If you were to examine the things that you say and do in your life and were to think about them in terms of a novel, what story are you telling?

Is your story a mystery?  Do you say things like “I don’t know what to do next?”  “What in the world are they talking about?”  “I have no direction.”  “I have so many things to do I don’t know where to start.”  When you talk about your past are the words you choose: “I don’t know why they did that?”  “Why do things like that always happen to me?”   Does there seem to be more questions than answers?

Is it an adventure, using words like, “I can’t wait to see what will happen?”  “I am right in the middle of a leap of faith.”  “It was a challenging experience and yet I learned so much.” “I don’t know what it is going to look like, but here I go.”  Do you embrace change and look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead?

Perhaps your story is a thriller.  More often than not you find yourself anxious and scared saying things like “I am sure it will not turn out well.”  Why can’t things just stay the way they are?”  “I know they are all against me.” “No good deed goes unpunished.”  Do you find yourself frequently waiting for the other shoe to drop or the boogie man to jump out?

When we talk we paint a picture not only to others but to ourselves and in our words we tell our story of not only what has happened but in a large part about where we are going.  Think about what you say.  Is your story one that would inspire or depress?  Are you the heroine / hero or are you the victim?   Is it a story of facing obstacles or over coming them?  If you are not telling the story you want.  Start a new novel .

Coaching can assist you in writing the story you want.  Call me for a free phone consultation to see if coaching is a fit for you.

When you think about a balanced life, what comes to mind?  It may surprise you to know that the answer to this question is very different for everyone.  Most people think an equal amount of time for work and play, others the ability to spend more quality time with their family.  For some it may mean eliminating the stress and drama in their life or being a more spiritually-centered person.  I have heard clients say that having enough money to travel or retire would bring balance to their life.  As a coach, I have heard many, many definitions over the past 12 years and each one is correct for each individual.  Although there is one thing, one thread which is the same for each and every person and that is achieving a balanced life requires clarity about those things that are most important to you and prioritizing them in order to give them the time and attention they deserve.  What do you value in your life? 

 If you want more balance in your life the first step is to determine what your governing values are. You must determine your highest priorities.   Prioritizing does not mean that you believe one value is more important than another.  It is simply a way to give structure so that you can focus on the most compelling values first.   Is your top priority spending time with your family?  Then your governing value would simply be family.  Do you see consistently turning in quality work as a priority?  Your value, in this case, might be professionalism.  Do you strive to have enough money to provide a secure financial future for your family?  Your value might be prosperity. 

Just as in the examples above, make a list of your top ten priorities and then connect those to a value.  Now take a look at your top 10 list and ask yourself, do the things I do on a daily basis reflect my values listed?  Next, ask the people in your life, based on your actions, what would they list as your priorities and values? Would their list match yours?

Your credit report and score can be used in more ways than you might think.  It is used not only to  apply for credit with a lending institution or credit card company but your credit history is  also used by Insurance companies to determine your eligibility and premium.  Most Landlords will check your credit history before accepting you as a tenant.  Although controversial, some employers will check your credit before offering you a job. Even if none of those things apply to you it is important to look at your credit report as this may be the first evidence you have that someone is using your identity.  It is simple and free to obtain your credit report.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

 Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law — www.annualcreditreport.com. Other websites that claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores,” or “free credit monitoring” are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report.

To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You can print the form  from ftc.gov/credit. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Knowing Your Numbers is one of the ways you can show financial respect and protect yourself.  Mark your calendar and make this an annual event because you need to Know Your Numbers.

Do you want to manifest prosperity in your life? If so, there are certain steps you need to take. Here’s how to begin:

• Understand where you are right now with your finances.
• Know exactly what you earn and spend.
• Know the amount of debt and the interest rate you have incurred.
• Know how and on what you choose to spend your money.
• Look at your finances everyday.

Bring your finances to your conscious. When you know the truth, you will have the information needed to bring about change and success.

After the above steps, start examining the beliefs you have around money and prosperity. Unconsciously, you may believe you are not worthy of being prosperous or you may continually speak from a lack mentality. Does your language around money and prosperity reflect what you want to manifest in your life? Do your beliefs support the financial life you want? Your relationship with money directly affects your relationship with life.

