VIDEO SUMMARY
Mastering Your Finances: Essential Steps to Wealth
🤑 Money Myths BUSTED! 💸
Hey there, Money Master! 💰 Ever thought money is the root of all evil? 🧐 Well, think again! 🌱
🚫 Money itself isn’t evil – it’s all about how you use it. Time to drop that myth and learn the REAL deal! 🙌
💡 We’re spilling the beans on financial wisdom. 💡 From ditching negativity to embracing the power of planning, we’ve got you covered! 📈
🤑 Get ready to unlock your financial potential and say goodbye to money woes. 💪
Stay tuned for some epic money knowledge coming your way! 🚀💰 #MoneyMythsBusted #FinancialWisdom #MoneyTalks
THE STEP-BY-STEP FORMULA
Step 1: Being Intentional About Your Thoughts
Description:
This step emphasizes the importance of being intentional about your thoughts to avoid thinking and growing broke.
Implementation:
- Understand that thinking and growing rich requires intention, while thinking and growing broke only requires neglect.
- Acknowledge the power of your thoughts and their impact on your life.
- Commit to being intentional about your thoughts, avoiding neglect or negative thinking patterns.
Specific Details:
- Recognize that your thoughts about your financial future play a significant role in your actual financial outcomes.
- Avoid neglecting your financial goals and aspirations by actively thinking about and planning for your financial success.
- Understand that intentionality is key to achieving financial abundance.
Step 2: Avoid Thinking From the Past
Description:
This step advises against thinking from past experiences and encourages forward-thinking.
Implementation:
- Avoid projecting past experiences onto your future. Understand that recreating the past leads to stagnation.
- Instead of living in the past, focus on creating a future that differs from your past experiences.
- Recognize that your life should be a progression, not a repetition of past events.
Specific Details:
- Many people tend to repeat their past mistakes and experiences, leading to financial stagnation.
- Challenge yourself to break the cycle of living in the past and embrace the idea that you can create a better financial future.
- Remember the biblical advice to be fruitful and multiply, indicating that you should tap into your creative potential to achieve financial success.
Step 3: Cultivate Your Creative Seed
Description:
This step emphasizes the importance of nurturing the creative potential within you.
Implementation:
- Recognize that each person possesses a unique aspect of creativity placed within them.
- Understand that it’s your responsibility to bring that creativity to the surface and use it to be fruitful.
- Commit to cultivating the creative seed within you to produce abundance.
Specific Details:
- Everyone has a different form of creativity within them; it’s essential to discover and develop yours.
- Understand that your creativity is a seed that, when nurtured, can yield abundant results.
- Reap the rewards of your creative potential by sowing the seed of creativity in your actions and endeavors.
Step 4: Embrace Multiplication as Natural Output
Description:
This step highlights the concept that multiplication is the natural outcome of fruitfulness.
Implementation:
- Understand that when God said, “Be fruitful and multiply,” he intended for us to experience exponential growth.
- Embrace the idea that you have the creative potential to produce and multiply the results of your efforts.
- Recognize that everything in nature grows by multiplication, not addition.
Specific Details:
- Multiplication is not just incremental growth; it’s exponential and geometric growth.
- Reject the notion that human creativity and progress are inorganic or detrimental to the planet; instead, understand that they are part of God’s plan for us.
- Actively work towards multiplication in all aspects of your life, including your finances.
Step 5: Replenish and Subdue
Description:
This step delves into the meanings of “replenish the Earth” and “subdue it” and their implications.
Implementation:
- Understand that replenishing the Earth means filling it up with the fruits of your creativity and productivity.
- Embrace the idea of trampling down anything that opposes your progress or success.
- Recognize that you have the ability to overcome obstacles and opposition.
Specific Details:
- Replenishing the Earth is about continuous productivity and progress.
- Subduing challenges means facing them head-on and not allowing them to deter you from your path.
- Your life should be a journey of consistent improvement and growth, financially and otherwise.
