In this blog, I take a deep dive into the ways gratitude can improve our relationship with money, thus reducing some of the financial pitfalls that we often encounter in our day-to-day lives.
Introduction
Like many, I used to view gratitude as a mere sentiment, something we're often encouraged to express. However, my perspective shifted when I embarked on a personal journey of understanding its true power.
Gratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it's a scientifically proven tool for improving mental and physical health. Research has shown that practising gratitude can lower stress and anxiety, boost resilience, and increase happiness. This is because when we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the 'feel-good' chemicals that promote well-being.
Some may find it hard to believe that gratitude can improve our relationship with money. But when we think about it more deeply and learn from what science shows, we can see the benefits. For instance, some might argue that being grateful for what we have might make us complacent and hinder our ambition. However, research suggests that gratitude can actually motivate us to strive for more while appreciating what we already have.
Below are some of the proven ways gratitude can help improve your relationship with money:
Increased Financial Satisfaction
We already know from science that with gratitude comes increased levels of contentment. So, when we walk in gratitude, we are better placed to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. Therefore, by appreciating what we already have in our lives, small or big, we can feel more satisfied with our financial situation.
When we feel satisfied with where we are, we are less likely to want to spend money we do not have or look at others and wish we had what they had. The desire to belong (compete) usually drives people into debt or goes outside their budget.
Better Money Management
When I cultivate gratitude for my financial resources, I find myself becoming more mindful of how I spend. This heightened awareness leads to better money management, including reducing unnecessary expenses and increasing savings. It's a practical tool that empowers me to live within my means and recognise my financial limitations.
Reduced Stress
For many people, including myself, money is a threat, for it is a source of can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. If you don't have money or enough of it to cover your expenses, your stress levels rise, negatively impacting your mental or physical health. But having gratitude always helps us shift our focus away from financial worries and onto the positive aspects of our lives, such as healthy ways of solving problems, thus reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Improved Relationships
Gratitude can also help improve our relationships with others, as knowing that people in your life are grateful for what they have increases your trust in them. You know they are unlikely to be reckless, spend money they don't have and get into debt, which often leads to quarrels in relationships when mismanagement occurs. So, by expressing gratitude for the financial support and contributions of others, more contentment and stability are achieved, thus strengthening our relationships.
Increased Generosity
When we're grateful for our financial resources, we're more likely to share them with others as a way to spread the joy we have within. As the adage goes, the more you give, the more you get. The people you give may not return their appreciation in the form of money. Still, the thank yous and recognition you get will drive you and increase your generosity and charitable giving. This can improve our sense of purpose, which is the feeling of being part of something bigger that has a meaningful impact and overall happiness.
Through my own experiences, I've come to realise that regular practice of gratitude can be transformative. It has the power to reshape our relationship with money, leading to a more positive and fulfilling financial life.
Before you go, check out my video about the money habits that kept me broke for so many years in the UK. These mistakes taught me some valuable life lessons about finances.
Also, check out my debut novel below. Also available on Amazon.
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