I receive questions from Abundance and Wealth readers that apply to many of us. Here’s one I thought we could all learn from. Q: “I am very uncomfortable when I have money in my wallet and have to spend it all. I go home broke. How do I stop this destructive behavior?”

First of all, I am no psychologist or mental health specialist. This article is written from my own been there, done that and don’t want to do that again point of view.

Your comfort level with money begins on the inside, deep within your unconscious mind. The ability to handle money is directly related to how well you handle yourself. If you love, like and respect yourself you’ll also love, like and respect your financial self. How well you treat yourself is reflected back by how well you treat your money.

Over spending is a major sign of self-sabotaging behavior. Self-sabotaging behaviors are any behaviors that keep you from living up to your full potential. What do you think, will over spending keep you from reaching your full financial potential?

Over spending also chips away at self-esteem. It begins a never-ending cycle of not feeling good about yourself so you spend money, which makes you feel not good about yourself. All of this negativity keeps you in a downward spiral of self-sabotage and unhealthy self-esteem.

As an adult we have choices. We can keep doing what we’re doing and keep getting what we’re getting or we can change what’s not working into something that will work. I applaud you for recognizing self-defeating behaviors! That is a huge step one in the change process.

The next step will be to determine why money makes you uncomfortable. I suggest you read the articles on the Abundance and Wealth site in the sections of “Money Myths,” “Self-Esteem and Money” and “Examining The Past.” Your beliefs about money were formed in childhood and usually go hand-in-hand with the beliefs you have about yourself as a worthy and deserving person. What’s your comfort zone regarding money?

The third step is to make a conscious decision to change what isn’t working. Then, take positive action each day to make these changes reality. You can begin controlling your financial future as soon as you decide to control your relationship with money. Are you ready to consult a financial advisor or accountant? Do you need some outside help to keep you on a spending and savings program? Being proactive and taking positive action will help you to gain positive control over yourself and your finances.

I also suggest you read the articles about self-sabotage on the Self Development Site of BellaOnline. Sign up for both the Abundance and Wealth and the Self Development newsletters and you’ll be the first to know about latest articles on self-esteem and self-sabotage. I’ll be placing a discussion question on the Abundance and Wealth forum and welcome all comments and suggestions about overspending and gaining control of spending habits.

Taking control of your money is really about taking control of yourself.


I’ve also included a link to my book about conquering self-sabotaging behaviors. Ready to conquer self-sabotage? You’ll want to read Sharon’s book, How To Give Yourself The POWER To Succeed –
How To Give Yourself The POWER To Succeed


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