W.H. Murray wrote during one of his first Himalayan expeditions, “Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. The moment you commit yourself to something is the moment providence moves too.”
If you’ve seen the WealthyWomanWarrior.com website, you’ll know that based on 18 months of case studies, where 350 real women were interviewed and countless hours of research, there are five core competencies that when women learn to master, they will reach their economic potential. I have called these core competencies ‘pillars’, because they are the pillars of a woman’s potential – personally, professionally and economically.
One fascination that’s stood out throughout this journey of research with women, is the mindset around money.
There is an unequivocal difference men and women place on money and legacy.
In my case studies I heard a lot of women say things like, “If I love what I do, it doesn’t matter what I earn” or “As long as it pays the bills and I can be with my family, I’ll be happy” or “As long as I’m earning six figures, I’m covered”, and “my husband takes care of the major expenses so I don’t have to”. This money mindset is actually hurting women and their advancement. It’s no longer ‘okay’ for women to simply settle for covering the basics. You need to commit to your monetary results and your legacy.
Consider this for a moment, the only men who say, “money doesn’t matter” are those who are struggling with money.
YET 82% of the women interviewed in the past 18 months have said, “money doesn’t matter” in some way.
I wonder if when a woman says this, she is subconsciously mistaking love with money?
The reason I suggest this is because money represents value and worth. Love on the other hand begets acceptance.
Comparing these two life necessities, or trying to decide which is more important, is like comparing which physiological sense is more important, sight or smell? Or what’s more important to you, your hands or your feet? Money and love aren’t meant to be compared. There simply isn’t a way to choose one to be the clear winner over the other, they are both equally important.
Also of interest is to observe what happens when the word “money” or “wealth” is spoken. For many women the word spoken outloud makes them outwardly cringe. There’s a nervous response to those words when they are said. You can watch women divert their eyes and as they do, their body language screams out that shame is hanging out underneath their downward gaze. Making a commitment to your money and legacy will change your life and support you at the same time. It simply starts with making yourself a prioirity and learning how to increase your worth within yourself and with your money..
Legacy is the second comparison noted between genders. At a deep psychological level, wealth and legacy are intertwined. Men seem to want to leave their mark on life, leaving behind a legacy of substance to pass on to their descendants. Legacy matters to men at a deep innate biological level. Women on the other hand don’t consciously speak about leaving a mark or a legacy behind, alternatively they’ll say, “I want to have helped others or made a difference in someone’s life”.
With both of these generalized money mindset comparisons, what is evident to me is that there are 7 Key commitments that both successful men and women commit resulting in wealth and legacy.
For the women reading this article, I ask you to consider which one’s are you doing and if love and money were equal, what would you commit to?
The 7 Key Commitments Women Can Make To Money & Legacy So They Reach Their Economic Potential
1. Commit to Holding Nothing Back & Give 100% of Everything You’ve Got
2. ASK!
3. Be WILLING TO DO WHAT IT TAKES, FOR HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES
4. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION
5. no excuses
6. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
7. no Complaining Or ShAMING
Shaming, whether of self or others is merely a deflection tool. Shaming is defined as, “causing injury to one’s pride or self-esteem”. If there is one thing I could change personally with my work, it would be to stop the shame that is flung from woman to woman through gossip and degradation. Women will not rise to relevance until the support and help each other – period end of story. If you want to truly succeed, help another woman, forgive another woman, let go of the toxic shame you’re flinging at another woman because in the end it’s only hurting yourself.
If this article has given you pause I invite you to consider the following:
- What is your limit on what you’re willing to do for gender parity?
- What is your limit for what you’re willing to do for your own success?
- What is your limit for what you’re willing to do so that you reach your professional and economic potential?
- What is your limit for what you’re willing to do for love?
Andrea Carter
CEO & Founder of Wealthy Woman Warrior™
Andrea created her proprietary mindset training, Power To Thrive™ over 15 years ago. We're now in a time where one's environment is constantly changing and pushing people mentally to their limits - if you don't have tools in place to help you navigate disruption, you simply need to get it. Invest in your mind and your success will follow.
Andrea Carter is on a mission to empower 1 million women to reach their economic potential by 2025. She believes that through collaboration and these 5 pillars women can rise to relevance.
Check out her TedX Talk on the Pivot To Gender Parity Today!
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