Step 6: Reject Living in the Past
Description:
This step emphasizes the importance of leaving the past behind and focusing on creating a better future.
Implementation:
- Stop dwelling on past experiences or mistakes that may hinder your progress.
- Recognize that your past is merely a launch pad for your future endeavors.
- Commit to breaking free from the limitations of the past and embracing a future of abundance.
Specific Details:
- Your past should serve as a foundation for your future, not a prison that holds you back.
- Actively work on your mindset to let go of any negative or limiting beliefs stemming from past experiences.
- Embrace the idea that each day, week, month, and year should be better than the last in various aspects of your life, including your finances.
Step 7: Believe in Your Ability to Overcome Challenges
Description:
This step encourages you to believe in your capacity to overcome challenges and obstacles.
Implementation:
- Reject the notion that challenges are bigger than you or insurmountable.
- Embrace the understanding that you are equipped to face and conquer any challenges that come your way.
- Approach challenges with a mindset of resilience and victory.
Specific Details:
- Understand that challenges are opportunities for growth and development.
- Believe that you have the inner strength and resources to overcome challenges.
- Develop a mindset that views challenges as stepping stones towards success.
Step 8: Reject the Idea of Inevitable Decline
Description:
This step challenges the belief in the inevitability of decline with age and circumstances.
Implementation:
- Reject the notion that as you get older, you must get sicker, weaker, or financially worse off.
- Embrace the idea that every day is an opportunity for growth and improvement.
- Commit to living each day to the fullest, regardless of your age or circumstances.
Specific Details:
- Age should not be a barrier to health, wealth, and happiness.
- Embrace a mindset that expects continuous improvement in all aspects of life, even as you age.
- Take proactive steps to maintain your physical, mental, and financial well-being as you grow older.
Step 9: Embrace Victory Every Day
Description:
This step encourages you to start each day with the mindset of victory and success.
Implementation:
- Wake up with the expectation that every step you take leads to victory.
- Cultivate a mindset that believes in favorable outcomes and success in all your endeavors.
- Understand that you are already a winner, and winning is your default state.
Specific Details:
- Begin each day with gratitude and a positive outlook on what lies ahead.
- Shift your perspective from potential problems to potential solutions and opportunities.
- Recognize that your mindset plays a significant role in shaping your daily experiences.
Step 10: Focus on the Positive
Description:
This step emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in challenging situations.
Implementation:
- Refrain from dwelling on negative thoughts and potential obstacles.
- Train your mind to see opportunities, solutions, and the upside in every situation.
- Recognize that your attitude and perspective can significantly impact your outcomes.
Specific Details:
- Avoid carrying a negative attitude or a sense of doom with you throughout the day.
- Practice mindfulness and catch yourself when negative thoughts arise, then consciously shift your focus to positivity.
- Understand that maintaining a positive outlook is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Step 11: Think Positive When You Should Think Negative
Description:
This step highlights the importance of maintaining a realistic perspective while balancing positive and negative thoughts.
Implementation:
- Avoid overly optimistic thinking that ignores potential risks or challenges.
- Acknowledge potential negative outcomes and plan for contingencies when necessary.
- Strike a balance between positivity and practicality in your decision-making.
Specific Details:
- While it’s essential to think positively, don’t ignore potential pitfalls or challenges.
- Take a pragmatic approach by considering both positive and negative aspects of any situation or endeavor.
- Use a balanced mindset to make informed decisions and minimize unnecessary risks.
Step 12: Learn from the Ants
Description:
This step emphasizes the importance of learning from the behavior of ants in preparation for financial stability.
Implementation:
- Observe how ants gather food in the summer and store it for the winter.
- Understand that ants think ahead and plan for leaner times.
- Recognize the need to adopt a similar mindset in your financial planning.
Specific Details:
- Ants gather food in the summer to prepare for the scarcity of winter, showcasing the value of foresight.