Many of us are blocked and do not face our financial situation. It may scare, intimidate or overwhelm us. It has a profound effect on us physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. It drains our energy. That energy could be better applied to other areas of our life. Money, or lack of it begins to dictate what we can and cannot do and have.

When we become conscious and align what we believe, think, say and do around our money, we can see where we may be giving our power away and how we can regain it.

When you think of spring cleaning, perhaps you think of unorganized closets brimming with all the stuff you hold on to. “The stuff” –those items you think you might need some day or that, in all likelihood, you will never use again and yet, still find it hard to let go of. This hoarding is a scarcity mentality. A belief that there is never enough or a fear that one-day there may not be enough. To open up the abundance in your life, you have to make room for it mentally and physically. One way, in which you can start to do this, is to take the following steps in your spring clean.

Step one: Label three boxes (it may take more)

Box 1 write “Things to throw away”

Box 2 write “Things to give away”

Box 3 write “Things to sell”

Step two: Go through your house, garage, drawers, cupboards, attics and closets.

Box 1: Place those items that have no value, such as:

Used lipsticks and makeup (What were you thinking with that color!)

Half empty bottles of hairspray, conditioner, shaving lotion (you know, just in case someday you don’t have any)

Broken appliances or tools

Dried up paint cans

Candle stubs

One earring

Old magazines

You get the idea. Make a goal to come up with at least 25 items. Take a look at what you have placed in the box so that, in the future, you can recognize those items you consider to have no value. Make a commitment to yourself that from now on those items will be trashed immediately. Now throw the box away.

Box 2: Place those items that have no value to you, however, would have value to someone else, such as:

Clothes you no longer wear or no longer fit.

Clothes with the tags still on. (But it was ON SALE ..it’s the wrong color, size and style. You’ve never worn it and probably never will…But it was ON SALE)

Shoes never or seldom worn (Dyed for the wedding…hurt your feet but went great with the dress with the tag still on)

Extra dishes

Children’s clothes and toys

Videos, Books and CD’s

Extra linens never used

Take a moment to reflect on the items you have spent your money on, that no longer have any value to you. Donate the items. You have transformed something from being worthless, to something of a treasure.

Box 3: Place those items that you no longer want or need, however, would have financial value to you, such as:

Collectibles
China or crystal

Home decor items

Items that no longer represent you or your lifestyle

Examine those items you have chosen. Make note of the reasons you are choosing to let them go. Sell those items by having a garage sale, placing an ad in the paper, putting them on eBay or placing them in a consignment shop. Have a specific plan for what you would like to do with the money. Such as: Pay off debt, catch up on bills, take a vacation, invest, put into savings or celebrate. You have now transformed these items you no longer wanted or needed into an item of financial prosperity.

Step Three: Go through your house again and look at the items you have chosen to keep.

Why does it have value to you? Perhaps it adds comfort or makes life easier. Perhaps it holds a special memory or adds beauty to your surroundings. Maybe it belonged to someone special or someone special made it. What items are you still storing and why? If they are important enough to keep, give them the importance in your actions by displaying or using them. If they fall into the category of “some day I will ___” Make a date to do it and if you have not completed it by that date it is time to place it into one of the boxes.

How will your shopping be different from now on if you ask yourself two things? Will this item be in a box next year? What value will this item bring to me?

This is a great exercise to do with a partner. Find support from someone who will help you stay focused and make it fun.

When we talk with others there are six possible
messages:

1. What you mean to say.
2. What you actually say.
3. What the other person hears.
4. What the other person thinks he or she hears.
5. What the other person says about what you said.
6. What you think the other person said about what you said.

Wow!! Imagine all the implications. Not only is it important to be clear about what it is we want to communicate, it is extremely important to have clarity from the other person that they understood what we said.

“If you don’t give people information, they’ll make up something to fill the void.” -Carla O’Dell

Here are a few suggestions to streamline this:

Be sure of what you want to say
– You cannot clearly communicate something if you yourself don’t have clarity about it. What is your objective? What, if anything, do you want from the person you are talking to?

