Managing Fear and Doubt to Experience Positive Change

My perspective on the purse... Most of us have money. It's located in our purses, wallets, checking or saving accounts, IRAs, retirement plans, or coffee cans. Good for us. We've made some good choices: earning income, investing income, and saving income.

Now what?

If you've been aware of what's happening in our country, you may be holding onto a specific perspective that may be making you feel bad. And that perspective is probably based on fear and doubt.

Fear and doubt about your current earnings, savings, and costs of living. Fear and doubt about your employment situation. Fear and doubt about the potential of choosing to make significant life changes.

For a brief moment, I would like you to challenge yourself in wiping away any and all thoughts that you currently have about your condition and situation. Just let everything go.

Now, believe for a moment that what you think affects how you feel. Believe that only you have the choice to think good or bad thoughts about something.

Take another moment, and think positive thoughts about the economy, your job, your income, your money, your expenses, and all of the stuff that is required to exist as a human being without a trust fund.

Consider these six thoughts: (1) I am grateful for my situation and know it could be worse. (2) I am happy with my current condition and intend to actively improve my life and situation. (3) Money is easily attainable if one invests in earning it. (4) Facing reality, I am prepared to make positive changes that would allow me to simplify my life and focus on the things that matter most. (5) While money isn't everything, I will be making more of it very soon. (6) Rather than feel badly about myself, I will take some time and think about those less fortunate then me.

Don't you feel good now? I do.

Now, I'm not one to criticize fear and doubt. In fact, I understand that it often protects us from making hasty decisions or stupid mistakes. Beyond your basic survival tactics, however, why beat yourself up by thinking bad thoughts about things you can change in your life? If I had $1.00 for each negative thought Americans have had based on fear and doubt, I bet (not much, though - I know how to diversify) I could earn enough to take care of thousands of people very well for many years to come.

Take advantage of fear and doubt. Use it to improve your condition and change your situation. You've probably heard of the expression: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Make fear and doubt your best friends, write them a "thank you" card, and work with them on improving your life today. Do yourself a favor. No matter what happens in your life. Try to think positive. I know it's not easy, but why change your lifestyle for a moment when you can change your life? Use fear and doubt to motivate you to make positive changes right now.