Opening the Door to Money Health
How do we build strength in our budgets when it is just one thing after the next that comes up demanding our savings? The idea of anything extra being a scary thought versus a possibility of hope. Why is it so hard to get ahead? Is living paycheck-to-paycheck really how life goes?
The carefulness we apply to make every dollar go as far as it can is both art and savvy. It is a cautiousness wrapped around a fear that we may not have more when we need it. Every day feels like a struggle against strong winds as we eke out a small way for our family to survive this week and until next payday. Thinking about the future is for those that don’t have these worries but maybe one day we can get lucky and be like that too. Right now though we must focus on where we are and how to make it through.
I was once worried about asking someone if starting their own business was something of interest to them. This question intimidated me because I knew so many that were living payday to payday. I know very well what that is like and my heart feels in compassion and empathy in those circumstances. How then could I possibly be brazen enough to ask them to invest in a business? What promises and guarantees could I provide them that this was the right opportunity for them? What if it didn’t work out and they hated me for putting them in a worse position?
The truth is I cannot promise or guarantee and I won’t do that. I believe the decision to start your own business is one of great personal reflection and decision. It is not for everyone because more than investment of money it requires a mindset that goes beyond thinking today’s survival. There is necessity to dream and be strategic while acting boldly, putting yourself out there and giving it passion. When you are worried about basic survival these elements seem out of reach and impossible. Maybe they are but it depends greatly not on our bank accounts but rather our minds.
I won’t lie to you and say it is without cost. Any business operating from the carved out corner in a bedroom to largest corporation has cost. There is a time investment, our energy and focus and even money. It must all come together in a careful formula to create what will become a possibility and hopeful enterprise. We will have doubts, fear, anxiety and even anger at times too but these are foreshadowed by the excitement that is building in us over the possible. There is no room for anything else and have this work.
The other truth is starting your own business is about taking control of your life and future. It is a forward thinking maneuver to stand apart, do what is right for you and set sail for different skies than the majority. It is part dream chasing and part realistic goal setting to make those dreams happen. There is so much learning to do, development to experience and work to undertake but it starts with saying yes against the odds of current circumstances and seeing more as possible.
When I hear someone say they can’t because of their money situation or they have to wait until payday, I used to not know what to say. The truth is that answer is more than just a apologetic excuse to end a conversation. It is instead about imposing limits on their own life. It is settling and confining because perhaps there really isn’t money to consider it or more often than not it is fear. I know in my own life when something is really important to me, I will find a way. This is no different for anyone but fear is often what prevents us from exploring beyond a certain point. Fear says we cannot or we don’t have enough. Fear says no.