The Hidden Truth About Money and Your Dream Career

It's Not What You Think

Hey there, my friend!

We're all on this journey together - ambitious, driven, and yearning for something more.

We want work that doesn't just pay the bills but ignites our soul. We dream of financial abundance that allows us to live life on our terms.

But let's be honest - the path to get there isn't always clear, is it?

You've probably asked yourself: "Is it really possible to have both financial success and fulfilling work? Or do I have to choose?"

I've wrestled with this question too, and I'm here to tell you that not only is it possible, but it's absolutely necessary for your growth and happiness.

Here's a truth that might surprise you:

Money problems don't exist. Psychological problems do.

Let me break down what I learned about the levels of purpose when it comes to money.

Let’s dive in.

The Money Purpose Mindset

You see, I discovered that our inability to make, keep, or smartly use money comes down to our beliefs. These beliefs determine the opportunities we can notice and act upon.

There are five levels of purpose when it comes to money.

Each level represents a shift in perspective and focus:

  1. Survival

At this level, money is all about basic needs. I remember feeling trapped here, constantly worried about making enough.

  • My belief: "Money is hard to make."

  • My focus: Just getting by, paycheck to paycheck.

  1. Status

Once I had my basic needs covered, I fell into the status trap. I thought money could buy respect and admiration.

  • My belief: "More money means more respect."

  • My focus: Acquiring visible symbols of success, often at the cost of financial stability.

  1. Autonomy

This level was a game-changer for me. I began to see money as a tool for freedom, not just survival or showing off.

  • My new belief: "Money can buy me independence."

  • My focus: Creating multiple income streams and starting my own projects.

  1. Creativity

At this stage, money became fuel for my ideas and passions. It was no longer just about having more, but about what I could create.

  • My belief: "Money allows me to bring my ideas to life."

  • My focus: Investing in personal growth and funding creative projects that excited me.

  1. Contribution

I see money as a means to make a positive impact.

  • My current belief: "My financial success can help others succeed too."

  • My focus: Mentoring others and creating opportunities for those around me.

What I've learned:

These levels aren't a one-way street. I still have days where I slip back into survival mode thinking. The key is recognizing where I am and consciously choosing to shift my perspective.

Your perception of money shapes your reality. By understanding and working through these levels, you can transform not just your finances, but your entire life.

From Cubicle Prisoner to Purpose-Driven Powerhouse: My Career Evolution

Now, you might be wondering, "That's great, but what about my career? How does this relate to finding work I love?"

Great question! And it's one I grappled with for a long time.

Through my own journey, I've experienced three distinct stages in my relationship with work:

  1. Job:

    • What it felt like: I was just working for a paycheck, being stuck in a hamster wheel

    • My mindset then: "I work to survive."

    • My focus: Watching the clock, living for weekends, dreading Mondays with every fiber of my being.

  2. Career:

    • What changed: I started to care about more than just a paycheck. I wanted to be good at what I did.

    • My new mindset: "I work to progress and achieve."

    • My focus: Skill development, networking, chasing that next promotion.

  3. Calling:

    • Where I am now: Work feels less like work and more like an expression of who I am at my core.

    • My current mindset: "My work is how I contribute to the world."

    • My focus: Continuous growth, making an impact, aligning my skills with my values.

Key Insights I've Gained:

  • A job isn't a life sentence. It's a stepping stone. Use it to learn, grow, and figure out what you don't want.

  • A career can be fulfilling, but a calling? That's where the magic happens. It's the difference between playing a single note and conducting an entire symphony.

  • Your calling isn't something you find like a lost sock. It's something you cultivate, like a garden. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

  • There's no shame in your game, wherever you are right now. Every stage has its purpose. The only failure is staying stuck when you know you're meant for more.

  • The sweet spot? It's where your money mindset aligns with your career evolution. When you level up your beliefs about money, you open doors to work that truly lights you up.

The Psychology of Money: Unraveling the Mental Game

Ever wondered why some people seem to attract wealth effortlessly while others struggle despite their best efforts?

It all comes down to our money scripts - those subconscious beliefs we formed in childhood about wealth and success. These scripts run in the background of our minds, influencing every financial decision we make.

Your relationship with money mirrors your relationship with yourself.

If you constantly feel like you don't deserve wealth, guess what? You'll subconsciously sabotage your efforts to achieve it.

Ever noticed how lottery winners often end up broke? It's because they changed their bank balance but not their mindset.

Instead of asking "How can I make more money?", ask "How can I provide more value?" This simple flip transforms you from a money-chaser to a value-creator.

And in today's world, value creation is the ultimate path to sustainable wealth.

True financial freedom isn't about having everything you want, but about being content with what you have while still pursuing growth.

It's about making decisions based on your values, not your fears.

Mastering the psychology of money isn't just about getting rich - it's about creating a life of purpose, freedom, and impact.

Leveraging AI: Your Personal Money Mindset Coach

I've crafted a custom prompt that turns ChatGPT into your personal Money Mindset Coach.

This tool can help you dive deep into your financial psychology, identify limiting beliefs, and develop strategies to shift your money mindset.

Here's how to use it:

  1. Go to ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/)

  2. Copy and paste the following prompt

  3. Fill in the [bracketed sections] with your specific situation

  4. Hit enter and let AI guide you in mastering the art of financial empowerment!

HOW TO USE THE PROMPT

You are an expert Money Mindset Coach, specializing in helping individuals understand and improve their relationship with money. Your approach is based on principles of financial psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and positive psychology. You provide insightful analysis and practical advice to help individuals identify and overcome limiting beliefs about money, develop a growth mindset towards wealth, and align their financial behaviors with their long-term goals and values.

I'm working on improving my relationship with money. Here's my situation:

[Describe your current financial situation, any money-related stress or anxiety you're experiencing, your financial goals, and any specific money beliefs or habits you're aware of]

Please provide:

1. An analysis of my current money mindset based on the information I've shared
2. Identification of potential limiting beliefs about money that might be holding me back
3. A reframing exercise to help me develop a more empowering belief about money
4. A practical daily habit I can implement to reinforce a positive money mindset
5. A visualization technique to help me align my actions with my financial goals

Your advice should be compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to my specific situation. Use a supportive, encouraging tone, as if you're a wise and caring mentor guiding me towards financial well-being.

Example:

I'm currently living paycheck to paycheck despite having a decent job. I constantly worry about money and feel guilty whenever I spend on anything beyond necessities. I grew up in a family where money was always tight, and I often heard phrases like "money doesn't grow on trees" and "we can't afford that." My financial goal is to build financial freedom through investing, but I always feel like I don't have enough to start. I've noticed I tend to avoid looking at my bank account and feel anxious when I think about budgeting or financial planning.

Here is the output I received for the example inputs above.

Read the full output here!

WHAT YOU LEARNED TODAY 

"Your relationship with money is a reflection of your relationship with yourself, and by understanding the psychology behind your financial decisions, you can transform not just your bank account, but your entire life."

Are you ready to level up your money mindset and take a leap towards work that sets your soul on fire?

Every fortune began with a single penny. And every purposeful career kicked off with a single decision to grow.

The question is, are you ready to take that first step?

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your growth journey.

Warm regards,

Stephan