Verify the person is ready to listen
– Often we start communicating without ever checking in to see if they are ready to listen. State your subject and ask if this is a good time for conversation. If it isn’t, set up a time that is good for the both of you. It serves no purpose to communicate to someone who is not receptive to listen.

3. Speak in a charge neutral tone
– Keep the emotions out of your tone. Be like Switzerland.

4. Keep to the subject
– Remember your objective. Now that you have a captive audience, this is not the time to address everything you ever wanted to say. Too much information and the objective gets lost. “Be sincere; be brief; be seated.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Be time accountable
– Don’t ask for a few minutes if you need more. Agree upon the length of time for the communication and stick to it. If you need more time, ask for it or schedule another meeting to complete.

6. Speak in their language
– Do not be so technical that they can’t understand what you mean. Do not speak down to or over their head. Meet them where they are.

7. Watch for responses
– The best way to check out if you are being heard is to see how they are reacting. Do you have their attention? Are they looking at you? Are they fidgety or yawning? What is their body language?

8. Check in
– Ask questions, such as, do you have any questions about what we have covered so far? Do you understand or do you need additional information? Have I left anything out?

9. Stop talking
– When they are responding give them the same attention you request of them. Be a mentor. You can’t listen if you’re talking.

10. Recap
– Have them repeat to you what they heard and understood. Clarify or add anything, if needed.

Remember, “You can’t NOT communicate. Everything you say and do or don’t say and don’t do, sends a message to others” -John Woods

One of the first steps in changing your relationship with money is to examine what your current beliefs are around money. One way to explore what they are is to write down your answers to the following questions.

How did my parents handle money?

What does my present financial situation say about my beliefs around money?

What words do I use when I speak about money?

Once you have established some of your current beliefs around money ask yourself … Do these beliefs help or hinder me in my relationship with money? If they hinder you, rewrite your beliefs in a way that will help support what you want financially. Here are some examples:

How did my parents handle money?

My parents argued a lot about money.

Current Belief: Dealing with money is stressful and causes a fight.

New Belief: Looking at and dealing with my money empowers me to make good choices and feel safe.

What does my present financial situation say about my beliefs around money?

I have a lot of debt.

Current Belief: I have to debt in order to have what I want or need.

New Belief: I am financially responsible when meeting my needs and wants.

What words do I use when I speak about money?

I will never get ahead!

Current Belief: Nothing will ever change with my money!

New Belief: I am taking new steps today towards changing my financial future.

Remember what you think (your beliefs) will direct what you say, what you say will direct what you do and what you do will direct your destiny. It all begins with what you think. Change your thinking with your money and in turn change your financial destiny.

The Top 10 Tips for Actualizing an Abundant Life

Abundance…. some think of unlimited amounts of cash….others total

freedom…. yet others conjure up images of total satisfaction.

Abundance is all of that and more…. but how does one claim it? It’s

possible only if you break some limiting beliefs.

Here’s how:

1. Stop hoarding.

If you need it, use it. Hoarding is a scarcity mentality that

tells your subconscious mind that there simply is not enough to go

around. If you believe this, you will always have less than you want.

2. Having more is not stealing.

Eliminate the thought that if you have more you are taking from

someone else. There IS enough to go around, you just need to find it.

3. Use affirmations.

Try this exercise: every day for 30 days write on a sheet of

blank paper: I am blessed with having much more than I need. Our basic

needs are food, clothing and shelter. Everything else is a blessing and an

abundance. Recognize the abundance in your life.

4. Giving and Receiving

Remember to honor the abundance and blessings and “Pay it Forward”.

Continue the flow. If you are in money fear exercise your faith and belief

and take action. Give to someone who is in more need than you.

5. Start small.

If you want to begin saving, start with saving $10 a week, or

$25 or $50, whatever you can afford to put away without having to use

it. It’s amazing how quickly it can add up, and then use the principle of

compound interest to see it grow. If it’s more time you want, put

aside 10 minutes a day and add 5 minutes daily or weekly.

6. Learn something new daily.

Learning is all around you. Talk to someone who does a

different job from yours, or is from another culture. Attend a workshop.

