Ever found yourself regretting a spending decision? We’ve all been there, dwelling on “money mistakes.” Today, I want to share a simple shift in perspective that changed my financial journey and can do the same for you.

Can you relate?

For a long time, every overspending incident or wrong investment choice would paint me as someone bad with money. The label “mistake” dragged my self-image down, until a new understanding dawned on me.

This shift set me free from financial guilt. It turned every misstep into a chance for growing not just my wealth, but my self-compassion.

Take a past scam I fell for on the streets of Aspen, duped into buying a useless skincare gadget. The old me would’ve been upset for months. Instead, I dissected what happened and learned from it, which has likely saved me from bigger scams down the road.

Ever caught yourself ruminating over a money misadventure?

Now, think of a world where every financial hiccup becomes a lesson that guides our future choices. How powerful would it be to teach our children this?

The journey to financial freedom suddenly becomes less about fretting over missteps and more about gaining wisdom from them.

Every week, I have a "money date" a time to celebrate wins and learn from losses. It’s become a key part of nurturing a growth mindset towards money.
Got any financial missteps you’ve been beating yourself up over?

It’s time to see these as opportunities for growth, not mistakes. This change in view is about building not just financial wisdom, but a self-image that supports our financial goals with patience and a love for learning.

As you reflect on your money journey, consider embracing the lessons hidden in every misstep, and see how this mindset shift can pave a smoother road towards your financial goals.

Until our next money chat...

Love,

Mistakes Are Simply Lessons in Disguise

The wise ol' poet Hafiz certainly had insights into life's complexities. "Between right and wrong, there lies a field - I'll meet you there," he proclaimed. Isn't that the truth when it comes to financial missteps, or rather, financial lessons?

Many no longer see the merit in branding things as strictly right or wrong. Every event can offer a lesson for those willing to perceive it. So why not set aside terms like "mistakes" and convene in that field of opportunities? That hallowed space where judgment ceases.

Every financial misstep they encountered imparted knowledge. Like the time they lent money to a desperate friend without delineating clear repayment terms. It highlighted the importance of transparent communication, no matter how uncomfortable.

And who could overlook the exorbitantly priced makeup palette promising perfection? That lipstick deceit was a clear reminder that enduring quality trumps fleeting fashions.

Life will continue its course, and they'll keep acquiring wisdom along the way. If they remain receptive and inquisitive, coupled with a touch of self-compassion, then all their financial ventures simply become lessons gifting them with sagacity.

What if everyone could let go of regret about past financial decisions? How might that reshape what they attract in the future? Just ponder the wonders they could manifest from this realm of comprehension!

Let's explore this territory and discover its potential.

Ah-ha Moments With Josie Humphries

I've had a big "ah-ha" moment doing my worksheets for the Wealthy Woman. I'm looking at the words I've been using around money, and there are two things I've been saying to myself that stand out to me. First, make money; "I need to make more money" is something I've told myself for years. And the second is "earn." An example of what I've been saying to myself is, "I need to earn more money."

My lightbulb  moment is: I am telling my brain something that feels like 'I have to create something that doesn't already exist. Like I have to be a creator of money, which seems impossible and even ridiculous!

Instead of seeing money as something already abundant in the world, my mind has made it into something challenging to get, and it is so much work to get it that it's nearly impossible. 

The second thing, "earn," by definition, is to acquire or deserve as a result of effort or action.

In my mind, I link that to worthiness... so I flip it around and make it so I am unworthy of earning money. If I don't reach a money goal or look at my bank account and don't like what I see, I make it mean I'm not worthy of earning money… because I make the numbers mean lack, proof of my unworthiness. What a mind-blowing realization! My energy around money has been entirely wrong! No wonder this has been an area I've struggled. 

It feels much better to say, "Obtaining money is easy. I obtain money through my business. I obtain money by doing something that I love! There is an abundance of money in the world to obtain, etc." The difference in the energy of what I have been telling myself and these new words feels massive! I am now practicing these new thoughts and words instead of continuing to repeat the same terrible ideas I've told myself for years. How exciting!!! I love this work!

Obligations. Frustration. Worry and Fear…

When did our thoughts – our relationship – with money become so heavy?

With the right attention and care, your money can be a source of beauty and peace in your life — but you must cultivate this relationship intentionally.

If you want to stop feeling so tense, stressed and defeated when you think about your money, I invite you to join me inside… 

The Money Garden

A Virtual 5-Day Workshop

Where women go to grow into their wealthiest self & cultivate a life that feels rich in every sense of the word.

Happening October 23 – 27, 2023

My Top 3 Money Mistakes (AKA Lessons)

In this episode, I discuss the concept of reframing money mistakes as money lessons. I share three personal money lessons I've learned and how I've grown from them.

I want to emphasize the importance of forgiving ourselves for past money mistakes and focusing on building a wealthy self-image. Also, I'd like to mention my upcoming workshop, The Money Garden, where I'll teach you how to nurture and enjoy your financial garden.

Let’s dive in…

// TheEDIT

A weekly digital magazine by the School of Self-Image

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