In lieu of a traditional how-to article, I want to review two books that I’ve read recently that have had an enormous impact on my thinking. Women traditionally have such a hard time accepting their talents and abilities – and an even tougher time asking for and earning what they are worth.
Once I started reading each of the books I’m reviewing today, I could not put them down! The pages were filled with insight that had me scribbling down notes, to-do’s and exclamation points. The exercises in the books really drove the important points home.
These fabulous books are both written by Barbara Stanny, a popular motivational speaker, former journalist, and syndicated columnist. Her personal story is interesting because she actually came from a very privileged background. Then she married a guy who turned out to be less than skilled at managing her/their money and lost it all. After she divorced, she realized it was past time for her to learn how to manage her own money. Along the way, she realized her thinking about money was different, too.
Secrets of Six-Figure Women I love this book for so many reasons. First, it was inspiring to read about the transformations and successes of the women she profiled. I was encouraged to read that even six-figure women have doubts and fears. But most of all I appreciated the different mindset that the author identified as she spoke to these very successful women. Through the course of reading the book, the author outlines seven strategies to becoming a six-figure woman:
1. The Declaration of Intention
2. Letting Go of the Ledge
3. Getting in the Game
4. Speaking Up
5. S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G
6. Seeking Support
7. Obeying the Rules of Money
I don’t know about you, but I like a list of things to concentrate on. The exercises in the book helped me to really focus on what’s important to me, helped me figure out what I really think about people who are rich and challenged my beliefs about money itself. Throughout the book, the author revealed ways for me begin to think differently about the subject of money.
One of the final paragraphs in this book really spoke to me:
“Release the extraordinary buried inside you. Awaken the Goddess within. Every time you leave the beaten path and aim for exceptional, every time you silence your fear and speak with your own voice, every time you stop acting small and start taking up space, you are owning your power and emancipating others to follow in your footsteps.”
Deciding how much money you want to earn each year – and really believing you are worth it – is another way to speak with your own voice and own your own power. For a lot of us, getting comfortable with setting our prices (and sticking to that) is one way to tangible way to do that. Then, imagine yourself leaving that beaten path, choosing to become your own boss, and defining your days any way you choose!
And on the well-soled heels of Secrets of Six-Figure Women, comes:
Overcoming Underearning I read this book first, and I literally couldn’t put it down. I devoured it with lots of pleasurable “ah-ha’s!” and even had a few uncomfortable moments as I recognized some areas that needed work. While I am having very good success with my business, I’m still an “underearner” in some respects!
One of the great things about this book is how you are encouraged to participate as you go along. At the end of each chapter, the author asks you consider questions in “Conversations with Myself.” She challenges you to stop and think about what you’ve just read and be honest in your responses. There are also exercises to help you uncover your beliefs and fears around money, and she introduces ways to begin thinking differently about your earning power.
The book works because the author slowly and methodically introduces you to another way of thinking about money and earning. By participating in the exercises and being honest with yourself, this book can indeed help you overcome the unnecessary habit of underearning.
As women, it is our duty to become comfortable and confident in handling money, talking about money, and managing money. In developing these skills, you tell the Universe that you deserve the freedom and security money provides and you begin to realize that you have the power to create it. Harnessing that power is truly a gift!
Both books are available at Amazon.com. Can’t afford a new copy? Try their used section! Online at www.amazon.com
By: Angela Mattson