“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that there was something wrong with me.” – Glennon Doyle
In a world that often feels like it’s spinning wildly, where each day brings a new set of challenges and each challenge a new set of doubts, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that we are not enough. This notion, as Glennon Doyle poignantly points out, is not a reflection of our true selves but rather a distortion of our perception.
Imagine walking through a hall of mirrors at a carnival. Each reflection, though a version of you, is stretched, skewed, or shrunken. Our self-perceptions can be much like these reflections—distorted by the lenses of societal expectations, past traumas, and personal insecurities. We often mistake these distorted images for reality and wonder if we are, indeed, enough.
In the context of personal finance, these distortions can lead us to make decisions that are out of alignment with our true needs and goals. We might overspend to feel acceptance, underinvest due to fear of failure, or not ask for help because we believe we should already have all the answers.
However, just as a carnival mirror doesn’t reflect our true shape, these beliefs do not define our true potential. The journey to financial wellbeing, much like the journey to personal acceptance, starts with challenging these false beliefs. It requires us to peel back the layers of who we think we are to reveal who we truly are—capable, resourceful, and worthy of making informed choices that support our lives and values.
Consider the power of questioning these beliefs. What if you believed there was nothing inherently wrong with how you manage your finances, but only areas for learning and growth? This shift in perspective opens up a space for curiosity rather than criticism, for learning instead of lamenting.
As we plan our financial paths, it’s crucial to cultivate compassion for ourselves and recognise that our self-worth is not tied to our net worth. Each financial decision then becomes an opportunity to affirm this new understanding, to make choices that resonate not just with our financial goals but also with our inner values.
The truth is, much of what we believe about ourselves has been influenced by external factors—factors that do not have to dictate our actions or our futures. By reclaiming our self-perception, we empower ourselves to create a life and a financial future that are not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.
We have to be brave to reflect on the beliefs that have been shaping our financial decisions. Are they truly our own, or reflections of something else? Let’s explore how aligning our financial strategies with our true selves can not only improve our financial wellbeing but also reinforce the wholeness of who we are.
We advise, you thrive.