The Power of "How" and Your Personal Finances

In the realm of personal finance, it's not uncommon for people to use cost as the default reason for saying "I can't." The perceived barriers of affordability can often overshadow the realm of possibilities that lie beyond them.

Rethinking the "I Can't" Mindset

Let's delve into why those seemingly limiting "I can't" statements might not be as restrictive as they initially appear:

Busting the Myth: Believe it or not, about 90% of the time, the things we declare as "can't-dos" are entirely achievable. The 10% of exceptional cases shouldn't be the foundation of our mindset.

The Limiting Effect: Uttering "I can't" can unwittingly place a cap on our potential. By declaring something impossible, we close the door to brainstorming, creative problem-solving, and exploring alternatives. It's like shutting down the possibilities before they even have a chance to emerge.

The Stories We Tell: Our self-esteem, confidence, and resourcefulness suffer when we create a narrative that reinforces our perceived limitations. It's important to challenge these stories and acknowledge the myriad of untapped possibilities.

The Unknown Unknowns: We all possess four categories of information: what we know, what we know we don't know, what we don't know we know, and what we don't know we don't know. The final quadrant is a treasure trove of opportunity. How can we claim "can't" when there's an abundance of undiscovered knowledge?

Empowering Through "How"

So, how do we break free from this self-imposed cage of "I can't"? The answer lies in a simple yet transformative shift: replace "I can't" with "HOW can I?"

Affordability Puzzle: Instead of dwelling on how something is out of reach, challenge yourself to ask, "How can I afford this?" It's remarkable how innovative your mind can become when focused on finding solutions.

Making the Impossible Possible: When faced with a daunting goal, shift your perspective from "I can't do this" to "How can I make this possible?" Suddenly, the barriers start to crumble, and pathways to success emerge.

Unveiling the Solution: In the face of challenges, confront them head-on with the question, "How can I find out the solution?" This proactive approach encourages problem-solving rather than surrendering to defeat.

The Miraculous "How": "How" is a catalyst for unleashing your brain's power. It triggers the creative centers, encouraging them to collaborate in producing tangible solutions to even the toughest problems.

My personal revelation about the "how" principle came from reading 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' by Robert T. Kiyosaki during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As I grappled with a barrage of "I can'ts" in my life, this concept reshaped my perspective, proving that a simple word can be an agent of profound change.

The Financial Frontier of "How"

Embracing the power of "how" became a turning point in my financial journey. I embarked on an experiment, challenging myself to take on the seemingly insurmountable by reframing it through "how."

Take, for instance, my desire for a gel manicure and pedicure—a luxury often dismissed due to its cost. But curiosity led me to ask, "How can I make this more affordable?" Enter nail tech schools, offering the same services for a fraction of the price. By asking the right question, I slashed the cost by over 50% and discovered a wealth of other budget-friendly beauty, hair, and massage services.

Then there's the tale of air travel. When school breaks meant expensive flights, I asked, "How can I travel affordably?" Research introduced me to Frontier Airlines—a name I hadn't heard before. Turns out, they offered direct round-trip flights for under $200, a stark contrast to competitors. By channeling the power of "how," I unlocked budget-friendly journeys.

Unleash the "How" Within You

Now, it's your turn. Think of something you've dismissed due to cost, and challenge yourself: "How can this be done?" Embrace the unknown unknowns, let curiosity guide you, and watch as the barriers dissolve. The power of "how" isn't just a linguistic shift; it's a mindset shift that holds the key to unlocking your financial potential.

So, let's bid adieu to the restrictive "I can't" and welcome the transformative "how." Embrace it, wield it, and witness the magic it brings to your financial journey.

Remember, the next time you're faced with a daunting financial challenge, don't ask why—it's time to ask, "How?"