Paralyzed by Paychecks: How to overcome Indecision and Anxiety

Hi Friend,

Do you have difficulty making decisions?

Have you asked yourself questions like:

Which job should I take?

Should I pay off a debt or create a new debt?

Does making money choices make you anxious?

We all have difficulty making choices from time to time - from what to eat to how to manage our money.

But if you are often paralyzed in indecision it can block your progress in life. Indecision and anxiety are related.?

We use indecision as a way to avoid the worry caused by decision-making. What better way to avoid worrying than by not making a choice??

Now, that’s a cat chasing its tail logic. Failure to make up your mind is one effect of this waffling logic.?

Making quick and rash choices to avoid worry is another effect. You may not take time to consider all options.?

You may feel that it is harder to process all the information to make the best choice.

You may make a “safe” choice. But it may not be the best choice.?

Also, poor choices in the past may make you worry more about decision-making.?

To overcome indecision and anxiety, test these 3 tools.

The Body Check In

Financial Therapist Bari Tessler blends financial knowledge and emotional knowledge. The process teaches you to slow down. Notice your emotions, sensations and breathe during your money engagements.?

It helps you learn what your particular emotions are. For example from worry, shame, fear, guilt - to joy, hope, peace.

These steps guide you through a process of awareness and calmness.

1. Pause - Stop whatever you’re doing and focus within yourself.

2. Take a few deep, slow breaths. Close your eyes if it helps

3. Be open and curious without judgment, noticing physical sensations and emotions.

4. Gently notice the emotions without trying to change them.?

5. Notice any thoughts, images, memories, or self-talk. No need to cling.??

6. Reflect on what you might want to change or add to your situation.?

7. Release body tension and adjust breathing if needed.

8. Come home to your body and follow your breath.?

This process isn’t? about improving or even changing anything - it is simply about being aware.

Take Your Time Learning About Money

Financial Therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin suggests taking slow steps to money learning. Feeling worried, or on edge when engaging with money can be intense.

The following steps may provide relief.

1. Embrace a Slow Learning Curve: Rushing to absorb all money knowledge at once can be intense.

2. Avoid Overload: Focusing on a single aspect like a big money goal can backfire. This can cause feelings of failure.

3. Try Bite-sized Learning: Break down money education into small pieces.?

4. Vary Learning Tools: Use tools like podcasts, books, and articles.?

5. Set aside Specific Time: Schedule regular periods to engage with money tasks.?

6. Maintain Consistency: Stick to the scheduled time commitment.?

8. Prioritize Self-care: Recognize that managing money is a process.?

This practice promotes calmer feelings about money tasks.?

Body Scan Meditation

This exercise increases your focus on your body and checks how you’re feeling. It encourages a sense of balance and energy.

The body scan meditation is a stress-relief method you can use nearly anywhere, at any time. It’s a handy tool to use at bedtime when it’s time to signal to your body that rest is near.

Performing a body scan involves nine steps:

1. Get Comfortable: Find a relaxed position, sitting or lying down.

2. Close or Lower Gaze: Close eyes or lower gaze to reduce distractions.

3. Deep Breathing: Take slow breaths to relax and settle into the body.

4. Start at the Top: Focus on feelings in the head without judgment.

5. Progress Downward: Move attention to shoulders, back, and mid-body.

6. Focus on Mid-body: Note feelings in chest and belly, recognizing the body's position.

7. Continue Downward: Check feelings in hands, arms, thighs, knees, and calves.

8. Conclude at Feet: Bring your focus to feet and toes.

9. End Gently: Slowly return focus to surroundings. Take a deep breath and gently open your eyes.

This practice promotes mindfulness and relaxation.

At the end of the day, there are a few things in common about these exercises. They help you to remain present, enabled and aware when decisions get tough. They support you along deep inner search. When practiced often, you can reduce anxiety, indecisiveness? and improve your overall health.

What I Have Learned

Life presents you with so many decisions. A lot of times, they’re right in front of your face, and they’re really difficult, but we must make them. Brittany Murphy

Testimonial

Good morning Bobby, hope all is well with you and the family. I wanted to thank you again for your coaching a few years back. Your coaching helped me develop healthy financial habits. Now 2 promotions later earning excellent income without the bad debt looming over my house, allowing my family to enjoy life without the constant reminder of debt interrupting our lives. Thank you! W.K.

Knock out these money-related tasks now to help you finish the month strong.?

• Celebrate! Celebrate any financial successes of the 1st quarter.
• April is the deadline to fund your traditional or Roth retirement account to count as a prior year contribution.
• File your taxes - income tax deadline

Money IQ - Your chance to gauge your money knowledge

IQ Question - Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1% per year and inflation was 2% per year. After 1 year, with the money in this account, would you be able to buy…

A. More than today B. Exactly the same as today C. Less than today

See comments section for answer

It’s FREE!

Thrilled to announce the launch of the Money Mavericks Video Game for teens!?

Money Maverick is an interactive video game to impart impactful lessons on mindset, habits, and behaviors crucial for building wealth and creating happiness.

One of the things that sets this game apart is 66 real-world scenarios, offering a hands-on learning experience to better equip teens for success in the real world. After all, the best learning is from doing.

But here's the kicker –? I'm giving the game away for free!

Money Maverick Video Game????????????

You don't have to keep stressing. If deep down you know that you are not happy with your money, book a call today.?

FREE 30-minute "Squash Your Stress" session

Thanks for reading this far.

Stay wise and healthy.

Breathe.

See you April 15th!

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