Tip: It didn’t happen TO you; it happened FOR you!
The past few years have been financially difficult all around the world. However, more recently, things have started to take a turn in the right direction here in America. Over the years, I have traveled to six different continents, and seen the evidence of how financial matters affect a country’s economy. We are no longer a collection of individual countries trying to grow and prosper. Rather, we are a world that is largely dependent upon each other’s good will, trust and cooperation in order to achieve some kind of stability in a world that is very fragile.
Whether it is in the newspaper, on television, or in current popular books, almost everything I see is warning us that now is the time to get our financial house in order. It is true that as an individual or a nation, none of us can live on borrowed money and borrowed time forever. History shows us that if we do not learn to discipline ourselves, sooner or later someone or something else will discipline us.
As I continue to learn about financial matters, I see that they are closely related to the deepest fiber of the heart. Perhaps you have heard the saying, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be, also.” That concept in and of itself shows us that our treasure and our heart are closely and inseparably linked.
Not too long ago, I was reading a book by Robert Kiyosaki entitled, Rich Dad’s Conspiracy of the Rich. The book is not so much about how to create a personal budget or a family budget as much as it is about the power of money in our daily lives. He mentions that the words we speak about money and the way we handle it, reveals a great deal about ourselves. That revelation is a good thing because it helps to open our eyes to areas where growth is needed.
There was one particular paragraph in Kiyosaki’s book that stood out to me that I wanted to share with you. “If you want to change your life, begin by changing your words. Start speaking the words of your dreams, of who you want to become, not the words of fear and failure. Look at this financial crisis as a blessing rather than a curse, an opportunity rather than a problem, a challenge rather than an obstacle, a time to win rather than a time to lose, and a time to be brave rather than be afraid. And, be glad when things are difficult because difficulty is the dividing line between winners and losers. Think of difficulty and struggle as the training ground of champions” (p. 162).
Isn’t that a powerful truth? It is so important that we continue to move forward, even though it may feel as though we are “straining” to do so. We should never give up on our hopes and dreams and we should never speak words of fear and failure. We should speak words of encouragement and optimism as we grow and learn how to handle our own current economic challenges as well as the ones we are sure to face in the future. We can choose to allow the challenges that we are going through to make us stronger and better. It may not be easy, but it certainly will be worth the effort.
Just as we feel resistance when we are lifting weights, we know that the process will make our muscles stronger. And, as we are feeling resistance with financial challenges, the purpose of that resistance is to make us better and stronger. Personal growth cannot happen in a vacuum. It is important and necessary that we experience personal challenges in order to create in ourselves the growth that we long for and desire.
As most of you know, my Tips are meant to be uplifting, encouraging and positive. This one is no exception. However, it may require a little more thought and effort; and, perhaps a slight change in attitude, as well.
I believe that money issues test our heart and our wisdom. I also believe that there are some great ways to experience financial success if we will simply open our eyes and look for them. While there are challenges and difficulties all around us, there are also opportunities and blessings if we will just take the time to seek them. Remember, everything in this life is simply a test to help us learn and grow.
I want to encourage each of you to remember that your treasure and your heart are inseparably linked. Take a good look at those two issues and see where adjustments may need to be made. You will not only be better off financially for the process, but you will also experience more personal peace in your heart as you grow and mature in that area of your life.
Tip: It didn’t happen TO you; it happened FOR you!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Dr. Robert A. Rohm
