People are relatively fearful (or reluctant) about debt.
It underlies their response “I don’t have the money” when they don’t buy-into something (that program, service, or product) without having cash in hand to pay for it. They don’t want to charge one more thing to their card or have one more person to owe.
There isn’t anything wrong with wanting to pay cash for things or not wanting to owe anyone.
However, when not having enough money is always the reason for not pursuing something that moves them toward their impact and legacy 1) it’s a problem and 2) it’s no longer a reason, it’s an excuse.
Debt is neutral, just like money is. When we have a reaction to either, it’s because there’s some idea or belief we hold that is creating an emotional response.
Debt is a tool, just like money is. We choose how we use them.
Debt is a reflection, just like money is. They both have the ability to illustrate what motivates us, what holds us back, etc. by the way we react to them and the way we use them.
What does this all mean?
It means that when we say “I don’t have the money,” it’s not really about the money (or the debt).
When you’re on the verge of saying those five words monitor yourself and ask, “Is that really why?”
Here’s the 3-2-1 on your reaction to debt.
3 TRUTHS
- Debt, along with foreclosure and bankruptcy, are as much a tool as money is. They are neutral. How we react or interact with each is up to us; they don’t call the shots. We do.
- How we react to debt reflects our relationship with money and, even deeper, our relationship with self. For example, if debt makes you uncomfortable, it’s a pretty good indicator that you are uncomfortable with money as well as uncomfortable with showing up as your most authentic self.
- When we say, “I don’t have the money,” it’s never actually about the money because we’ll find the money to do something else and we won’t even think twice. We need to examine the real reason we don’t want to pursue that thing.
2 ACTIONS
- Monitor what you say (or what you’re thinking) when you’re making a decision about a purchase.
- Then ask yourself, “Is that really why?” and write down your response.
1 QUESTION
- If it really is about the money, why don’t I have the money to do what I want to do?
Read my money story and see how I started believing I could create prosperity.
To your impact and legacy,
