value on outward symbols of our wealth, which dictate our sense of self. We are taught to look outside ourselves for things to make us feel fulfilled and self-satisfied.
We have lost an authentic connection to ourselves and to others, culminating in the loss of a compass pointing to the good life -- a life that nurtures us and our loved ones, rich in values and morals and not necessarily focused on mere materialism. Old myths that kept us hopeful and optimistic no longer work; we need a new vision for our time. If we don't feel we can be dependent upon a trusted paternalistic model (our government, our elected politicians, teachers, employers or financial advisors) to guide us and keep us secure, we'll have to empower ourselves to find the best course -- with a flexible and open mind willing to learn what works best along the way. We have to throw out old beliefs that no longer fit, be willing to take an honest look at what we've done thus far and who we have become. We can take an inventory and make the best use of the money and other assets we already have. If we learn how to place value on the most critical elements in our lives, we'll learn more about who we are.
Here are some guiding principles for gaining a greater sense of self-awareness, self-motivation and self-confidence in mastering your money for a fulfilling life:
- Make yourself count with determination. Don't short-change yourself, take the easy way out or remain detached. Step up and get involved in shaping your life and taking control of what you can. Many people got themselves in trouble because they didn't do their homework in acquiring properties and relied on others to control their destinies.