Expanding the Way We Think About Earnings
When we talk about earning money, many people think about the traditional 9-to-5 job—your paycheck for the work you do. But earning is broader than just a salary. It’s a foundational part of building wealth, and it’s more flexible than most of us realize. Earning can come in many forms, from starting a side hustle to monetizing a passion, to creating passive income streams, or negotiating a raise. The more we broaden our idea of what earning can be, the more opportunities we can create for ourselves.
Earning is the first step to building wealth because it’s the fuel for everything else we want to do with money. It’s what allows us to save, invest, and spend in ways that align with our values and dreams. It’s about more than just paying bills—it’s about creating the financial freedom to live the life you want. Whether your goal is financial independence, being able to give more, or just living without financial stress, earning is where it all starts. Earning also provides us with the resources to weather unexpected life events, take calculated risks, and ultimately live life on our own terms.
In this deep dive, we’re going to explore how to think about earnings in a broad sense, how your mindset plays a crucial role in your ability to earn, and how to take actionable steps based on your Money Beliefs Archetype to increase your income.
The Mindset of Earning: What Beliefs Are Helping or Hurting You?
Your mindset can be your biggest ally or your worst enemy when it comes to earning money. The stories you tell yourself about money—whether consciously or subconsciously—play a big role in what you think you’re capable of earning. These stories often start in childhood, influenced by what we see, hear, and experience. As adults, they manifest as beliefs that either limit or empower us.
Let’s look at some common money beliefs and how they either hold us back or propel us forward.
1. Limiting Beliefs that Block Earning
- Money Trap Archetype: If you identify with the Money Trap archetype, you may carry beliefs like “Money is scarce,” “I’m not good enough to earn more,” or “Opportunities are too limited for someone like me.” This scarcity mindset can prevent you from seeking new opportunities, negotiating your salary, or even believing you’re worthy of earning more. You might feel powerless when it comes to increasing your income, assuming that wealth is for others, but not for you. These beliefs often come from past experiences or environments where money was always tight, making it feel like there’s never enough to go around.
- Money Dependence Archetype: People in the Money Dependence archetype often believe that financial success comes from external sources—from luck, support, or being in the right place at the right time. They may also think, “I can’t succeed without someone else’s help,” “I need others to provide opportunities for me to earn more,” or “I’m not capable of making it on my own.” This belief can make you hesitant to take initiative because you don’t see earning as something you can actively control. Instead, you might be waiting for someone to offer you a higher-paying role or for luck to deliver a windfall. This kind of thinking can be comforting in the short term, but it prevents you from fully realizing your potential and taking ownership of your financial journey.
- Money Anxiety Archetype: If you resonate with the Money Anxiety archetype, you may believe that “I need to work harder and harder to be secure,” “I can never take a break without risking my financial stability,” or “If I’m not constantly busy, I won’t be able to sustain my income.” This mindset can keep you in a constant state of stress, believing that unless you’re earning as much as possible, you’re never safe. It can also lead to burnout because you’re afraid to slow down or take a risk, even when an opportunity to earn more is available. This belief often stems from the fear that financial stability can be easily lost, which drives a need to constantly overwork.
2. Empowering Beliefs that Make Earning Easier
- Money Trap Archetype: To overcome the limiting beliefs, you can take deliberate actions to change your perspective:
- Money is scarce: Replace this with “Money is abundant, and I am capable of creating value to earn more.” Focus on recognizing opportunities around you by paying attention to areas where your skills can solve problems, looking for gaps in the market, or identifying tasks others may need help with. Money can be created through your skills and efforts by offering solutions, providing value, or taking on freelance work that leverages your strengths.
- I’m not good enough to earn more: Challenge this belief by affirming “I have valuable skills that people need, and I am deserving of higher earnings.” Make a list of your accomplishments and strengths to remind yourself of the value you bring. Can you identify at least one higher paying opportunity that values these skills?
- Opportunities are too limited for someone like me: Transform this into “Opportunities are everywhere, and I am open to finding or creating them.” Look for small ways to take initiative, such as exploring a side hustle, seeking new projects at work, or daring to find new opportunities for your main job. This could include changing your line of business, hopping to a better company, or relocating to a place with better opportunities. This belief shift will help you see more possibilities and take action towards them. Whenever you come across someone you believe earns more than you, ask yourself: “Is there no world in which I would also be able to perform this activity?”.
- Money Dependence Archetype: To overcome the limiting beliefs, you can take concrete steps to transform your thinking:
- I can’t succeed without someone else’s help: Replace this with “I am capable of succeeding on my own.” Start by creating a list of small successes that were a result of your own actions and build confidence from these wins. Every week, take 5 minutes to further enrich the list. Additionally, set one achievable goal each month that you can accomplish independently to further reinforce your belief in your own capabilities.
