Got money problems? What if the real issue is a lack of imagination?
Let me explain.
Most of us don’t work on our finances as much as we should because we can’t imagine the future. We’re stuck in the here and now. We grind away at a job, pay the bills, and maybe treat ourselves to a nice dinner now and then.
The future? It’s fuzzy, unpredictable, and overwhelming.
Why save for 15-30 years from now when you can’t picture 5 years into the future? The thought of having to get a new job makes your palms sweat? So, imagining a completely new career is impossible, right?
It’s easier to stay where you are, stuck in a life that’s familiar and safe, even if it isn’t satisfying and keeps us broke. We even go so far as to convince ourselves that everything will stay the same.
Spoiler alert: It won’t. Change will come, like it or not.
So, what’s the cure? Learn to imagine many futures!
To solve your money problems today, tomorrow, and for the unforeseeable future, you need to start working your imagination muscles. Let’s talk about why and how.
You’re Co-authoring Your Story Right Now
Life is like one of those “choose your own adventure” books, except you can’t skip ahead to see what happens next. The world throws trials and tribulations, twists and turns, and messy situations our way.
Jobs evolve. Relationships shift. Economies rise and fall.
As you make decisions, you’re writing the story as you go. Remember, you’re always co-authoring!
So, are you going to resist the change? Simply react to whatever’s thrown at you? Or are you going to actively participate in writing your own story? And make it a good one!
A good story has drama, adventure, and growth. And most importantly, it has a hero! Someone who faces challenges, overcomes obstacles, and transforms along the way. With the help of some teachers, mentors and loved ones along the way, of course.
Start imagining yourself as that hero!
The Fear Factor
Of course, imagining a new future can be scary. Our brains are wired to prefer the devil we know over the devil we don’t. It’s why we stay in jobs we hate or avoid looking at our bank accounts.
I know I dreaded changed when in my mid-thirties, my life turned upside down. I went through a divorce and started over in a new career. Both of which took a toll on my finances and feeling blue.
Five years earlier, I had not predicted this outcome. But fear of change had kept me in the wrong relationship and job far too long.
When I finally had no choice but to imagine new possibilities, my world expanded in ways I hadn’t considered. The things I once feared – starting over, taking risks, failing – became opportunities to shape a better, more financially secure life.
I’m still writing my story, and I don’t know exactly what the next five years will bring. But now, instead of fearing change, I try and think of it as the spark for my next chapter.
So, the first step is to overcome the fear. Instead of turning away from the unknown, turn toward it. Picture yourself stepping into new possibilities, even if you don’t have all the answers right away.
How Imagination Can Solve Money Problems
Now let’s talk about how imagination could be the first step to solving your money problems? (Yes, action and time are still required. Sorry, no magic wands here.)
Start imagining beyond the next paycheck, beyond the next quarterly review. Picture yourself asking for that raise, crushing a side hustle, or taking steps towards a higher paying career.
These steps might seem big now, but they begin by imagining what’s possible.
Now imagine the alternative: staying stuck, locked in a never-ending battle with your current financial status. Stressed out, with problems that clipping coupons and skipping lattes alone won’t fix.
Do you see how the possible story lines unfold? They can make the future feel exciting instead of daunting. But a good story doesn’t just happen, it takes imagination to craft it. And imagination, like any skill, gets sharper with practice.
Let’s explore some practical ways to flex those creative muscles and start shaping the story you want to live.
Imagination Exercise: Flexing Your Creative Muscle
If your imagination feels lacking, don’t worry. It didn’t disappear when you started adulting. Its like a muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.
Here are a few techniques to help brainstorm and expand your thinking:
- Take a Long Walk
No headphones allowed, just you and your thoughts in motion. Preferably in nature so you’re not distracted by traffic. A good walk lets your mind wander, shifting gears away from the usual hamster wheel and into creative space. - Journal
Don’t just jot down what happened today. Use journaling to uncover the thoughts, ideas, and emotions that are quietly hiding in your brain. Writing with purpose can unlock hidden dreams and solutions. Use my Prosperity Pathfinder Journal – FREE. - Draw
Even if you’re not an artist, doodling forces you to visualize your thoughts. Draw the dream you had last night, your wildest aspirations, or your weirdest ideas. It’s a great way to tap into your creativity. - Break Your Routine
Take a different route home, try a new restaurant, or rearrange your furniture. Little changes in your day-to-day can shake you out of autopilot and open the door to fresh ideas. - Mindmap Exercise
Grab a blank sheet of paper, write a central idea in the middle (e.g., “financial freedom,” “dream life”), and start branching out with ideas. Keep going until your page is full. This free-form brainstorming can lead to surprising insights.
Imagine Now!
Start using these exercises to imagine your money problems away. Let’s try it!
Imagine how you could add more value to your current job to make asking for a raise feel easy. Or, imagine creating a new role for yourself that aligns better with your passions. You could also explore an entirely new career path that excites you.
Now, what if you imagined how you could house-hack or use geoarbitrage to save on living costs and invest more in your future? What if you spent your time skilling up instead of scrolling social media?
Imagine how great hitting your savings goal this month will feel, knowing what it will bring you in the future. Picture the positive impact of financial stability on your relationships, more confidence, less stress, and a sense of security for the future.
Imagination isn’t just about long-term goals. It’s a powerful tool that can help you right now!
Especially when life throws you a curveball, which it inevitably will. The better you get at using your imagination, the more prepared you’ll be to navigate unexpected challenges in the moment.
Turn Imagination Into Action
If this all feels a little overwhelming, that’s okay. Start small. Pick one thing you’d like to change in the next year. Maybe it’s asking for a raise, setting a boundary with a spendy friend, or launching a side hustle that lets you explore a hidden passion.
Write it down. Make it real. Then take one step toward making it happen.
Your financial future isn’t predetermined. It’s an unfolding story that you’re co-authoring, one creative decision at a time. The more you practice imagining what could be, the easier it becomes to shape a life that’s not just financially secure, but wildly fulfilling.
So, what’s the story you want to write? Grab your pen. Get started on the next chapter today!
Live a Life You Love
Tired of feeling stuck? Let’s create your escape plan. Schedule your free session today.
Or, get my easy-to-follow Money Challenge – transform your finances in Just 30 Days!
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