Changing Your Financial Set Point
Friday, September 19th, 2008I’ve been reading the book The Answer by John Assaraf and Murray Smith who are both multi-millionaire entrepreneurs who have built numerous successful businesses. I always find it helpful to soak up information from people who have achieved a high degree of personal and financial success, as it is one of the most powerful ways to dissolve stagnation and grow out of limiting patterns and beliefs.
One of the themes that this book touches on that I find fascinating (and definitely worth taking a serious look at if you are a business owner) is the financial set point, which basically says that each of us will inevitably return to a certain income range based on our inner beliefs and perceptions. In his book The Millionaire Mind, Harv Eker calls this the financial blueprint.
This is why you may have noticed that if you transitioned out of a job making $50,000 per year, you will very likely find yourself making roughly the same amount of money as an acupuncturist or chiropractor. Now, the sad truth is that 90% of us hover around the same financial set point for most of our lives (as we tend to do in all themes of life). In his book Power vs. Force ( a must read), David Hawkins proposes the idea that if the entire spectrum of human evolution were to occur on a scale of 1-1,000, (1,000 being a fully enlightened person), the vast majority of us never increase more than about 5 points — I think he said the average increase tends to be from around 200 to 205– in our entire lifetime.
Stagnation, habit and intertia are indeed very powerful forces that keep the majority of us weighed down in limitation. Now, I don’t say that to be negative; it’s just a simple truth if you observe the lives of most human beings. In fact, I say this as a consolation to you if you are experiencing frustration with your financial set point. It is helpful to know that you are not alone in this regard.
Of course, this begs the question, ‘how do I change my financial blueprint?’ Well, the good news is that it is absolutely possible to do this. The Answer goes into some depth on the field of neuroplasticity, which represents an exciting development in neuroscience that indicates the incredible power of the brain to change. Simply put, there is nothing set in stone when it comes to our limitations or shortcomings. We have the capacity to reinvent ourselves, to form new patterns of perception and action, thereby creating radically new circumstances in our lives. Whatever is limiting you right now– no matter how deeply entrenched or painful it may be– is temporary and can be overcome.
Now, when it comes to changing your financial set point, you absolutely have to be willing to step out of poverty mode. You have to start thinking in a new, more abundant way. Wealthy and successful people never say things like, ‘I can’t afford it’ or ‘That is too much money.’ They don’t quibble over little things. They put their minds on wealth generation and freedom. When they see an opportunity that will help them grow financially and personally, they find ways to do it.
Honestly, these are the people we love to coach! They are ready to take action. They don’t make excuses or pretend to be victims. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone to hit a new financial set point. And there is nothing better than seeing these people grow both financially and personally. It is exhilarating to be a part of. If this sounds like you, let’s talk. Send us an email so we can discuss how we can help you. The beauty of our coaching process is that it is truly comprehensive. We focus on working through limiting beliefs (which is one of my strengths as a coach) AND getting all the right systems in place to ensure your long-term success (which is where Dominic excels).
We also want to hear your own stories of moving beyond your financial set point. Email us at info@buildyourdreampractice.net to share any inspiring stories you have about breaking free of limitation in your practice. We’d love to hear your story and, with your permission, we may share your insights on our blog.
Kevin Doherty, L.Ac. and Dominic Sembello, L.Ac.