Keys To Life: Do Your Beliefs Prevent You From Having Money?
Last week we began the conversation about beliefs and how they can impact your experience of life. Today, we want to dig a bit deeper, using money as a focal point. I could have picked any number of subjects, and money seems to be one that gets people excited, exacerbated or otherwise engaged.
What kinds of beliefs do you hold about money? What is OK about money? What is not OK about money? What kinds of things have you heard about money from other people? Here's a list of commonly held beliefs that can limit your ability to produce money:
• Money can't buy me love or happiness
• It takes money to make money
• Poor is pure
• Money is the root of all evil
• It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven
• If I had it, how would I know who my real friends are (vs. those who are just after my money?)
• Easy come, easy go
• It takes hard work over a long time to make money
• We're not the kind of people who will ever have money
• Money is made on the backs of the poor
• Champagne tastes and a beer budget
• Money is dirty (filthy rich)
• Money will only burn a hole in your pocket
• Too rich for my blood
• The best things in life are free
Does this list seem familiar? I'll bet you can add a few I missed. So, let's think about this list of beliefs coupled with our earlier discussion about Symbols vs. Experience.
When I work with groups, I typically ask for a show of hands - who would like more money than they currently have? Most hands go up. Does yours? No big deal either way, just sort of a benchmark for the rest of the discussion.
The flippant response I typically give is that the only people telling the truth are the ones who did not raise a hand. Everyone else is fibbing. Well, sort of fibbing. The basic premise is that if you truly wanted more, you would have more, because you would do more about creating it.
The "what if" part of this conversation goes something like: "what if you could have anything you wanted and the only variables were your inner beliefs?"
If that were true, then each of us could create darn near anything.
Look back at the list we began to create earlier, the list of beliefs about money. Do you recognize any from the list that might hold a person back from having more money?
If you believe that "the best things in life are free," why would you need money? Don't get me wrong here - I'm not arguing with the truth or lack of truth in this or any other of these statements. It's just a question of what beliefs do you hold.
If you subscribe to the notion that money is made on the backs of other people's efforts, and you don't feel particularly good about "exploiting" others, then you might find it hard to make money.
If "it takes money to make money," and you don't have much to start with, then how can you ever make anything? Of course, it doesn't say that you have to have a lot of money to make money - just that you have to have some to start with. How about those people who start with very little and accumulate lots? Or those who start with a lot and lose it?
Maybe it has something to do with how many different, and possibly conflicting, beliefs you might happen to hold at any one time.
One of my favorite clichés goes something like: "nothing is true except that thinking makes it so."
So imagine holding a handful of these at the same time: money is the root of evil (you won't catch me being evil), the camel and needle story (hey, I want to be spiritual), takes money to make money (and I have none), and the best things in life are free. Take just these four and you can imagine how hard it might be to make or have money.
What if: even though some part of you may want more money, if you hold other, conflicting beliefs, you may wind up blocking your own ability to make choices that would lead to an improved monetary condition.
Now, we are not saying you should be looking to have more money. As already noted, my suggestion is that getting clear on the experiences you would like to have in life is far more important than focusing on the symbols side of the equation.
However, if you are going to live life here in this physical world, you may find it useful to have a bit more of the material world around as you go through producing the experiences you truly seek. Hence, it might make sense to examine your inner beliefs from the point of view of possible conflict or self-sabotage.
Between "clothes on the back, shoes on the feet, food on the table" (see last week's post on beliefs) and the various biblical misinterpretations I grew up with, it is not surprising that I lived for so long without being able to accumulate much in the way of wealth.
Next week we will examine how conflicting beliefs can derail just about any endeavor in life, not just money.
You can find out more about Russell Bishop at http://www.lessonsinthekeyoflife.com. Contact Russell at: russell@lessonsinthekeyoflife.com
The author of Lessons in the Key of Life, Russell is an Educational Psychologist, professional life coach and management consultant, based in Santa Barbara California.
