The #1 obstacle to financial freedom

I know how important financial freedom is to you. It’s a goal we have in common. In fact, everyone wants to have enough money so they don’t have to worry about it.

The real reason most of us aren’t able to overcome our financial struggles is NOT because of circumstances, uncontrollable expenses, or status. It’s all based on how we THINK about money.

Consider this: there are people who are making a hefty salary — I’m talking hundreds of thousands of dollars — but still end up having big financial problems. Their level of income and opportunities have nothing to do with it.

Rather, the way you think about money will determine your financial freedom more than any other factor.

Whether or not you think you’ll be rich, you’re right.

The primary reason for your financial problems is a lack of self-discipline — spending as much, or more, as you’re earning and forcing yourself to live by the smallest of margins all while having the attitude that it’ll never get better.

The starting point of achieving financial freedom is to become self-disciplined enough to rewire your attitude towards money.

You need to change your thinking from “wishing and hoping” to “thinking and doing.” You need to rewire your brain to understand that financial freedom must not be something that happens randomly for the fortunate few, but that it’s something you specifically think about, define, and plan for continuously.

Here are some actions you can take immediately to start eliminating your financial problems:

• Take a good look at your expenses – Disassociate your happiness with spending money on immediate pleasures. Unhappy people go on shopping sprees and buy things they don’t need when they know they can’t afford it.
• Pay yourself first –  If you haven’t already done so, open a “financial freedom account” at your bank, where you can deposit money leftover from your expenses to save for the long-term.
• Think prosperity – Wealthy, happy people think in terms of prosperity and how they can use their money to make money. Look for opportunities to acquire and keep money, whether it’s investing in a new product, process, or breakthrough.

That’s all from me this week and remember:

Money is hard to earn and easy to lose. Guard yours with care.

To your success,

Brian Tracy