Get a coach. It’s amazing how each new little thing can help you over

time in unexpected ways.

7. Embrace Gratitude:

Finish or begin each day grateful for the things that you do have. Make a

gratitude list of at least 10 things you are grateful for that day.

So often we focus on the things we do not have and what is lacking in our lives.

Remember what we focus on is what we attract. .

8. Choose your beliefs

Do you have any negative beliefs that may be getting in your way?

Write them down and choose to replace those with positive ones that

will be congruent with what you want in your life. Remember: What you think will

direct what you say, what you say will direct what you do and what you do will direct

your destiny. It all begins with what you think.

9. Listen to what you say.

Examine the way, in which you speak about money, this will give you insight

about your financial beliefs. Speak about money in the positive and with

abundance being your filter. If you want more than do not speak in terms

that represent that you have less.

10. Practice financial respect.

Reconcile your bank statement. Write down your monthly income and expenses.

Open your mail daily and look at your bills. Know your bank balance. Look at

the numbers. Be a good steward of your money. How can you expect to receive

more if you are not looking at and respecting what you already have?

Wishing each of you the blessing of abundance in your life.

Sherry Holster

Anyone who owns a car has to do routine vehicle maintenance. We do physical maintenance by having annual eye exams, physicals, woman wellness and dental check ups. The purpose of this maintenance is to make sure everything is running smoothly and to repair anything that would help improve performance. What about financial maintenance? Is everything running smoothly in your financial life? Are there any repairs needed to help improve your financial performance? When was the last time you did some financial maintenance? Complete the following check up.

Financial Check Up List

Yes/No

Do you write down your monthly income and expenses? ____

Do you have a will/trust and is it up to date? _____

Do you have a written plan to eliminate your credit card debt? _____

Are your earnings equivalent to the effort you put into your job? _____

Do you contribute to a retirement plan/IRA? If so, is it enough? _____

Are you consistently depositing money into savings? _____

Have you written down your financial goals? If so, are you achieving them? _____

Do you have an emergency fund? _____

Do you have life insurance and is the beneficiary correct? _____

Do you pay more than the minimum payment on your credit cards? _____ 

In the last 12 months have you comparison shopped your auto/home insurance? ___

Do you speak openly and easily with your partner regarding money? ____

Do you pay your bills on time? _____

Do you reconcile your bank statements? _____

Does your income exceed your expenses? _____

Do you feel safe and secure in your financial life? _____

Are you withholding/paying in enough federal income tax? _____

“No” answers indicate areas in which repairs are needed in order to improve your financial performance. Make a list of the repairs; determine the action required along with a date for completion. It is recommended to perform this at least every six months. Just as we go to physicians for our physical maintenance and auto mechanics for our vehicle maintenance, you would likewise consult a professional for some of your financial maintenance. As always, get support. This may come from your partner, CPA, financial planner, a coach or a workshop. . 

Committed to your success,

Sherry Holster

936-685-7387

“There are costs and risks to a program of action, but they are far less than the long range risks and costs of uncomfortable inaction.”

… John F Kennedy

Prosperity is not a $ (dollar amount) it is a frame of mind. So often we attach an amount of money to being prosperous. We say things like “As soon as I earn X amount of dollars or as soon as I have paid off everything or as soon as I get the promotion, new job, commission or bonus check that is when I will be prosperous. That is when everything will line up and everything will be OK. As soon as blank happens I will be able to do blank.” As soon as … these three words can be our biggest block to prosperity in our life. As soon as, is always beyond our grasp. Who are we between now and as soon as? How are we defining and feeling about our life between now and as soon as? Prosperity is feeling prosperous in any given situation, at any time and under any circumstances. Prosperity is a choice, not an event to happen. Are there any as soon as going on in your life? If so, define them and choose to release them. Instead ask yourself: What can I do to help support the choice of prosperity in my life today?

You Might:

Write a gratitude list

Network your business

Count your blessings

Start or increase your savings

Celebrate your accomplishments

Make conscious choices in your spending

Select words of abundance when you speak about money

Focus on the things you have in your life vs. the things you don’t have

Whatever you do, start today and choose prosperity as your filter