Welcome to week 7, friend. This week’s life pillar is “Financial.”

Money is a taboo topic for many. Talking about money can be seen as crass or rude, but it’s such an important topic, especially for women. Because when we don’t talk about it, we perpetuate inequalities like the gender pay gap, miss opportunities for negotiation and career advancement, and stay stuck in cycles of financial stress fueled by shame and secrecy.

So, let’s break the silence!

Not only are we envisioning a future of abundance, we’re exploring our relationship with money too—because we’ve all grown up with money stories—some positive, but for most of us, they’re negative. It’s time to unearth and rewrite those stories to empower ourselves. I’ve got big dreams for my own life, as well as aspirations of creating some generational wealth. You with me?

WEEK 7 PILLAR: FINANCIAL

ANCHOR: Take 10 minutes to answer/journal.

• If money were no object, what would your dream life be like?
• What does financial freedom truly mean to you?
• What do you want to 1) stop, 2) start, or 3) continue?
• What energizes you?
• What drains you?

ANCHOR: Take 10 minutes to answer/journal.

EXPLORE & CHANGE YOUR MONEY MINDSET:

• EXPLORE: What are some of the things you heard about money growing up, and how have those experiences shaped your current financial beliefs?
• EXPLORE: What are some limiting beliefs you hold about money, and how are those beliefs potentially holding you back?
• Common examples: “Rich people are greedy/rude/stuck-up.” “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” “Money is the root of all evil.” “Money can’t buy happiness.” “I’m not good with money.” “I’ll never be one of those (rich) people.”
• CHANGE: Write out counter ideas to your limiting beliefs. Examples: “Rich people do good with their money.” “There is always more money.” “I deserve financial freedom.” “I’m capable of creating generational wealth.”
• CHANGE: If the complete opposite feels like too much of a stretch right now, tweak it to be true and less extreme. “I’m not good with money” becomes “I’m taking steps to educate myself to be smarter financially.”
• CHANGE: Look for examples that fit the new narrative. Idea: Learn about a philanthropist who uses their wealth for good, especially if it’s a cause you believe in too. Read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch a movie about someone who overcame life circumstances and achieved wealth.

This week is all about getting real with your money, your thoughts about money, and your desired thoughts and money—and remember, we’ve got lots of outside voices telling us what’s “proper” or “good” when it comes to money, so get curious and see what you uncover. See you next week for Pillar 8: Occupational.

– Nicole

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ICYMI: This is week 7 of my 12-week series, “Reclaim Your Dreams: Reignite Your Spark.” It’s designed to put you back in control of defining success and the dreams YOU want in just ~10 minutes a week. You can catch up here: Week 1: Existential, Week 2: Intellectual, Week 3: Environmental, Week 4: Relational, Week 5: Physical, and Week 6: Mental Wellbeing.