Do Better With Money

If you want to stop scarcity thinking – stop saying these 6 words.

August 20, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

Ever had thoughts about money that keep you up at night or give you a pit in your stomach? I suspect the answer is … of course! Maybe they sound like this, “I’m so scared about what’s happening in the world right now. What will this mean for our future? Am I going to be okay?” You are certainly not alone; we’ve all slipped into the pit of worry at some point. There is so much change and uncertainty in the world, especially now, and for many people this is deeply uncomfortable.

Why Scarcity Thinking is so Dangerous –

The problem is not only do these scarcity-focused thoughts feel bad, but they limit your ability to see creative solutions and opportunities, and hurt your decision-making capabilities. When you can shift from feeling fearful and freaked about your money to a state of equanimity your results will be so much better. Maybe you’re thinking, ‘When my situation changes, then I can feel calm and clear.’ Is it possible that you’ve got that backwards? What if instead you first shift your thinking and feelings and then your situation will change?

It’s like saying “When I have more energy, then I’ll work out,” only to realize working out actually gives you more energy.

So how do you do this?

How do you move from scarcity fear-based thinking to abundance thinking – and the feeling of equanimity?

You can start when you stop saying these 6 words …

That’s just the way it is.

This is a dangerous and passive way to see things. That’s just the way it is limits your ability to even consider a different way to be or try a different approach. If your approach to some of the following thoughts is ‘that’s just the way it is’ do you think it will be easier or more difficult to see a better result?

They don’t hire people my age – That’s just the way it is.
Women have a hard time in this industry – That’s just the way it is.
Investing is scary – That’s just the way it is … especially now!
It’s impossible to grow my business during Covid – That’s just the way it is.

Can you see how these are limiting your ability to find creative solutions and opportunities?

Now I’m not saying fight against what is happening. I’m saying adjust the meaning you assign to what is happening. Yes, we are in a global pandemic. Yes, there are many people suffering. Does that mean that you are destined for failure? Of course not. Does that mean you can’t continue to do good work so you are better able to help? Absolutely not.

Good questions to ask yourself – to check in and see if you are stuck in scarcity thinking –

these are inspired by Byron Katie and an exercise she calls The Work (definitely check out her amazing exercise).

Notice a thought you have about money and ask:

Is it true?
Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
Who would you be without that thought?

Wishing you equanimity,

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How to Get Past Sometimes Feeling Like a Fake?

August 13, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

Remember when you were little and kids used to call each other fakers?

Whether you were actually faking it then, or not, the label stung. Too bad we didn’t outgrow this fear of being seen as an imposter.

It’s easy to be your own worst critic.

If you’re being honest, have you ever worried that people will find out you’re not all that great, that you aren’t that good at what you’re doing, or that if they knew the truth they’d never work with you? Well, you’re not alone.

Around 70% of people feel this way at times. This seems especially true for women in predominately male industries.

Here’s a short video with a couple of quick tips to help stop feeling like a fraud. I also talk about a few celebs you might be surprised feel this way too.

Every good wish,

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Why I’m Doing a Silent Retreat … at home

August 5, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

About a year ago I went on my first silent retreat – 7 days at Spirit Rock outside of San Francisco. Doing a retreat was part of the requirements for my teacher certification with The Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute – the mindfulness programs that were born at Google.

The silent retreat was one of the hardest and most impactful things I’ve done for my personal and professional growth.

It wasn’t hard for me to not talk (which is weird as talking is a big part of my professional life), but it was hard in unexpected ways. I didn’t expect to be so achy from sitting meditating. We got up every hour, I had every sort of cushion, bolster, and pillow, but I still really hurt. I didn’t expect to get lonely. I’ve travelled a lot by myself, but had never gone this long without talking to my family. It got boring – I’m not used to being so undistracted by outside influences like my phone and Netflix.

And…

I learned more about the nature of my thoughts, and how I deal (or don’t deal) with uncomfortable emotions, than ever before.

I was signed up to do a 10-day loving kindness retreat at Spirit Rock in July. Of course this was cancelled, and the leaders offered a 4-day virtual retreat. At first I thought, ‘how could I do this at home?’ Then I realized this is amazing training for bringing more mindfulness into my everyday life.

I emailed my plan for doing the at-home silent retreat to a friend and here’s what I heard back:

“I can’t imagine doing a silent retreat here at home. I feel guilty enough when I want to drink coffee alone.”

Ahhh… why is it we feel guilty taking time for ourselves? It might be the greatest gift we can give to those we serve and love.

