Here’s a revealing exercise. How would you complete the sentence: I’d love to make more money, but_______________.
You probably came up with some perfectly good reasons why you can’t: “I’m too old. I’m too young. I don’t have time. I have little kids. I don’t want to work that hard.”
Your reasons may feel rational. But they are not the truth. They are simply deep-seated beliefs, messages you repeatedly heard growing up that have become deeply embedded in your brain.
These beliefs, far more than any external factors, are the reason you’re stuck in underearning. Whenever you attempt to do something contrary to your beliefs, your brain screams bloody murder: “Stop! Don’t go there! Danger! Danger!”
Instinctively, you hold yourself back, terrified of the dire consequences you’ll suffer. It’s a primal survival response, though rarely is your survival being threatened. But I know from experience, it can sure feel like it.
As a chronic underearner, I truly believed—thank you, Dad—making and managing money is a man’s job. If I, a woman, tried, I’d fail miserably. For 30 plus years, my income reflected that belief.
Then suddenly–well, it felt sudden—everything changed. At the time, I was researching a book about high earners, spending hours talking to women who shattered glass ceilings, broke through limiting beliefs, overcame impenetrable obstacles, to make six- and seven-figures.
And then it happened. I made six figures before I’d finished writing the book. I was shocked. I swore nothing had I changed. But I was wrong. My brain had been rewired.
I’d accidentally stumbled on a powerful technique psychologists call Selective Attention—that which you focus on, over a period of time, gets wired in your brain and becomes your reality. For months, these women were showing me, subliminally, that my belief was bullshit.
This is wonderful news. You too can rewire your beliefs by consciously and consistently choosing to focus your attention exclusively on optimistic or loving thoughts (“Yes I can!”) and those who are proving your beliefs untrue.
Granted, redirecting your thinking (from what you don’t want to what you do want) takes massive effort at first. Our brains are lazy. They tenaciously resist change. But here’s a challenge for you—Leave me a comment below and tell me about a belief you want to rewire. Try Selective Attention for 3 months and watch what happens!!
Barbara Huson
Barbara Huson is the leading authority on women, wealth and power. As a bestselling author, financial therapist, teacher & wealth coach, Barbara has helped millions take charge of their finances and their lives. Barbara’s background in business, her years as a journalist, her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, her extensive research, and her personal experience with money give her a unique perspective and makes her the foremost expert on empowering women to live up to their financial and personal potential.
Barbara is the author of 7 books, her newest, Rewire for Wealth, was published in 2021. You can learn more about Barbara and her work at www.Barbara-Huson.com.
