L is for LOCATE: Where you are right now!
Mindfulness Meditation:
Be sure to find your quiet space. Be present and acknowledge what feelings might be coming up for you as you consider your specific financial situation right now. It’s time to drop a pin and Locate exactly where you are at this moment.
Notice your breathing, any feelings in your stomach and muscles. We tend to contract when we are stressed, but take a moment to consciously relax any tension. Notice what emotions might be coming up for you right now. Now that you’ve slowed down and are fully present, listen to the word “Locate.” Can you “Locate” in the map of your life where you are in the area of finances? Include family factors, career, schooling, or even national economic changes that have brought you to this point. Take responsibility for any decisions you made that also contributed to where you’re located right now. Acknowledge that you are directing your path with your choices and now you’re making new choices! This is called Growth! Be open and quiet and truly listen to what comes to your mind through this. You can take a moment to pray and ask God to show you any factors that have brought you to this location in relation to your money.
Take a moment and read through this short infographic on a Growth Mindset versus Fixed Mindset. It’s talking about intelligence, and we would add “financial intelligence” to this concept.
Action Steps:
ONLY Do this Exercise AFTER you've done your Dream Big Form. No skipping ahead, even if you think you're too mature for dreaming. Go back and fill out the form if you skipped it earlier!
In your binder OR download this Excel Sheet, enter the total amount of income from all sources. Yes, even include birthday money from your mom. Every little bit counts!
Next, enter all the Fixed Expenses. These are bills that you know how much and when they are due. Don’t worry, we will get to those difficult variable expenses later. Right now, you’re just “dropping a pin” of where you are at.
Start saving ALL your receipts. Put them in the same spot every time. Keep an envelope in your purse. Put an envelope where you drop your wallet and keys at night. Whatever works for you - the key is consistency. Make it the same spot every single time!