As I’ve shared before,

my meditation practice is likely one of the best things I do for my business. I know it’s also a great way to be more prosperous.

I hope you’ll dip your toe into trying meditation if it’s new to you. And whether you’re a newbie or a veteran here are some of my favorite meditation tools you may find helpful.

My retreat starts tonight.

Every good wish,

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Giving and Influence, Referrals, Strategy, Success … My conversation with Go-Giver author Bob Burg

July 30, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

Are you one of the 950,000+ who’s read (and loved) The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann? Then you know what a gem this book is. If you haven’t read it yet, put this book at the top of your reading list.

I had the joy to meet Bob many years ago. He is an amazing thought leader and an even more amazing human. I was lucky enough to get him to say ‘yes’ to being on my livestream show through Horsesmouth. The show is geared to financial advisors, but most often my guests have terrific information no matter your business.

Bob’s information is gold – I can’t not share it with you!

At 7:08 we talk about how to practically use giving as a business building strategy.
At 9:04 Bob shares how to get people to know, like, and trust you so they want to do business with you.
At 17:07 you’ll learn how to build influence and pull people to you (and avoid pushing).
At 20:23 he shares how to ask for referrals without feeling icky.
At 29:00 you’ll learn the 8 words to get people to help you that work like magic (I use this all the time).

Here’s the link to our show.

I’m on the livestream most Tuesdays at 1:00pm CST here if you want to catch more great guests. It’s also typically streamed to my LinkedIn account when I’m live. Let’s connect on LinkedIn if we’re not already so you can watch.

Here’s to being a great Go-Giver.

Remember when you give good you live good!

Every good wish,

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THE Person to Listen to When it comes to Money

July 23, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

Handling money can be complex and confusing, especially in our volatile world. Right? A professional is going to have the expertise, be less emotional, and definitely know more than you. Right?

Well… maybe yes and maybe no. Or, maybe sometimes. But definitely not always.

There is one person that you should always turn to for financial direction.

This person knows your situation from the inside and out. Who? Why it’s you silly rabbit!

You might be thinking, “damn right it’s me!” Or, maybe instead thinking, “Don’t call me a silly rabbit – you’re the one who’s got this all wrong Ellen. I suck when it comes to money. It doesn’t interest me, I’m no good at managing it, and I’m scared of making big mistakes.”

Here’s what I’m talking about. What you think and say about your money makes a huge impact on what shows up in your life.

This is worth repeating…

What you think and say about your money makes a huge impact on what shows up in your life.

So what are you saying to yourself? Most people are hard of hearing when to listening to their own money thoughts and beliefs. If you want better financial results, and to feel increased contentment when it comes to your money, start listening to yourself. Most importantly, start hearing your own good intentions.

Are you giving yourself strong, positive money messages

like: “I’ve got this.” “This isn’t so hard.” “I am always able to bring money in when I need it.”

Or …

Are you like most people who at times are like the mean teacher who thought they were helping by telling you how you’d never succeed? Do you berate yourself for making mistakes? Ever say or think: “I don’t have a head for money.” “I wish someone else would just take care of this for me.” “I’m such an idiot – I never should have done that!”

We’ve all had times of worry and insecurity around money. And, hanging out in this place of scarcity thoughts while hoping for prosperity is like swimming in sludge and thinking it’s a great workout. Could you end up in better shape? Maybe. And, you could end up feeling like crap and making it much harder to get the results you desire.

I’m all for outsourcing the things that others can do better than I can or things that aren’t a good use of my time (for example, I’m a CPA and I don’t do my own taxes). But please …

Do not outsource or delegate your goals and what you value.

Once you get quiet and listen to your own good advice your path to prosperity becomes clear.

P.S. When you’re ready and the time is right, let me know if you want to have a conversation about how to listen to your own good intentions when it comes to money. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com and put “intentions” in the subject line.

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Why Scarcity Thinking is so Dangerous –

How do you move from scarcity fear-based thinking to abundance thinking – and the feeling of equanimity?

You can start when you stop saying these 6 words …

Good questions to ask yourself – to check in and see if you are stuck in scarcity thinking –

It’s easy to be your own worst critic.

Bob’s information is gold – I can’t not share it with you!

Here’s to being a great Go-Giver.

There is one person that you should always turn to for financial direction.

What you think and say about your money makes a huge impact on what shows up in your life.

Are you giving yourself strong, positive money messages

Do not outsource or delegate your goals and what you value.

What Your Generosity Style Says About You