- Applying this principle to your finances means saving and preparing when times are good to safeguard against future uncertainties.
Step 13: Prepare for the Lean Times
Description:
This step underlines the necessity of preparing for challenging financial periods when things are currently going well.
Implementation:
- When you experience financial prosperity, allocate a portion (20 percent, as suggested) for savings and investment.
- Understand that this preparation is akin to storing food for the winter.
- Continually set aside a portion of your income, even during prosperous times.
Specific Details:
- Follow the example given in the Bible where Joseph advised Pharaoh to save one-fifth (20 percent) of their resources during abundance.
- This savings acts as a safety net for when economic conditions become unfavorable.
Step 14: Maintain a Balanced Perspective
Description:
This step stresses the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and considering potential negative outcomes even when pursuing opportunities.
Implementation:
- Assess opportunities with a positive mindset but also consider the potential consequences of failure.
- Make decisions based on a thorough evaluation of both positive and negative aspects.
- Be prepared for the possibility of things not going as planned.
Specific Details:
- Embrace a balanced perspective that accounts for both success and failure scenarios.
- Avoid overly optimistic thinking, as it can lead to financial risks.
- Make informed decisions by weighing the pros and cons before taking action.
Step 15: Avoid Excessive Spending
Description:
This step advises against indulging in excessive spending and accumulating unnecessary possessions.
Implementation:
- Prioritize essential expenses and needs over luxury items.
- Avoid purchasing items or properties that won’t be actively used.
- Focus on accumulating wealth and assets that serve a purpose rather than material possessions.
Specific Details:
- Excessive spending on lavish items or properties can deplete financial resources that could be better utilized elsewhere.
- Consider the practicality and utility of each purchase before committing to it.
Step 16: Embrace Prudent Financial Habits
Description:
This step encourages the adoption of prudent financial habits for long-term stability.
Implementation:
- Create a budget that allocates funds for savings, investments, and necessary expenses.
- Consistently save a portion of your income, even during challenging times.
- Avoid impulsive spending and prioritize financial discipline.
Specific Details:
- Budgeting helps in tracking expenses, managing income, and achieving financial goals.
- Consistent savings create a financial cushion for emergencies and future opportunities.
- Discipline in financial habits is crucial for long-term financial stability.
Step 17: Maintain a Long-Term Perspective
Description:
This step emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective in financial planning.
Implementation:
- Set clear financial goals and develop a plan to achieve them over time.
- Avoid making decisions solely based on short-term gains.
- Focus on building wealth steadily and sustainably.
Specific Details:
- Define specific financial objectives, such as retirement savings or investments, and create a roadmap to reach them.
- Avoid impulsive decisions that prioritize immediate gratification over long-term financial security.
- Cultivate patience and consistency in wealth-building efforts.
Step 18: Understand the True Nature of Money
Description:
This step clarifies misconceptions about money, particularly the idea that money itself is inherently evil.
Implementation:
- Recognize that money is a tool that can be used for both good and bad purposes.
- Understand that the love of money, not money itself, is the root of various evils.
- Use money as a means to achieve your goals and make a positive impact on others.
Specific Details:
- Money is a neutral resource; its impact depends on how it is used and the intentions behind its use.
- Avoid negative beliefs about money that may hinder your financial growth.
- Strive to use money wisely and ethically to contribute positively to your life and society.
Step 19: Continuously Educate Yourself
Description:
This step encourages ongoing self-education to improve financial knowledge and decision-making.
Implementation:
- Invest in financial literacy by reading books, attending seminars, or taking courses.
- Stay informed about economic trends and investment opportunities.
- Seek advice from financial experts and professionals when making significant financial decisions.
Specific Details:
- Financial education enhances your ability to make informed financial choices.
- Keeping up with economic developments allows you to adapt your financial strategies accordingly.
- Consulting with experts can provide valuable insights and guidance in complex financial matters.
Step 20: Understand the True Nature of Money
Description:
This step debunks common misconceptions about money, particularly the notion that money is inherently evil.
