Many of us grew up hearing, "money doesn't grow on trees". This was often the follow up statement to punctuate some discussion or discourse around "affordability". If anxiety around money was the foundation of your money blueprint (beginning from your family of origin), you may be noticing that many of your financial decisions have been about care, attention and protection. These obviously may have resulted in cautious investments, not overspending and a degree of savings. A lack of debt may be your "claim to fame" although the flip side to this scenario is that you have not been "playing big". If this is the case, you may have missed some opportunities and are not even enjoying the savings you do have as any spending creates too much anxiety around your future.

Another statement you may have heard is, "rich people are greedy and achieved their wealth by cheating". This negative perspective around wealth may have created a money blueprint that says, "if I remain middle class or lower, I will be perceived as a good person". Of course we know that these beliefs operate on a sub-conscious level in our minds yet they drive the decisions and actions we take in our lives. You may notice that the people around you have the same lifestyle and financial profile as you do. You may also find that you have settled into a job or career that may have some potential for growth, but you see striving for growth or for jobs in the higher echelons as over-indulgent.

In either of the two scenarios, the underlying principle here is that the belief you hold is what shapes your relationship to money today. If you are satisfied with the results you have, then read no further. If, however, you are not, then here are some ways you can re-frame those 2 beliefs with more empowering perspectives:

Belief: Money is "scarce":

• Is it true that there this is the absolute most I can achieve in terms of quantity and my enjoyment of it?

If you answered, "yes", then examine some of the moments and opportunities you may have missed, even if there was some degree of risk. Explore whether or not you live with fear of the future to the degree that it affects how you live in the present. Then ask:

• How would my life be different if I no longer held that belief? How would I feel and act differently?

You may find yourself saying, "I'd probably be more laid back and perhaps follow up on some opportunities." Changing a belief does not happen overnight. Even if you still need to research an opportunity over time to decide on its risks and still incorporate some strategies to meet those risks, it is a step towards what is possible!

Belief: Rich people are "bad":

• Is it true that all rich people are bad? Can you find one example of someone you know or perhaps is publicly known (famous) who is not bad?

If you can begin to challenge some of these misconceptions by providing yourself with examples, you may find that your perceptions of money will soften. You may need to set some boundaries with those who share similar beliefs and surround yourself with those who think and act differently.

• How would my life be different if I no longer held that belief? How would I feel and act differently?

Think of an opposite belief such as, "rich people are good" and look for ways money and good could go hand-in-hand. Taking on this perspective may help you to open yourself to your own potential in terms of the good you can do beyond your own success!

In either of these "belief" scenarios, being willing to question where these beliefs came from and to understand how they have created what you have is the first step to helping you find more empowered ways of thinking.

Just start thinking, "Today is the day I have decided to "play big"!