Maybe you’re one of those people who immediately noticed the hidden image in the FedEx logo.
But for many of us, myself included, it was an “aha” moment to discover a hidden arrow nestled between the “E” and the “x.” And now that our brains have registered this…you and I can’t unsee it!
This is an example of a perceptual shift—it’s not about seeing something more often, but about seeing it differently once it’s pointed out.
This shows up in the realm of money, too.
I often say that just because you use money everyday (be it in the form of cash, credit card, or digital currency), it doesn’t necessarily mean that you know what you have; what you tend to do with what you have; or why.
There are patterns, habits, and blindspots in your financial life that you don’t even realize are shaping your decisions—until something brings them into focus.
Mr. Berthoud’s question, “When are you going to stop mortgaging your life?,” was what brought my financial blindness into focus. After all, it’s not like I didn’t have access to the same numbers that led him to ask that question. But, what I actually thought I was seeing clearly, I wasn’t!
I am certain you can relate.
Because while the details of how financial blindness was showing up for me are personal and unique to me, the experience of financial blindness is universal.
Maybe for you, it shows up as you:
- Avoiding checking your numbers (bank accounts, expenses, revenue).
- Not knowing where your money goes each month—aka: experiencing money “mysteries.”
- Being over-confident about your financial health and well-being—without real data.
- Underestimating the long-term financial consequences of the choices you’re making today…in the short-term.
- Feeling like you’re “bad” with money, but not really knowing why. (Though typically it is because you’re comparing yourself to someone else—even in those instances when you don’t know them personally!)
If none of the above applies, how has financial blindness shown up for you, recently?
Financial Blindness: Define & Discover
Perhaps this is a good time to “define” financial blindness:
It is the gap between what you think you see clearly and what’s actually shaping your financial reality.
Like me when I was dipping into my personal savings and selling securities or increasing my credit card debt in order to infuse cash into my business.
Or, the entrepreneur/business owner who thinks they are profitable, but aren’t.
Or, the professional, who believes that paying their bills on time equals being engaged, proactive, and strategic with their money.
What You Can Learn From What Holds You Back
The challenge with seeing but not noticing is how it holds you back—in both obvious and subtle ways.
Here are a few examples; financial blindness can:
- Lead to poor decision-making about how you earn and what you earn; how you price (are you pricing too low?); how you spend (are you spending too much in some areas yet not enough in others); how you invest (are you failing to invest or following the current flavor of the month); or how you plan for the future (are you over-estimating your future revenue and cashflow).
- Prevent financial, business, and personal growth (you can’t fix what you don’t see).
- Cause and keep you stuck in stress cycles (e.g., financial anxiety, feast-or-famine cycles).
Initially, I was mad at Mr. Berthoud for asking me the question he did. But, once I got over myself, it actually became a blessing in disguise.
His question led me to revamp my business model and tweak my pricing. A process that continues today, truthfully, because nothing ever stays static, right?!
However, it also informed what has become a key aspect of my messaging and positioning—especially when working with entrepreneurs and business owners, and that is: The importance of centering the health of your personal financial well-being.
In short: don’t be a martyr by giving your business everything – including your financial future. (Not only is it not good, in general, it also isn’t sustainable.)
What initially is your blindspot, though, can lead to new and profound choices.
When you reflect on what was once a financial blindspot of yours, what did you learn?
How to Minimize Financial Blindness
I don’t believe you and I can completely eradicate experiencing financial blindness.
However, I do believe there are practices you can follow to minimize them and their negative impact. You can create a system whereby you:
- Use financial rituals to audit your numbers by doing regular financial check-ins to track spending, income, and trends.
- Learn to ask better questions. So instead of, “Do I have enough money?” ask “What am I prioritizing with my money?”
- Learn to spot patterns that can help you identify (more, perhaps) details about your money story, habits, and beliefs. How can you bring what is operating under the surface (or that is unconscious) to the surface?
Do You See What I See?
Much like blindspots in other areas of your life, those of a financial nature are often brought to your attention by an external source.
Maybe someone asks you a question (like Mr. Berthoud), or maybe an innocuous conversation causes you to be introspective.
But, you could also be intentional about getting an outside perspective regarding what you’re missing—so that you can more clearly see what is obvious to others.
Having and maintaining financial clarity is not a one-time event.
Rather, financial clarity is a practice!
Because here’s the truth: Once one aspect of what you’re doing (or not) with your money is revealed and is no longer a blindspot, there is one waiting for you to discover it.
So…
What might you be overlooking right now? (Pay close attention to whatever just popped to mind for you as you read those words.)
Likewise, what’s one step you can take today to notice your financial blindness? Particularly given its role in building a better future.
If you’re ready to turn hidden financial patterns into clarity, let’s explore how. Here are two ways I can help you:
1:1 coaching (click here)
The More Than Money Workbook – go at your own pace (click here)
I’d love to be part of you creating a better financial future!