Implementation:
- Recognize that money is a tool that can be used for both positive and negative purposes.
- Understand that wealth, in itself, is not inherently good or evil; it’s a neutral resource.
- Use money as a means to achieve your goals and make a positive impact on your life and society.
Specific Details:
- Money serves as a tool that amplifies your existing character and intentions.
- Wealth can be harnessed to do good and make meaningful contributions to society.
- Avoid negative beliefs about money that might hinder your financial growth.
Step 21: Avoid Negative Stereotypes About Wealth
Description:
This step advises against subscribing to negative stereotypes about wealthy individuals.
Implementation:
- Refrain from believing that all rich people are dishonest or unethical.
- Recognize that wealth can be attained through honest means by creating value for others.
- Challenge and reject stereotypes that suggest all wealthy individuals are morally compromised.
Specific Details:
- Dismiss the notion that riches are solely acquired through dishonesty or exploitation.
- Acknowledge the many honest and ethical ways people accumulate wealth, such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work.
- Base your perceptions of individuals on their actions and character rather than their financial status.
Step 22: Avoid the Poverty Equals Piety Fallacy
Description:
This step debunks the belief that poverty equates to piety or holiness.
Implementation:
- Reject the misconception that being poor makes you more virtuous or righteous.
- Understand that financial stability and success are not indicators of moral character.
- Embrace the idea that financial prosperity can coexist with strong moral values.
Specific Details:
- Wealth or poverty does not determine one’s level of holiness or piety.
- Financial success should not be associated with moral compromise.
- Focus on personal growth and values rather than equating financial status with righteousness.
Step 23: Understand the Power of Words
Description:
This step underscores the significance of the words we use and the thoughts we cultivate.
Implementation:
- Be conscious of the language you use regarding money and wealth.
- Replace negative or limiting language with positive and empowering affirmations.
- Understand that your thoughts and words can influence your financial reality.
Specific Details:
- Avoid negative or derogatory words when discussing finances.
- Embrace the power of affirmations to reshape your mindset and attract abundance.
- Recognize that the words you choose can impact your financial outlook.
Step 24: Challenge Stereotypes About Wealth
Description:
This step encourages you to question and challenge stereotypes and assumptions about wealth.
Implementation:
- Avoid subscribing to the belief that all wealthy individuals are dishonest or unethical.
- Acknowledge that financial success can be achieved through honest means by creating value for others.
- Evaluate individuals based on their actions and character rather than their financial status.
Specific Details:
- Dismiss stereotypes that equate riches with moral compromise.
- Recognize that people can attain wealth through ethical means, such as hard work and innovation.
- Embrace a mindset that values individuals for their character and actions.
Step 25: Reject the Poverty Equals Holiness Fallacy
Description:
This step dispels the myth that poverty equates to holiness or virtue.
Implementation:
- Refrain from associating poverty with greater moral virtue or holiness.
- Understand that financial stability and success are not indicators of one’s moral character.
- Embrace the idea that financial prosperity can coexist with strong moral values.
Specific Details:
- Holiness or virtue is not determined by one’s financial status.
- Avoid the misconception that financial success requires moral compromise.
- Prioritize personal growth and values rather than equating financial status with righteousness.
Step 26: Embrace Intentional Thinking and Growth
Description:
This step highlights the importance of intentional thinking and personal growth.
Implementation:
- Cultivate a habit of intentional thinking by focusing on positive, constructive thoughts.
- Continuously seek opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
- Understand that improvement requires intentional effort and proactive thinking.
Specific Details:
- Avoid neglecting your thoughts and allowing them to move towards disorder.
- Actively engage in personal development to enhance your thinking and decision-making.
- Embrace intentionality as a means to improve your life and financial well-being.
Step 27: Maintain a Positive and Intentional Mindset
Description:
This step emphasizes the value of maintaining a positive and intentional mindset.
Implementation:
- Prioritize intentional thinking and growth as ongoing practices.
- Monitor and adjust your thoughts and actions to align with your financial goals.
- Recognize that a positive and intentional mindset can lead to financial success and personal fulfillment.
Specific Details:
- Consistently practice intentional thinking to avoid slipping into negative thought patterns.
- Continuously evaluate your financial decisions and adjust them as needed to achieve your goals.
- Understand that a positive and intentional mindset can positively impact both your finances and overall well-being.
Step 28: Harness the Power of Intentionality
Description:
This step further emphasizes the importance of intentionality in achieving financial success.
Implementation:
- Make intentionality a central part of your daily routine.
- Practice mindfulness to keep your thoughts and actions aligned with your financial goals.
- Understand that deliberate and purposeful thinking can lead to financial abundance.
Specific Details:
- Intentionality should become a natural habit, influencing your daily decisions and thought patterns.
- Mindfulness helps you stay aware of your financial choices and their consequences.
- Recognize that a focused and purposeful mindset can pave the way for financial prosperity.
Step 29: Be Open to Continuous Learning
Description:
This step underscores the value of lifelong learning and personal growth.
Implementation:
- Commit to ongoing education and self-improvement, especially in financial matters.
- Seek out resources such as books, seminars, and courses to expand your knowledge.
- Understand that learning and adapting are essential for financial success.
Specific Details:
- Embrace learning as a continuous process to stay informed about financial trends and strategies.
- Actively seek out opportunities to enhance your financial literacy and decision-making skills.
- Recognize that ongoing education is a key element of financial empowerment.
Step 30: Cultivate a Resilient and Adaptive Mindset
Description:
This step highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in financial success.
Implementation:
- Develop resilience by facing financial challenges with a positive attitude.
- Embrace change and adapt to evolving financial circumstances.
- Understand that a flexible mindset can help you navigate financial ups and downs.
Specific Details:
- Resilience allows you to bounce back from financial setbacks and maintain a positive outlook.
- Adaptability enables you to respond effectively to changing financial conditions and opportunities.
- Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning in your financial journey.
Step 31: Maintain a Balanced Focus
Description:
This step encourages a balanced approach to financial success.
Implementation:
- Strive for financial success while also valuing non-material aspects of life.
- Maintain a holistic view of wealth that includes emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being.
- Understand that true wealth encompasses more than monetary riches.
Specific Details:
- Balance your pursuit of financial success with a focus on overall well-being and fulfillment.
- Recognize that wealth includes emotional intelligence, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose.
- Embrace a holistic definition of wealth that goes beyond financial abundance.
COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT
Thoughts and Wealth
You’ve heard of the book Think and Grow Rich. Many of you have read the book Think and Grow Rich. Well, doesn’t it stand to reason that if you can think and grow rich, that automatically means you can think and grow broke? The difference is for most people, though, in order to think and grow rich, it requires intention. But to think and grow broke, it only requires neglect.
So, let’s not neglect being intentional about our thoughts because if we do, we might end up being one of those people who think and grow broke. In this video, I’m going to talk about the kinds of thoughts you have to avoid.
The Power of Thoughts
Earl Nightingale said in his Strangest Secret, he said, “Thoughts are things and incredibly powerful things, and a man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.” See, I say, believing, believing, believing, you will be living what you’re believing, even though you be lying. What does that mean? Anything I tell myself about a future outcome, I made it up. You can say, “I’m going home,” but what you really mean is, “I intend to go home.” You’re not guaranteed to get there. And see, what we have to understand is we have to understand that we have to become hyper-intentional about our work, about our thoughts. If we’re going to become hyper-intentional about our thoughts, we automatically have to be hyper-intentional about our words because the reality is you can speak without thinking, but you can’t think without using words. So let’s get this party started.
