Breaking Through the Financial Ceiling: Overcoming the Fear of Wealth
Breaking Through the Financial Ceiling: Overcoming the Fear of Wealth
It’s often our deepest fears that hinder our ability to earn more, even when we have the desire to increase our wealth. Psychologist and Access Bars specialist Olga Lapteva explains the mental blocks that stand in the way of financial success and how to overcome them.
Financial Problems: A Universal Experience
Throughout my years of practice, I’ve noticed that financial problems are universal, regardless of the amounts involved. Whether it’s a few thousand rubles or tens of millions, the issues remain the same. For instance, the phrase “I don’t have money” is equally common among those with millions in their accounts and those with significant debts. Similarly, attitudes towards money often mirror each other across different financial situations.
Common attitudes include a sense of need and scarcity, greed coupled with an overwhelming urge to spend, and the futile pursuit of security and freedom through money. Regardless of income level, many people have a childlike perception of money, seeing it as something others want from them in exchange for what they desire. The question of how to achieve financial freedom remains a mystery to many.
Identifying and Overcoming Financial Fears
I’ve identified a list of fears that separate us from our desired wealth. Understanding the origins of these fears, raising their energy, and healing them is the first step towards financial freedom. You might feel resistance while reading this, such as the urge to stop, distractions, or physical sensations like numbness or fatigue. These are normal protective reactions. If you continue to breathe, read, and stay present with your feelings, you’ll find that these sensations pass.
The Roots of Financial Fears
Our financial fears often stem from childhood, influenced by the beliefs and experiences of those who raised us and their ancestors. For example, your great-grandmother’s experiences during times of hardship or war can still affect your subconscious beliefs about money. These inherited fears can manifest as beliefs that it’s inappropriate or even dangerous for a woman to earn more than her partner, or that earning money could lead to losing loved ones.
If you find yourself holding your breath while reading this, it’s a sign that these deep-seated fears are surfacing. Acknowledge these feelings and remind yourself that you have the power to choose your own beliefs about money. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, symbolizing the release of these inherited fears.
Practical Steps to Break Through the Financial Ceiling
The first step to breaking through your financial ceiling is to recognize it. This ceiling often reflects the amount of money that your psyche is comfortable receiving, which can be influenced by a desire to not surpass the earnings of those around you. To overcome this, start by calculating your total monthly income, including gifts, contributions from a partner, and other non-traditional sources.
Many people underestimate their actual income or only consider their salary. To gain clarity, track every source of income for at least a month. This awareness is the first step towards breaking through your financial ceiling.
Remember, the key to overcoming financial fears is to see them, acknowledge them, and then release them. This process can lead to significant changes in your financial situation and overall well-being.