Money Worries? How to Make Better Financial Decisions

Without a doubt, these are challenging economic times. For anyone who follows the news and who has a job which may be in jeopardy, the fear and worry can be overwhelming. When things seem so uncertain, sometimes it's hard to get through today, let alone make solid plans for the future.

According to a recent Workplace Insights survey conducted by Adecco USA, a staggering 81% of Americans say they are worried about something related to their jobs, whether it be high gas prices affecting their commute and budget, or worries about job security or potential.

Worrying about your future, your family and your money can be toxic, however, and is actually unproductive. Not only can you not make smart, effective decisions when you are deeply fearful, worried, and not seeing things clearly, but worry is unhealthy physically as well.

There IS good news however. You have more control over what happens to you financially than you realize. Because how you behave and react to things is based on your beliefs and attitudes, your behaviors can change, and this means your results can change. You have far more control over your mind than you may now be exercising, and it really IS all in the mind. With a little preparation and a change in mindset, you can begin to feel better regardless of what is going on around you, which in turn will help you make wiser, more grounded decisions. You can learn to think in ways which support you in intelligently handling your financial issues and your worries. Even better, you can empower yourself to improve your situation no matter what the economy does, by focusing inward instead of outward.

For starters, open yourself to embracing the concept that your outer results come from your inner thoughts. The demonstrable fact is that whatever you consistently focus on will expand in your life, thus thoughts of worry or despair only attract more of the same. That's no way to live!

Make a commitment to yourself that you will begin changing your thoughts and making your own peace of mind a priority. As an example, when scary or worrisome thoughts threaten to overwhelm you, change your surroundings so that you can focus on something else: try turning on music you love, calling a friend (NOT to complain), going for a walk and focusing on what is around you, or exercising.

If you're at work and need a mental break but cannot get away, create a short break for yourself. Try a mini guided meditation, or simply close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes, imagining you are in a place you love and engaging all your senses - imagine the sounds, the smells and the feelings you would feel if you were there. When you 'return,' you'll feel refreshed and better able to tackle your day.

Your thoughts are like grooves in a record, and unless you 'change the record' they'll just keep on playing!