Thinking from the Past
What kind of thoughts cause people to think and grow broke? And I’ve noticed I can tell if I’m having a conversation with a person that’s not even about money, it could be about something else, I can pretty much gauge where they are financially because how you think, both on a conscious and subconscious level, determines how you communicate. But then it’s a cycle because how you communicate contributes to how you think.
What are the thoughts that we have to avoid? Well, I think number one is thinking from the past instead of thinking from the future. What does that even mean? Most people take their past experiences; they project it on the screen of their future. They recreate the past and think they’re living in the present. But what they’re really doing is living Groundhog Day. Most people are living their yesterday today; they’re living their last week this week; they’re living their last month this month; they’re living their last year this year; they’re living their last decade this decade, and their life isn’t getting better.
Which goes against the very first thing that God ever said to a human being. When he spoke to man, he said, “Be fruitful and multiply, replenish the Earth, subdue it, and have dominion.” Well, when he said, “Be fruitful,” a fruit is a living organism whose seed is in itself. The ability of a fruit to reproduce is inside the fruit. So when God said to man, “Be fruitful,” he wasn’t just talking about having children; he was talking about, “I put an aspect of my creativity inside of you.” Now, what’s really interesting is he put a different aspect of his creativity inside of all of us. Like some of y’all can sing better than me, probably not many of you, but some. No, I’m just kidding. Some of y’all sing better than me; some of y’all can write better than me; some of you can dunk a basketball better than me. Well, if you can dunk a basketball, you can automatically jump better than me. So, what’s my point? But there’s things I can do better than you because God didn’t put every aspect of his creativity inside of anybody, but he put an aspect of his creativity inside of everybody. And so, that creativity, that aspect of his creativity he put inside of us, it is our job to produce on the outside based on what God put on the inside. But he said, “Be fruitful.”
The Fruitful Analogy
Now, the other interesting thing about a fruit is this: because it has a seed in it, when you sow the seed, you don’t reap a piece of fruit; you reap a tree. And the tree might produce 100, 200, 300 apples a year, oranges, whatever your kind of seed you plant. Once it’s mature, it might produce 100 to 300 pieces of fruit per year. And I love what Warren Wiersbe said; he said, “Any fool can count the number of seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” So what we have to do is we have to make sure that we cultivate the seed of creativity that God put inside of us so we can be fruitful and we can be fruitful and multiply.
Because you reap what you sow, but you don’t reap when you sow. You reap what you sow, but you don’t reap the amount you sowed; you reap more than you sowed. And so, while you reap what you sow, you don’t reap when you sow, and you don’t…
Multiplication and Replenishing the Earth
Re what you sowed, you reap more than you sowed, later than you sowed. I hope y’all picking up what I’m putting down. And so, God said, “Be fruitful and multiply.” Why? Because multiplication is the natural output of the input of fruitfulness. So when God said, “Be fruitful and multiply,” multiplication is the natural output of the input of fruitfulness, like a fruit, a seed that you plant in the ground does not have the ability to only produce one fruit. Nothing in nature grows by addition. In nature, everything grows by multiplication, which means when God said, “Be fruitful and multiply,” the word “multiply” means to increase, but it’s not just an incremental increase; it’s an exponential increase. It’s a geometric increase.
See, there are people in the world who want to act like human beings are destroying the planet, but human beings aren’t here for the planet. The planet’s here for the human beings. And that doesn’t mean we should pollute; I’m not saying we should. We should take care of our environment. God said clearly, “Pollute not the land in which ye dwell.” But the environment isn’t God. The Earth is not my mother; it is here to serve me. I am not here to serve it. And these people who want to depopulate the Earth so the Earth lasts longer, the Earth is here for us; it’s not the other way around. Anyway, I digressed a little, but it was a good digression.
When he said, “Be fruitful and multiply, replenish the Earth,” the word “replenish” means to fill up. Don’t make a mistake of thinking that when a beaver uses its limited creativity to build a dam in a creek in the forest, that that’s organic. When an ant uses its limited creativity to build an anthill in the ground, that’s organic. When an eagle uses its limited creativity to build a nest in a tree, that’s organic. But when a human being uses unlimited creativity to build a city, that’s somehow inorganic. A city is as organic as an anthill, a beaver dam, or an eagle’s nest. So when God said, “Be fruitful and multiply,” what he’s telling us to do is he’s telling us to increase and fill up the Earth, replenish the Earth.
Overcoming Challenges
The multiplication of the things that we create, that’s our job. So when God said, “Be fruitful and multiply, replenish the Earth,” and they said, “Subdue it,” what does “subdue” mean? Trample down, stomp it. What does that mean? That means trample down anything that tries to stop you. And if he’s telling me to trample it, that means whatever opposes me is both beneath me and smaller than me. So if he told me to trample it, that means I have the ability to trample it. It’s already under my feet. Now, all I have to do is take the action to step on all of the stoppers.
So, we have to be fruitful, multiply, replenish. What is God saying? God is saying that a human being’s life is supposed to be progressively productive. What does that tell us? We shouldn’t be living Groundhog Day. Today should be better than yesterday; this week should be better than last week; this month should be better than last month; this year should be better than last year, and I’m not just talking about better financially, but I’m including better financially.
This whole idea that as you get older, you have to get sicker and weaker and broker is hideous. But if you believe that, then that’s exactly how you’re going to set up your life. I know people my age who talk like they’re a hundred; guess what, they also walk like they’re a hundred, they move like they’re a hundred, they act like they’re on death’s doorstep. I know people younger than me act like they’re on death’s doorstep. I’m only 62. I’m just getting started. Let’s get this party started; let’s go.
So, stop thinking from the past. The past is nothing more than your launchpad for your future. Treat it like that. But people who live in the past and they just dwell on the past, yeah, but this happened to me, and that happened to me, a bunch of stuff happened to all of us. We have to make sure we don’t allow our past to imprison our future and a life of lack and limitation.
Facing Challenges
Stop thinking you’re smaller than your challenges. What does that mean? You will never face anything that’s bigger than you if you are operating based on Kingdom principles. Nothing’s bigger than you; you’ll face challenges, but the challenges aren’t bigger than you. Somebody says, “Well, you don’t understand, man, you’re gonna die one of these days.” That’s not a challenge bigger than me. I’ve already received Christ, so when I die, I just begin to live.
Jesus said, “Whosoever believeth in me shall never die, and whosoever liveth in me, though you were dead yesterday, living, whosoever liveth in me shall never die.” And then he said this, “Believest thou this?” So, I even win when I die.
Here’s the problem with a lot of Christians, though: they think they start winning when they die. I wake up winning every day. Every step I take is a step in the direction of victory. But, man, how could you say that? Because we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. That doesn’t mean I’m going to win; I already am already winning.
Preparing for Challenges
The ant thinks winter all summer. What does that mean? That means you’ve got to think negative when things are positive. When things are going well, you have to be preparing for when things aren’t going to go well. When you have seven years of plenty, you have to be preparing for seven years of famine. How do you do that? Here’s what God told Joseph to tell Pharaoh to do when things are going good: put back that one-fifth part. What is that one-fifth part? 20%. When things are going great, stash 20%, hold onto 20%, because when the whole bottom falls out for the entire world, while everybody else is getting broker, you’re going to be getting richer. While everybody else is starving, you’re going to have food. You’ve got to think negative when things are positive.
When you look at an opportunity and you only see the good side, you are probably going to end up broke. You have to believe it will work, but take into consideration the consequences if it doesn’t. If you don’t do that, you’re as naive as a first-grader. None of us, not even me, there’s not a single solitary person I’ve ever met for whom everything we attempted to do worked out fine. So you have to count the cost of it not working and be okay with that price, and then make your decision. Expect it to work on it like it’s going to work, but be ready if it doesn’t.
