Thursday, April 5, 2012

Open

http://blogs-images.forbes.com/danschawbel/files/2011/09/dave-ramsey.jpg
If you're in financial trouble, read Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover." In his companion class, Financial Peace University, Dave uses a great illustration of how money works. (Take it from me and Josh, it will change your entire life. More on that later).

Imagine someone puts a $20 bill on your outstretched, open palm. You have two choices. Your first choice is to close your fingers around that money, balling your hand into a tight fist. You hold on to the money tightly.

The other option is to keep your palm open. And Dave says, "Even a dog understands this one," as he bends down and whistles for an imaginary dog to come over to him.

When your fist is balled tightly around your money, none can get out. At the same time, none can get in, either. In contrast, the open hand allows money to flow. Some may  go out, but some might come in too.

When I've been the most stuck, it helps to keep Dave's "open hand theory" in mind. I'm not saying to go out and spend your last dime! Absolutely not! But I am saying to get creative.

How can you spend money creatively to make more money? Maybe it's spending a couple hundred dollars with a marketing coach to give you ideas on how to maximize your marketing budget. Maybe it's spending a day with a business coach to give you insight on getting un-stuck. Maybe it's as simple as taking someone out to lunch and asking their perspective on where you're at.

Money naturally wants to move around... maybe that's why they call it currency. Loosen that death grip a little bit, take a deep breath and see what happens.


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