There’s something about putting one foot in front of the other, mile after mile, that opens my mind to new ideas. Running is a great way for me to process my thoughts, but it’s also one of my favorite ways to learn. As an auditory learner, Audible has become my best running partner, feeding me new insights with every stride. Lately, I’ve been revisiting The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, a book that feels even more relevant as tax season, high prices, and economic uncertainty bring money anxieties into my sessions with clients.
Why We Think About Money the Way We Do
One of the most powerful ideas in The Psychology of Money is that our views on money are shaped far more by personal experience than by logic. We like to think that financial decisions are rational, but in reality, they are deeply emotional. Two people can look at the same financial situation and feel completely different emotions—stress, excitement, fear, or confidence—based on their upbringing, past struggles, or what money represented in their family.
For example, someone who grew up in financial scarcity might view money as something fragile, always fearing that it could disappear at any moment. On the other hand, someone who grew up in financial abundance might take risks more easily, believing that money is always replenishable. Neither perspective is right or wrong, but understanding where your beliefs about money come from can be a game-changer in how you manage it.
The Connection Between Money and Mental Health
In my work, I see how money concerns impact mental health in ways that go beyond the numbers. It’s not just about how much is in a bank account—it’s about what that number represents. Security, freedom, success, or even self-worth. Many of my clients are feeling the weight of financial uncertainty, whether it’s navigating tax season, adjusting to higher costs, or feeling anxious about the broader economy. These concerns don’t exist in isolation—they tap into deeper fears and long-held beliefs about security and stability.
This is why financial stress can feel so overwhelming. It’s not just about making ends meet; it’s about confronting our core beliefs and emotions around money. When we don’t take the time to understand those beliefs, we risk making financial decisions based on fear or past wounds rather than on our current reality and goals.
Reframing Your Relationship with Money
The good news is that awareness is the first step toward change. When you start to recognize how your past experiences have shaped your relationship with money, you can begin to question whether those beliefs still serve you. Are you making financial decisions out of fear? Are you holding onto patterns that no longer fit your current life?
Taking time to reflect on these questions can help reframe your mindset. Just like running teaches me resilience, endurance, and the power of small, consistent steps, reshaping your financial mindset is a journey. It’s not about quick fixes or overnight change. It’s about understanding where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go.
So the next time you find yourself stressed about money, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: What am I really reacting to? What experiences have shaped the way I think about financial security? And most importantly, is this belief serving me or holding me back?
Last Lap
I’ll keep running, listening, and learning—because every mile teaches me something new. And as I continue to revisit The Psychology of Money, I’m reminded that understanding our emotions and beliefs around money is just as important as any financial strategy.
What’s one belief about money you’ve held onto for a long time? Have you ever questioned where it came from? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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