Hey there!
Today, I want to dive into something I feel deeply about: self-belief and why it’s essential if you’re aiming for financial freedom. To me, self-belief is the foundation of everything – it’s that internal confidence that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. And when it comes to financial freedom, having this belief is what will set you apart.
Now, let’s get real: the path to financial freedom is one that’s been attempted by many, and not everyone succeeds. Often, people follow traditional, predefined steps to get there – go to college, find a steady job, save as much as possible. Don’t get me wrong, saving is an important part of the process, but it’s not the only ingredient. The real magic starts with self-belief.
Starting with a Clear Vision of Financial Freedom
First off, let’s talk about what financial freedom means. It’s different for everyone. For some, it’s about having enough savings to retire early. For others, it might mean breaking free from the 9-to-5 to live on investments or income from a passion project. So, before anything else, define what financial freedom means for *you*. This clear vision will be your motivation as you go forward, guiding each step and making the journey feel more personal.
Seeing Beyond the System
Most of us grow up in systems designed to keep us working. Whether you’re in the U.S., Kenya, China, or Brazil, the setup is largely the same – we’re told to follow a structure, build a career, and, hopefully, retire with enough to sustain us. But if you take a step back and look closely, you’ll see that this system isn’t really built to get you financially free – it’s built to keep you working.
So why does self-belief matter here? Because if you’re going to do something different in a system like this, you’ve got to be willing to go against the grain. If you want extraordinary results, you have to be willing to take extraordinary actions. And that starts with trusting yourself enough to create a plan that aligns with your unique dreams and goals, rather than what the system says you should do.
The Road Less Traveled Isn’t Crowded for a Reason
Choosing your own path is a lonely endeavor, and self-belief is what keeps you going through those lonely times. One of my favorite quotes, from Marcus Garvey, is, “Without confidence, we are twice defeated in the race of life.” And I’ve found that to be so true – especially on the road to financial freedom. Most people around you are entrenched in the system; they believe in the structures and hierarchies they’ve been taught to trust. But you and I, we’re free-minded. We know that every individual has unique abilities that, with the right plan and self-belief, can create a life of independence.
Facing Opposition Head-On
As you push toward financial freedom, expect opposition. When you share your plans, not everyone will understand, and some might openly disagree. But here’s the thing: self-belief isn’t about proving them wrong – it’s about being so confident in your journey that others’ opinions don’t sway you. You’ve got to believe in your journey more than anyone else does because there will be times when things feel stagnant or when progress seems slow. But if you stick with it and have faith in your vision, you’ll realize that you’re capable of making it happen.
Charles Bukowski’s poem *The Madness of the Crowd* speaks to this – the crowd will always follow the “safe” route, the path everyone else takes. But to achieve financial freedom, you need to take risks, think critically, and maybe even go in the opposite direction of the crowd. It’s not easy, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Taking Control of Your Financial Journey
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that no one cares about your financial success as much as you do. Many people trust financial advisors, bankers, or analysts with their money, which is perfectly okay – professionals bring valuable insights and expertise that can help you make more informed decisions. However, it’s still essential to stay involved. Remember, even when you enlist a professional, you’re the one with the biggest stake in your financial freedom.
Self-belief means taking ownership – you need to understand the investments being made on your behalf, ask questions, and learn about the options chosen. This way, you remain engaged and informed, making you better prepared for any adjustments or decisions you might need to make down the road.
And yes, that can feel overwhelming at first. Sometimes it’s tempting to hand off the responsibility entirely to someone “more qualified.” But here’s the truth: mistakes and learning moments are part of the process. Trusting yourself enough to stay actively involved is empowering, and it strengthens your understanding of how to manage finances over time. When you’re engaged in managing or overseeing your investments, you’re also building a roadmap for your future – you’re the captain charting the course, ready for whatever obstacles come your way.
Building Self-Belief: Three Practical Steps
To make your journey smoother, here are three practical ways to start building your self-belief today:
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Financial freedom isn’t achieved overnight. Set smaller, manageable goals that allow you to make steady progress. Each success, no matter how small, will build your confidence over time.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Self-belief grows when you actively reinforce it. Make a habit of reminding yourself of your progress and skills, and celebrate every small win. It might feel odd at first, but it’s incredibly powerful for shifting your mindset.
3. Reflect Regularly: Self-reflection is a great way to track your growth and recognize areas where you’re improving. Write down your achievements and lessons learned to see how far you’ve come. This regular reflection helps solidify your belief in yourself and your journey.
Self-Belief in Action: A Personal Story
Let me share a quick story of when I had to dig deep for self-belief. I’d just returned to college after years in the military. One of my first classes was algebra, and I struggled. When I asked my teacher for help, she outright told me that if I couldn’t handle algebra, I couldn’t be an engineer.
Now, I’d been working as a technician, and while high-level math wasn’t always needed, I knew I had to push through this. So, I committed to studying night after night, sometimes with my daughter tagging along to college. A tutor, Sophia, would help me while also teaching my daughter simple arithmetic. I’d study for hours, squeezing time from other courses just to keep up.
It was hard – I was surrounded by students fresh out of high school who could rattle off answers faster than I could think of them. But I kept at it, and I finished the class with an A. That experience reinforced my belief in myself, rooted in a Marine Corps lesson: “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” I knew that if I worked hard, I could overcome the mental and physical challenges ahead of me.
Making Your Goals a Priority – and Surviving the Struggles
Here’s what I’ve learned: treat your dreams like they’re a matter of survival. Imagine you need financial freedom to live, and your mind will adapt to carry you through any obstacle. When you commit to your goals with self-belief, you’ll find the strength to do the work – and that work is proof that you trust in yourself.
Self-belief doesn’t mean you’ll always succeed on the first try; success is about trial, error, and persistence. It’s about implementing, failing, learning, and trying again until you crack the code. Without confidence, none of us would keep pushing through the failures. And persistence? It’s built on faith – on self-belief.
Bringing It All Together
If you’re struggling with self-belief, know that it’s a journey we’re all on. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to start with perfect confidence. Start with a plan, do your research, and get to work on it. Each step you take will build your belief in yourself, and soon, you’ll find there’s not much you can’t accomplish.
So, if financial freedom is your goal, make a habit of believing in yourself. Start today by writing down one goal and your first action step toward it. This is your first move toward building unshakeable self-belief. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Share a comment, and let’s encourage each other to believe in ourselves and work toward our dreams.
