I’ve Been Irresponsible

I have heard that type of comment from clients or participants at speaking engagements but most recently it came from a friend telling me about divorce and the financial fallout in the aftermath. Yes, we’ve all been irresponsible at one time or another. We live in a culture that thrives on spending, living in the now, and has a focus on the material world. Yes, my friend, we have been irresponsible, our government has been irresponsible, our world has been irresponsible. And so it is.

So what have you been? What words do you use to describe yourself and your management of your own financial life? If it is more condemning than uplifting, then maybe it is time for a change in approach. When we berate ourselves (or others), we chip away at our confidence and our abilities. We undermine ourselves in the very area where we most need to be confident and self-assured. So the next time you beat yourself up, stop for a moment, and reframe your thoughts.

“I felt irresponsible/out of control/ashamed when I ________________________________. Next time, I can turn that around and feel responsible/in control/proud if I _____________________________.”

Focusing on what you can do, the way you want to act, or how you intend to face a situation that empowers you and sets you up to succeed. From today forward, drop the recriminations and focus on everything you want to be today and let go of what happened yesterday. We all can do better, be “more responsible” with our money, and turn our financial lives into something that we are proud of. Today is the day!

To your financial success!