Rewriting Your Inner Money Script
We all carry inner scripts about money, some of which are helpful and many of which are harsh. These scripts, often formed in our childhood, are influenced by how our parents related to money. Nature.com has a fantastic paper demonstrating significant research supporting the idea that our parents and family environment shape our 'inner scripts' about money.
It's fascinating to discover the significant role that self-compassion plays in our finances. Self-compassion in finances empowers us to tune into how we speak to ourselves about our money story and choose to replace shameful narratives with kinder, more truthful ones. This realisation puts the power back in our hands, allowing us to take control of our financial narrative.
Start by asking yourself: How am I speaking to myself about money? Are you telling yourself you're inherently bad with money? That you don't deserve financial stability? Is your worth tied to your income or your mistakes? These are not facts; they are old, internalised messages that are poisoning your relationship with money. By becoming aware of these negative thoughts, you can start to change the narrative and improve your relationship with money.
Our fave Money Mindset coach, Vangile Makwakwa, imparts some extraordinary wisdom, highlighting that "Money is an energy that takes the form of who you are." Girl, if that doesn't shake you up, then I don't know what will.
That means your thoughts, beliefs and self-talk around money literally influence the flow of money in your life. If you approach money with hostility or scarcity, expect it to match that energy back. However, if you bring curiosity, care and compassion, you can transform that energy into something supportive and expansive.
This is where gratitude enters as a true game-changer. Neuroscience reveals that practising gratitude activates the brain's reward centres—lifting mood, increasing contentment, and energising us physically and mentally (Source: Very Well Mind, Roy Clayton).
When you shift to a high-vibrational state of appreciation, you align your energy with abundance. This means you are in a positive, optimistic state of mind, attracting positive outcomes in your life.
Here are some practical steps you can try this week to start transforming your money mindset: Notice, Pause, Replace. This simple technique can help you become more aware of your negative money thoughts and replace them with more positive, empowering ones.
Notice one negative money thought (e.g., "I always mess up my budget.”)
Pause and acknowledge the fear or shame behind it.
Replace it with a gentler, honest alternative, such as: "I'm learning how to manage money, and each step I take matters."
By incorporating a gratitude moment into your daily routine and acknowledging one aspect of your finances that you appreciate, you can begin to rewire your inner thoughts and energy around money.
Whether it's your resourcefulness, progress, or simply having enough to plan for tomorrow, these moments of gratitude can transform your money mindset from a place of scarcity to one grounded in steady, heart-led abundance. This process can bring a sense of hope and optimism about your financial future.