“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” – Anne Bradstreet, British poet

The eventful year 2008 is now history. Some people might whisper “good riddance”, as they reflect on the financial challenges of this tumultuous 12-month period. As the reports of another year of austerity permeate the air, I am now declaring that this does not have to be our reality. Instead, let’s all pronounce that “Prosperity is mine in 2009!”

I must confess that I am tired of all the negative financial reports that prophesy financial doom and gloom. It’s not that I don’t recognise the severity of the economic crunch; I am concerned about the persons who are facing redundancy, foreclosure or mounting debt, and the businesses which are finding it difficult to remain viable.

However, as someone who understands and has experienced the law of attraction, which states that whatever you concentrate on will multiply in your life, I’m more concerned about the self-fulfilling nature of problem-centric thinking.

Do you expect 2009 to be financially stressful? Well, congratulations – your wish will probably come true for you!

To counteract this dangerous negativity, I have decided to start the year off with positive thoughts about wealth, money, and prosperity. In the month of January, we will expose people and organisations that are helping others to rise above their limitations to succeed and prosper. Our theme will be: Mission: HOPE – Helping Others to Prosper and Excel.

As this New Year dawns, let’s look at some things you can do to create a prosperity focus. In his landmark book, The Psychology of Winning,  Dr Denis Waitley examines some of the qualities of winners that allow them to achieve under any circumstance. These attributes can also help to change your outlook about your finances.

Positive self-expectancy

Waitley points out that having a positive expectancy for your life is one of the keys to being successful. Persons with this quality are optimistic despite being faced with challenging situations. Optimism is having real enthusiasm for everything you do, Waitely explains, and an expectation of getting the most favourable response to your efforts.

Therefore, the quality of your expectations will determine what result you obtain. Do you make plans but secretly expect them to fail, or do you expect to have a successful outcome all the time? Do you envision a life of money worries, or do you envision that your fortunes will improve over time? It’s pretty simple – you’re going to create a self-fulfilling prophecy whether you anticipate good or bad, so why choose to expect the worst?

2009 action item: Expect the best – a better job, more money, a prosperous future

Want to learn how to ‘think and grow rich’? CLICK HERE!

Positive self-motivation

People who succeed in life are driven by their positive self-motivation or desire. Waitley notes that everyone is self-motivated – some are motivated by fear, and others by desire. People who are stimulated by the negative motivator of fear will focus on the penalties for failing to succeed in their plans. On the other hand, desire is a ‘strong positive magnet’ that will help to materialise the favourable outcome that is envisioned. You have to learn how to replace your fear motivator with positive desire motivator. If you fear that you will lose your job and be unable to meet your bills, then you are actually setting it up for these things to happen to you. If you are fearful about your debt situation, you are building a barrier to your prosperity. To deal with your financial challenges, get motivated about the things you want in your life instead.

2009 action item: Focus on things you desire like an expanding bank account, a beautiful home, and a booming economy; instead of negative things like debt, rising interest rates and inflation.

Positive self-direction: Once you expect the best and focus on your desires, then you need to take action. Waitley explains that positive self-direction is designing an action plan that turns your imagination into reality. When you set goals to make your dreams come true, you are tapping into the power of purpose. It is this definite purpose in life that will allow you to overlook the worrying economy and create your own financial destiny. People who lack positive self direction will focus on activities that only produce immediate gratification. So they will spend frivolously or get trapped in get-rich-quick schemes, instead of planning for long-term goals. Waitley clarifies that your goals must be very specific, as your brain can’t relate to vague wishes, such as “I want a lot of money.” It’s also important to share your plans only with other positive-thinking persons who will encourage you.

2009 action item: Write your goals on a sheet of paper and be specific about all the details. Get help from a financial advisor to carry out your plans.

Even if you find it difficult to believe at first, get up every morning and repeat, “Prosperity is mine in 2009.” Over time, you will start to see the positive results from your affirmations.

Copyright © 2009 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, January 1, 2009

Cherryl is a financial consultant and coach, founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl