Five Elements to Financial Freedom AND Fulfillment

For each of us, our current financial situation is a reflection of our past beliefs and actions. So if you are not happy with where you are, financially, it is an indication that you may need to make some changes in your life. And as integral beings living in an integral universe, when we make positive changes in one area of our life, such as finance, we create positive changes in other areas of our life as well.

The contracting economy in many ways takes away the fatty layers that have kept us in our comfort zone. It can be scary, stressful and uncomfortable. But it also presents a wonderful opportunity for us to look inside, reexamine our lives, and set a new direction for the life we truly deserve and desire.

In ancient times, five elements were used to symbolize the harmonious workings of the universe. Using a similar approach, I have identified five elements that, when properly deployed, will help us build a solid financial structure and reach high for our dreams - elements that will lead us to our ultimate joy and fulfillment in life. The five elements are:

Beliefs (AIR) - Our financial situation reflects to a large degree our beliefs about money: our money memories, and our positive and negative associations about money. What are some of the limiting beliefs you have about money? By examining those beliefs and gaining a deeper understanding of the laws of money, we are able to adopt healthier views and habits - and change our financial condition DRAmatically.

Goals (FIRE) - Successful people set clear goals and have well thought-out plans to achieve them. What is your dream? Does it have a deadline? What is your plan to make it happen? Clear, compelling and concrete goals in alignment with our passion, purpose and values will ignite a powerful force within us and propel us to move forward.

Discipline (EARTH) - Without discipline, a dream does not have wings. It is like a ship that stays in the shipyard. Discipline is one of the most important muscles to help us turn our dream into reality. It is essential that we cultivate and exercise the muscle of discipline so that it becomes a natural part of us and our life.

Alignment (WATER) - Money is a means, NEVER the end by itself. If we don't know what is truly important to us, and align our finances with our passion, mission and values, we will never be fulfilled and satisfied - even when we obtain financial success. It is crucial that we structure our finances in ways that support us and allow us to live our passion, purpose and values.

Relationships (SPACE) - As interconnected beings, we cannot achieve our dreams all by ourselves. Without loving relationships, success is an empty and lonely place to be - even if we get there. It is very important for us to cultivate and develop meaningful and fulfilling relationships that are based on generosity, love and support.

Transformation begins with awareness, and happens in action. Reevaluating our beliefs is the beginning of things. Our beliefs about money often reflects our beliefs about ourselves, relationships, among other things. When we gain clarity on who are are and what we want in life, and make a decision to change those limiting beliefs that have prevented us from moving forward in the past, we will begin to notice the world around us also changes.

To get what we want in life, we need to set worthy goals, and practice discipline, patience and persistence to achieve them. On the other hand, this needs to be aligned with our passion, mission and values in order to fulfill us. We also need to consciously create a harmonious environment that support us to walk confidently towards the directions of our dreams.

There is only one corner of the universe we can be certain of changing, and that's our own self. If we can create more harmony in our own life, we are also bringing more harmony to the world around us.

The secret of success is to be in harmony with existence, to be always calm to let each wave of life wash us a little farther up the shore. ~ Cyril Connolly