Before anyone can move forward on a path to financial freedom they must
first ask themselves this question:  through which lens do I see money? The next question they must ask is: is this view serving me? 

Think about it.

Is your lens tinted by old beliefs, or so cloudy you can’t quite make out a picture at all? Is it set to zoom in on one aspect of money or one strong desire or is it a wide-angle lens that sees a very big picture?  In my 18 years of work as a financial advisor, I have witnessed many different perspectives on money. In addition, my work as a professional coach has taught me that uncovering current perspectives and choosing new ones is a powerful and transformative tool. 

Most of us go through life without realizing we view the world through a particular perspective.  We think that the way we view a situation is the truth; it is what is. The real truth is that there is no one way to look at a situation; in fact the number of ways to see something may be infinite. The important part of changing our view is that, as we embrace new perspectives on people, things, situations or events, there is a change in our energy. New pathways open up for us and we move from a feeling of being stuck to being unstuck. New perspectives allow us to breathe in new light, more space, more solutions to problems, and a feeling of freedom. Each new perspective we accept is a choice, a choice that can help us lead a richer, more fulfilling life.

Recently, I participated in a group discussion about money.  I was fascinated to hear in the span of one hour all the different perspectives on this elusive, yet ever-present part of our lives. I welcomed the opportunity to try on some new perspectives and re-examine some of my old ones as well.

The first thing that came to me as we began our discussion were all the clichés that circulate about money. They seemed to be lurking in the shadows of the room. “Money makes the world go around; money is the root of all evil; you can never be too rich or too thin; money talks; time is money; money doesn’t grow on trees” and on and on. You may want to back up for a minute and try each of these perspectives on slowly and notice what images come to mind as you do so. No, really -- stop and try this!  You may notice that each cliché or perspective has its own distinct energy and feel to it. Remember, they are simply ways of seeing, not truths. Each cliché is simply a different perspective. The way we look at something has a direct impact on the goals we develop, our intentions, our behaviors and the course of action we take. We can choose fabulous goals and devise powerful action plans, but if our perspectives don’t support that goal, we will never achieve it. When I look through the lens of money is the root of all evil, I recoil.  I think of money as dirty and I want to reject rather than attract it.  I see wealthy people as having bad intentions and empty hearts.  I imagine a life of simplicity with few possessions as the path to goodness. Poverty becomes romanticized in my mind. Conversely, when I set my focus to money makes the world go ‘round, I feel inspired to embrace money and the amazing gifts it provides. I imagine world travel, new adventures and generous giving to others. It has a feel of movement, fun and endless possibilities; it conjures up a life of abundance.   When we are planning to set up some monetary goals, the perspective we choose to embrace is an essential first step.

In my exploration, I was able to obtain the perspective on money that most empowers me. It is the one that brings me the most peace and the most freedom.  My perspective is that money is a form of energy, and a tool with which I can work. As the master craftsman, I can create beautiful things with this tool. I can also use it carelessly if that is the path I choose. Money is not the problem, nor the solution -- I am. When I view money in this way I feel strong knowing that I am its master, not the other way around. When I look at money as a form of energy, it loses its ability to intimidate me, to cloud my judgment, or to attach itself to me. It becomes smaller and more neutral.  This tool becomes my helper, a device that when used well, can help me create that which is really important in my life: a life that is aligned with my values. I am filled with gratitude for what it brings me and gratitude for my ability to spread it and share it with others. I welcome its presence in my life.   Remember that perspectives are a choice. Choose well!

Donna Krone is a Certified Professional Coach and a Certified Financial Planner. Donna is the founder of TLL Coaching and Consulting in Massachusetts and a senior partner of Financial Conversations in Tempe, Arizona. Visit www.tolovelife.com

First appeared in the Feb/Mar 2006 issue of aspire… Magazine.