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The end of the financial year is arriving and for some it signifies a period of fear. Such fears may include the feeling of responsibility that is perceived in having to be accountable, or perhaps the fear of confronting hard truths that financial awareness brings. In becoming aware of what is actually happening in your financial circumstances negative beliefs may be triggered, especially if those discoveries are challenging. For example, in the process of assessing your income you may generate beliefs around it not being good enough, sparking feelings of low self worth or futile thoughts on how to overcome the challenges that may be raised.

In truth there is a great sense of achievement and fulfillment that can be gained in confronting these challenges that you may otherwise be tempted to avoid.
Avoidance breeds fear. Those fears fester. In time problems distort and appear to magnify, generating a greater sense of challenge, adversity and potentially hopelessness and apathy to making change.

Taking action toward resolution of the perceived problems provides relief. In choosing to become mindful and applying yourself to what is required to address these concerns, a tremendous weight can be lifted. Resources that may previously have eluded you (e.g. whilst in denial or avoidance) may present themselves to you in your investigation of the matter. Your efforts will produce a range of perspectives that may allow you to manifest new directions in thinking, decision-making and actions toward positive change.

You may be surprised by how often your efforts are rewarded by opportunities that may not have existed if you were to have remained passive or avoidant of the situation. For instance, maybe in the process of communicating with other stakeholders of your financial circumstances (e.g. debtors, accountant) they may become not only aware of your position but they may also become a source of aid in the resolution of the matter.

This change in approach from being passive or avoidant (due to fear) and instead mobilising an attitude of proactivity may be a paradigm shift in thinking and being. To actively seek constructive resolutions and overcome obstacles is an act of empowerment. To be empowered is the antidote to fear. Be mindful but not bound by your fear. Have resolve to overcome challenges that are presented.

So when this financial year comes to a close, allow yourself the right to claim a new years resolution in your financial concerns. Set some goals for the next financial year (e.g. to generate your desired income). Be realistic and assess the goals achievability. Allow for creative options or “thinking outside the box”. Be smart and efficient in what you set out to achieve.

Review your business and career approach. Assess the currency of your career path by reviewing your beliefs and motivations (e.g. obligation, pleasure, fulfillment, providing, responsibility).

Take action. Goals aren’t there for decoration. Take the first step no matter how large or small, and let the momentum of that action drive your next action. Make optimal use of your efforts to minimize resistance and shed ambivalence to the change in which you are manifesting. Utilize and expand your resources. Use a different approach to outdated methods. Positively reinforce your actions by reminding yourself of what you are doing well.

It can also be validating to seek professional support to help facilitate a process of building resolutions. Resolutions are the foundation of healing, restoration, productivity and reflection. From working through a process of alleviating compounded stress, or learning and improving stress management skills, a number of constructive acts of resolution may be identified and supported in manifesting the goals that you set. A range of other personal issues may also be associated with needing support (e.g. processing grief and loss associated with the loss of a job or business, dealing with addiction etc). Setting a resolution for yourself is a big step in addressing core limitations, and serves to build you a more authentic and abundant life.

What are your End of Financial Year Resolutions?

Happy New Financial Year!

Written by David Kalmar

Psychologist
Psychology Pathways