Find your voice is an oft-quoted phrase heard especially by those in the speaking, writing, leadership and creative professions. “Find your voice” is usually stated with the intent of helping people discover and articulate what makes them stand out – what makes their viewpoint, skill, talent, etc., different.
Heck, even brands have a voice!
Turns out that what’s true for professionals and brands is also true when it comes to your money.
Because, ultimately, “voice” is about communication. It’s about conveying what’s important to you; how that drives you; how that influences the changes you want to see in the world; and what you are willing to do about it.
This means looking inward.
That’s why, in my opinion, the phrase – “find your voice” – is a bit misleading.
After all, if we think about what comprises the components of one’s voice (be it a person or a business), those aren’t things you find as much as they are things within that you figure out how to unearth and more comfortably express.
So, naturally, since I’ve been on this “let’s explore elusive things when it comes to money” kick, I’m rounding out this series with today’s post on your financial voice. Because I suspect there’s a connection between it and financial independence.
But to make a case for it, I need to spend a bit more time talking about “voice” in a more general sense.
Voice, Where Are You?
When I think about the role of voice in my own body of work, it’s pretty easy to see the imprint of my beliefs, values and style.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always preferred deep conversations and connections over superficial ones. And that preference shows up in every aspect of my life and business today.
As you know (or will soon discover), most of my posts are long. Plus, I don’t shy away from tackling abstract/thorny topics. Perhaps I could be less loquacious, but top-ten lists will never make more than the occasional appearance here on my pages.
Ask any of my coaching clients and they will confirm that I unabashedly take us into sometimes uncomfortable territory for the purpose of helping them get the results they want and need. Because “stuff” gets kicked up when you’re dealing with the emotions of money. In other words, we “go there.” And, I’m grateful for their willingness because I’m on a mission to change how people relate to money.
I want people to have a less reactive relationship with their money (and their business). I want them to stop only really paying attention to it when a transaction is required, a crisis needs to be addressed, or something feels “off.”
Instead, I want people to be more proactive, strategic and intentional.
I love bringing warmth to what is often considered a “hard” subject; I love making it fun and less intimidating to confront. This has shaped how I’ve designed the coaching experiences I provide, the speaking engagements I deliver, the events I host. (I hope you feel it when you read my content, too.)
And if my mother were still alive, she’d tell you I’ve always had “high”tastes. I’ve always been drawn to bespoke, premium and quality items and experiences. Attending F.I.T., working at Salvatore Ferragamo, Bloomingdale’s and in the Private Bank simply amplified this and influenced how I approach the user experiences I create.
Unearthing Your (Financial) Voice
So why did I just “spend” approximately 300 words sharing some of my beliefs, values and style?
To illustrate how you can uncover your financial voice by actually taking your eyes off of money and focusing on the role of voice in your body of work and life.
Turns out it’s a very useful technique. Because although the work is the same, oftentimes, it is easier to understand what you do (or don’t do) when it comes to money when you realize how the dots connect vis-a-vis the non-financial aspects of your life.
And just like connecting the dots in this way helped to reveal the seedlings of what financial independence looks and feels like to me – right now, the same is true for you. So if you haven’t given much thought to how you define financial independence; or, if you have but haven’t come up with satisfactory answers, try what I’ve outlined above. It’s one way.
Here’s an additional way: take a different look at your banking, credit card and investment statements.
Those statements are not just a listing of every transaction in the most recent 30-days or quarter.
Every transaction says something about you and money.
Every transaction says something about your preferences, beliefs, values, style, expectations, etc.
Every transaction says something about the power you believe you have…or want to have.
Every transaction says something about your courage.
Every transaction provides a glimpse into who is influencing you (family, friends, professional peers), and how.
Every transaction says something about what’s important to you — what drives you.
Every transaction says something about what you stand for.
The way I see it, however you define financial independence – whether it is something you have right now or dream of being and having in the future – elements of it are rooted in your financial voice.
Everyday, you say something with your money. You can’t help it…it’s an expression of you. And so is your financial independence.