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Pt. 1
The blog is written in the US, by US and read mainly in US. Spiritual life here obviously has a variation of meanings.
Care to know about what is practiced by people from other countries. Read on.
In ancient India, once known as the land of the Golden Apple, people who choose to live a holy life give up their worldly possession even Kings and nobles. Many do that when they reach middle age. They practice the way of an ascetic, traveling light and going on pilgrimage to visit holy places. They live on alms food usually vegetarian, bathing in rivers and resting in temples some staying in caves or even charnel ground. Even until now such a way of life is practiced today in India.
In Thailand, Buddhist Dhutangga monks live an austerity life. Their worldly possession consist of an alms bowl, a kettle as a water vessel, not more than thee robes (must be from discarded cloths pieced together), eat only one meal a day before noon and must be offered food, travels bare footed, sleeps under trees and in graveyards.
Pt.2
Once such a monk who had undergone such training is Ajahn Sumedho (Robert Jackman) who is a US citizen and now lives in England teaching meditation.
Without money, without a home and without world possession what do these people trying to achieve? Well , a spiritual life far beyond your comprehension and even scientist now only try to discover. Peace and complete freedom.
Remember the 13 year old Nepalese boy who could meditate for months underneath a tree without food or water? I think it was a team from the National Discovery Channel that went to check on the story and found it to be true. More surprisingly while the team was there they received a call from the India National Science Center to come check on an Indian Holy man who had not eaten or drink for something like 40years.
I tend to side with the words of Sophie Tucker, who said (paraphrasing), I've been poor and I've been rich and I'm here to tell you, rich is better.
What superb advice. I thank you for all that you have taught me over the years.
Many fear signals are initiated in the reptilian brain.which is the most prmitve and least intelligent part of the brain. The human brain is really three brains in one. Each brain evolved at a different step in evolution. The simplest and most primitive brain is called the R-complex, or reptilian brain, because of its similarity to the brain in reptiles. It controls our basic survival and is essentially fear-based (just think of how reptiles behave). The second brain, the limbic system, is similar to the brain in lower mammals and seems to be the seat of our emotions, personal identity, and some aspects of memory. The third and most recently evolved brain, the neocortex, is devoted to higher-order thinking, verbal memory, more complicated reasoning, as well as those handy linguistic skills for which Homo sapiens are known.
The limiting beliefs that are so troublesome emerge from the 'stupid' part of the brain.
(pt3)I think, the premise of tackling non-beneficial personal beliefs that might be limiting one's experience is valid, and a damn fine thing to do for anyone. But it smells awfully funny when you start swinging at truths as a people, and even the words of a Man Free of these urges (Jesus), for the sake of something that is entirely for the individual (wealth).
Not to mention, while your deconstructing false beliefs, why not look into the driving motivations behind the pursuit of wealth? Why do you need more than you have? Why isn’t it enough? Can I hear a Limbic – R-complex Crunch?
With that said, even selfish behaviors have their place, and to a certain degree, can't be regulated by the neo cortex indefinitely... unless of course, you find your way home, through the eye of the needle.
(pt2) So, the discussion/debate as I see it, in regards to limiting beliefs, should really be two fold, between structures that are beneficial or not beneficial to the individual, (and only relate to the individual), and those structures that are positive for the group (mankind), but not maximizing the benefit to the individual. What I see happening in this article, is a mix mash of the obvious non-beneficial personal structures, with the true structures of the group, simply for the sake devaluing the second by using a guilt by association technique, and grouping all of them together as singular "limiting beliefs".
Example: there is no association between the recognition that the "Rich require the Poor (more nastily worded)", and for instance "were not the kind of people that will ever have money".. This is an example of guilt by association as a posed "limiting belief", where the recognition of a mankind truth (logically verifiable belief), is wrongly compared to an easily dismissed non-beneficial and false personal belief structure.
(pt1) All beliefs are language structures, and as language structures by themselves, are Neocortex. However, the valuation of beliefs is not limited to the Neocortex, as it acts as a means of suppressing-modulating R-complex and/or Limbic system behavior, via metacognition, and likewise in reverse, Limbic emotional response and fear based R-complex triggers can effect the process of valuing any structures validity (usefulness to the cognitive process, and thus survival or pleasure satisfaction).
The important difference between belief structures to be addressed here is entirely within the Neocortex, in it's functional values, as the logic of higher-order structuring of beliefs relative to one another. Because of this, there is no need to even be discussing parts of the brain, it's simple enough to ask, what is the motivating desire behind that want, and even behind the placement of one belief relative to the other in the metacognitive process? By what means do I validate a belief, on personal level, or how about, as a member of a many-persons super structure? Can I remain entirely in logic, as structures chosen through reason, without referencing the Limbic or R-complex structures of brain for sensual feedback? I think so, and if not, this entire discussion, including the column above, might as well be thrown out.
If you want to make a lot of money, write a book telling people that all they have to do is believe and they will get rich. Bestseller for sure. Do you have any idea how much money The Secret made? That's how to get rich, lie to people and they will give you their money.
This conversation is especially interesting with the country's financial crisis dominating the news and politics. I heard someone say "the party is over" in reference to the easy credit and free spending. I am hoping we will be grateful in ten years for the lessons and the chance to regroup and change laws and adjust our priorities. I am also hoping this oil panic is something we will one day be thankful for, spurring us toward creative and alternative thinking and away from our dependence on foreign oil.
"If you subscribe to the notion that money is made on the backs of other people's efforts, and you don't feel particularly good about "exploiting" others, then you might find it hard to make money." I am reminded of people like the Gottis, the CEOs of those failed companies, and our millionaire televangelists. Conscience, for some, does not exist. For me, no amount of money is worth someone else's exploitation, so money does not necessarily buy happiness. I like to hear about charitable people like Paul Newman who became wealthy as a result of his greatness, yet remained humble.
I have found it interesting (and at times disheartening) that readers of my column (which I write for free as a service) will email me and ask me to coach them (or in one case, edit their manuscript) for free. What accompanies the request is a variation on the statement: "I manifested you into my life. I asked and you should give it to me." When I say I value my own time and worked for the knowledge I possess, and therefore I get paid for my work, the reaction is generally angry. These same people also talk about "scarcity energy" all the time but are blind to their own, and they don't see their entitlement mentality either.
I agree that we all can't be rich, and it's wacky to think that being wealthy is "what God wants" for EVERYONE ... and worse, those who aren't get the added bonus of someone calling them guilty of "blocking" wealth on top of it. It's an awful mind F that is IMO insensitive, elitist and ego maniacal. I do agree that self-defeating attitudes and behaviors can prevent you from increasing your material lot in life --- but the entire picture is much bigger than that.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven"
By the way, that's true.
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Hi again: Iposted this comment last week but for some reason, it didn't actually get posted! Hmmm. Anyway, I was hoping someone would pick up on the camel-needle story. Here's an interesting thing to consider: in ancient times, cities were contained within walls as a means of protection. Gates existed for access and were normally closed at night to prevent the bad guys from getting in. However, good guys sometimes arrived at night. Since it was too risky to open the gate, many gates had smaller gates within them, often called 'the eye." It is said, although to my knowledge not proven, that Jerusalem once had a gate called "Needle." It also had an "Eye" or smaller gate. It was easier for a camel to pass through the Eye of the Needle for two reasons - camels were beasts of burden, carrying possessions. In order to pass through the Eye, the possessions had to be taken off their backs; in addition, camels had to get on their knees and crawl through the Eye. Unlike rich people, camels didn't mind giving up the possessions, nor did they mind getting on their knees (metaphor for humility). So, indeed, it is true. You just have to know (rather than believe) what the story is about.
Blessings!
"If you subscribe to the notion that money is made on the backs of other people's efforts, and you don't feel particularly good about "exploiting" others, then you might find it hard to make money."