Avoiding Negative Self-Talk
Thinking about negative self-talk, some people, when they get down the road and they see the obstacles and the challenges, they just start talking negative to themselves. You know, some people are just so overwhelmed by a problem, and they’re so beaten down that they don’t even want to be around themselves. It’s like they’re on the road to nowhere, on the highway of despair, and they don’t even want to ride with themselves. They’re ready to jump out of the car of their life. You can’t have that attitude.
You have to change the way you talk to yourself. You have to say, “I’m not going to talk negative to myself anymore. I’m not going to defeat myself in my head.” That’s a critical thought because if you’re thinking negative about yourself, that’s a thought that you have to avoid if you don’t want to think and grow broke.
Self-Limiting Beliefs
Another thought that will make you think and grow broke is self-limiting beliefs. What are self-limiting beliefs? Those are beliefs that you impose upon yourself that limit your potential.
For example, someone might say, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not smart enough,” or “I don’t have what it takes to succeed.” Those are self-limiting beliefs. If you believe you can’t do something, you won’t even try, and that’s a guaranteed way to stay stuck where you are.
So, avoid self-limiting beliefs. Don’t let them hold you back because you are capable of far more than you can imagine. Don’t limit yourself with your own beliefs.
Money and Positive Thinking
Some money thoughts that will cause you to think and grow broke include thinking that money is evil. Many people believe that money is evil, but the Bible actually says that the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. Money is inherently neutral; it makes you more of what you already are. Wealth is inherently good according to some beliefs.
The Scarcity Mindset
Another money thought that can lead to thinking and growing broke is having a scarcity mindset. This mindset is characterized by the belief that there is not enough to go around, and it leads to hoarding and fear of spending. Abundance is a more positive mindset to adopt, believing that there is plenty for everyone.
Fear of Risk
Being overly risk-averse can also hinder financial growth. If you’re always afraid of taking risks, you may miss out on opportunities for financial success. Sometimes, taking calculated risks is necessary for financial growth.
The Blame Game
Blaming others for your financial situation is a thought pattern that will keep you stuck. It’s important to take responsibility for your financial choices and decisions, both good and bad, and learn from them.
A Lack of Goals
Not having clear financial goals can lead to drifting aimlessly in your financial life. Setting specific goals and having a plan to achieve them is essential for financial success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your thoughts and beliefs about money play a significant role in your financial success. Negative thought patterns can lead to thinking and growing broke, while positive and empowering thoughts can help you achieve financial prosperity. It’s important to challenge and change any self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns that are holding you back and replace them with thoughts that empower and motivate you to take positive action towards your financial goals.
Poverty is not Piety
Thinking that poverty is piety is a misconception. Many people believe that being poor makes them more holy or spiritually pure. However, there is no inherent virtue in poverty. In fact, some religious texts and teachings emphasize prosperity and abundance as signs of blessing and favor. Poverty can often lead to suffering and a decreased ability to help others.
Misunderstanding Prosperity
Another money thought that can hinder financial growth is the misunderstanding of prosperity. Some people equate prosperity with greed or materialism, leading them to reject the idea of pursuing financial success. It’s essential to recognize that prosperity can be used for good, such as helping others and making a positive impact in the world.
Fear of Success
Believe it or not, some people fear success. They are afraid of the responsibilities, expectations, and changes that come with achieving success. This fear can sabotage their efforts to reach their full potential and financial goals.
Lack of Financial Education
Not educating oneself about finances and how money works is a sure way to think and grow broke. Financial literacy is crucial for making informed decisions about saving, investing, and managing money. Without proper financial education, you may fall into financial traps and make poor money choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your thoughts and beliefs about money play a significant role in your financial success. Negative thought patterns and misconceptions about money can lead to thinking and growing broke, while positive and empowering thoughts can help you achieve financial prosperity. It’s important to challenge and change any self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns that are holding you back and replace them with thoughts that empower and motivate you to take positive action towards your financial goals. Financial success is not just about money; it’s also about having the right mindset and knowledge to make wise financial decisions.