Wow, at least you don't deny it. For wealth to exist, there must be the unwealthy. Someone has to pump your gas, mow your lawn, and come to your house to save your wealth from a burgler.
Without many, many more unwealthy people, you could not have this experience you call wealthy. You can carry the false belief that everyone can achieve this, but you know this isn't so, but carry it so that you dont' feel guilty about holding on to all that wealth.
Next time you get your starbucks, remember, you couldn't buy it without them there, and for them to be there, this system would not survive a day if they had what you have. Nobody would work, it's that simple.
With that said, we've all got our place, our role to play, and if your's is a wealthy dude, congrats, and enjoy.
Absolutely.
I'm reminded of the saying, "For every dollar that one man earns but doesn't get, another man gets a dollar that he didn't earn."
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Another great one, Isocsceles: who said money was the equivalent of wealth? All is said was something about holding beliefs that might prevent you from having money, not wealth. And what is wealth? In an earlier posts about Symbols vs. Experience, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-bishop/how-to-know-what-you-trul_b_112707.htmll) you will see that I am an advocate of being clear about what is truly important, and money is NOT one of those areas of true significance. You might consider checking it out.
Will do, and apologies for any latent hostility sensed. My radar goes haywire when some true things are asked as though they are false, or grouped along with false structures.
I see now you are questioning beliefs in general, not necessarily implying what of those beliefs are true or false, just how they relate to an individual's financial positions in the system. Certainly, they are linked. What isn't?
In that sense, as a linked item, beliefs and societal/financial positioning, you are also acting as part of the unified operation, shifting and juggling around members of an always-in-flux.
For that you are doing your part, and I sense you are a good man on top of that, as your good measure in reply now stands as potent evidence.
be well Russell.
I read your earlier post and I agree, putting your attention on the experience desired will produce it, as the object percieved to be necessitating it's existence is the false belief. Hence, "you really don't want it".
The reason it is percieved that the objects of the left column produce the items on the right, is that in their acquisition the desire that motivated the chase ceases. (temporarily)
This temporal nature to the cessation is tied to the falseness of that belief, that it is connected to the object of desire. Ultimately, from where and from what does the feeling arise? No other than the self.
It is the cessation of desire that is sought, which produces the freedom-peace-well being really being sought, through all the other desired experiences.
The objects may or may not arrive in light of that space's presence, but they do so without effort when one exists as a living freedom. Though, that too comes and goes, and so the silliness of the human drama plays itself out... delightfully. Chase down some objects, only to remind yourself that you don't need them.
I see this is what you are really suggesting, and it is the ultimate means to an Ultimate Order, where conflict is not needed when the desires are always already met.
best of luck in your work.
My dear friend and colleague Barbara Wilder wrote a great book in 1999 titled Money is Love: Reconnecting to the Sacred Origins of Money. She is one of the first people I know who made a connection between thoughts and perceptions people hold about money, and how many hold themselves back.
I disagree with comments like the one Oprah made, as well as much of the "ask and you shall receive/The Secret" stuff. Abundance comes in many forms, and it's well-proven that having money in and of itself doesn't make you happy. It gives you material comfort and access to many things you can't have otherwise (great health care for example), but can it guarantee happiness? Not necessarily. I also believe in earning over simply feeling like you deserve something just because you want it. Entitlement mentality is crippling many people on a soul level.
My question to people chasing material riches first and foremost is, "Will you compromise your integrity in order to be rich?"
:)
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Great ibservation. I have been teaching the same thing since 1973 and I learned it from wisdoms much older than current calendars can track. See my note above about Symbols vs. Experience. Thanks for the comment!
I've heard Oprah say something along the lines "if you're not rich, its because you don't really think you deserve it" but that never made any sense to me.
I'm starting to see WHERE you are going with that line of thinking and I look forward to your next article.
BTW my belief about money is "It takes money to make money" but I also think the system is rigged against middle class and poor folks.
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