- I need others to provide opportunities for me to earn more: Transform this into “I can create my own opportunities.” Take initiative by seeking freelance gigs, starting a small business, or asking for more responsibilities at work in order to take eligible for that promotion in your own hands. Additionally, consider networking actively to expand your professional connections and open doors to new opportunities that you can pursue independently.
- I’m not capable of making it on my own: Challenge this belief by affirming “I have the skills and determination to achieve financial success independently.” Focus on developing new skills or enhancing existing ones to reinforce your belief in your abilities. Additionally, seek out role models or mentors who have successfully navigated similar paths. Seeing others achieve similar goals can help bolster your confidence and provide practical guidance.
- Money Anxiety Archetype: To counter the fear of never having enough, you can take specific steps to shift your mindset:
- I need to work harder and harder to be secure: Replace this with “I can create balance in my earning efforts and still be secure.” Recognize opportunities by identifying activities that provide the highest return for your efforts, rather than simply working longer hours. For example, focus on skills or projects that generate significant impact. Additionally, set clear work-life boundaries and schedule dedicated time for skill development to ensure you’re growing efficiently, not just working more hours.
- I can never take a break without risking my financial stability: Transform this belief into “Taking breaks is essential for my long-term productivity and well-being.” Understand that rest is a necessary part of sustaining your income and avoiding burnout. To recognize opportunities for rest, schedule breaks into your calendar and assess how time off can lead to renewed energy and more effective work. Additionally, practice mindfulness during breaks to help reduce anxiety and improve your focus, ensuring that your time off contributes to better work performance.
- If I’m not constantly busy, I won’t be able to sustain my income: Shift this to “I can sustain my income by working effectively, not just by being busy.” Identify areas where you can automate or delegate tasks to free up time for strategic actions that truly contribute to your financial goals. For example, consider using productivity tools, outsourcing tasks that don’t require your unique skills, or focusing on high-impact activities that help you grow your income sustainably.
- Money Freedom Archetype: If you identify with the Money Freedom archetype, you’re likely to hold empowering beliefs like “I can create value,” “I have the skills and mindset to achieve my financial goals,” or “I can leverage my strengths to create multiple income streams.” This positive approach allows you to see opportunities for earning everywhere—whether it’s negotiating a higher salary, finding a side hustle you love, or building passive income. People in this archetype often see themselves as capable creators, and they understand that money is a tool to help them achieve their dreams.
Archetypes, Limiting Beliefs, and Empowering Beliefs
| Archetype | Limiting Belief | Empowering Belief |
|---|---|---|
| Money Trap | Money is scarce. | Money is abundant, and I am capable of creating value to earn more. |
| Money Trap | I’m not good enough to earn more. | I have valuable skills that people need, and I am deserving of higher earnings. |
| Money Trap | Opportunities are too limited for someone like me. | Opportunities are everywhere, and I am open to finding or creating them. |
| Money Dependence | I can’t succeed without someone else’s help. | I am capable of succeeding on my own. |
| Money Dependence | I need others to provide opportunities for me to earn more. | I can create my own opportunities. |
| Money Dependence | I’m not capable of making it on my own. | I have the skills and determination to achieve financial success independently. |
| Money Anxiety | I need to work harder and harder to be secure. | I can create balance in my earning efforts and still be secure. |
| Money Anxiety | I can never take a break without risking my financial stability. | Taking breaks is essential for my long-term productivity and well-being. |
| Money Anxiety | If I’m not constantly busy, I won’t be able to sustain my income. | I can sustain my income by working effectively, not just by being busy. |
Specific Strategies for Each Archetype
Now that we’ve explored the beliefs that impact earning, let’s dive into specific strategies that can help you boost your income. The key is to work in alignment with your archetype to tackle the beliefs that are holding you back and maximize your strengths.
1. Money Trap Archetype: Overcoming Scarcity
- Actionable Steps:
- Ask for a Raise: One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, ways to earn more is to ask for a raise. If you feel stuck in the Money Trap, asking for a raise can feel intimidating, but it’s a direct way to challenge the belief that money is scarce. Prepare thoroughly—document your achievements, practice your pitch, and remind yourself that you deserve to be compensated fairly for your contributions.
- Start a Side Hustle: Start small. It could be anything—dog walking, freelancing, selling crafts. This will help you build confidence in your ability to earn beyond your primary job. Starting a side hustle is also empowering because it proves that you are capable of creating value independently of your employer.
- Shift Focus to Value Creation: Identify the value you bring to your employer or clients and articulate it clearly. Knowing and communicating your worth can help shift the belief that you’re powerless. Consider writing down all the ways you add value—whether it’s improving processes, helping others, or bringing in new business. Seeing it in black and white can make it easier to internalize your worth.
- Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing what it looks like to be financially successful. This could mean imagining yourself confidently negotiating a raise, running a thriving side hustle, or feeling at ease when you think about your finances. Visualization can help retrain your brain to believe in new possibilities.
2. Money Dependence Archetype: Taking Ownership
- Actionable Steps:
- Negotiate Your Salary: Instead of waiting for a pay increase to come your way, take the initiative to negotiate. Prepare by researching market rates for your position and outlining the value you bring. Practice negotiating with a trusted friend or mentor, and remind yourself that you are worthy of being compensated for the value you add.
- Create Your Own Opportunity: Think about starting a side hustle or freelance gig. It could be something you’re passionate about—like tutoring, writing, or consulting. This step is about taking ownership of your income, rather than waiting for financial success to find you. Start small, and build up your confidence over time. The key is to prove to yourself that you have control over your financial destiny.
- Invest in Skill Development: Take an online course or get a certification in a field you’re interested in. By developing skills, you’re investing in your ability to earn more on your own terms. Think about skills that are in demand or align with your passions, such as digital marketing, coding, or graphic design. These skills can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles or freelancing gigs.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Setting small, achievable goals is key to overcoming dependency on external factors. For example, commit to applying for one new freelance gig each week or reaching out to one potential client. Over time, these small actions will add up and help you feel more in control of your financial future.
3. Money Anxiety Archetype: Finding Balance
- Actionable Steps:
- Prioritize High-Value Activities: If you’re constantly working, try to prioritize activities that offer the highest return for your time. Focus on projects or tasks that directly lead to increased earnings, and let go of the ones that aren’t as impactful. This can mean saying no to low-paying gigs or delegating tasks that are eating up your time without offering much reward.
- Explore Passive Income: Money Anxiety types often feel the need to work nonstop to feel secure. Creating passive income streams can help alleviate that anxiety. Consider rental income, dividends from investments, or even selling a digital product. Passive income helps disconnect your income from the time you spend working, which can provide much-needed peace of mind.
- Set Boundaries: Challenge the belief that you have to work harder to be safe. Set boundaries on your work hours and focus on working smarter, not harder. This can create space for opportunities that might allow you to earn more without burning out. Schedule regular breaks, prioritize self-care, and remind yourself that rest is essential for productivity and creativity.
- Practice Gratitude: Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to anxiety. Take a moment each day to acknowledge what you’ve achieved and what’s going well. Recognizing that you’re already making progress can help reduce the fear-driven need to constantly overwork.
4. Money Freedom Archetype: Leveraging Opportunities
- Actionable Steps:
- Take Calculated Risks: People in Money Freedom already have a positive mindset about earning. Consider taking calculated risks—such as investing in a business venture, starting a new income stream, or negotiating a big contract. Calculated risks can open up new opportunities for greater earnings while reinforcing your belief that you are capable of creating value.
- Teach or Mentor: If you’re comfortable with your earnings, consider sharing your skills through teaching or mentoring. Not only does this create another income stream, but it also reinforces your belief in your ability to create value. You could create an online course, offer one-on-one coaching, or even host workshops. Teaching can also be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows you to give back and help others succeed.
- Expand Passive Income Streams: With your positive attitude towards money, consider expanding your passive income streams. This could be through real estate, creating online courses, or investing in income-generating assets. Passive income is a key strategy for achieving long-term financial freedom and giving you the time to focus on what matters most to you.
- Collaborate with Others: Collaboration can be a powerful way to leverage opportunities. Partnering with others—whether it’s on a business venture, a community project, or an investment—can amplify your impact and create new pathways for growth that might not have been possible alone. By collaborating with others who share your vision and values, you can achieve more and explore opportunities that bring in additional income, while also expanding your network and skills.
Further Reading on Earning
If you’re ready to explore more about earning and expanding your income, here are some excellent books to dive into:
- “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero: A great read for shifting your mindset about earning and getting rid of limiting beliefs.
- “The Wealthy Gardener” by John Soforic: This book is filled with practical lessons on how to create wealth through earning, saving, and investing.
- “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss: A fantastic resource if you want to improve your negotiation skills—whether for a raise, a new contract, or other financial opportunities.
- “Side Hustle” by Chris Guillebeau: This book is a helpful guide for those looking to create additional income streams beyond their primary job.
- “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss: A classic for learning how to rethink work and create multiple streams of income in a way that optimizes both earnings and lifestyle.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step
Earning is the foundation of building wealth, and it starts with your mindset. The beliefs you hold about money directly influence the actions you take—or don’t take—when it comes to earning more. By understanding your Money Beliefs Archetype and using strategies tailored to your specific mindset, you can begin to shift your perspective and take actionable steps towards increasing your income.
Start small, take ownership, and remember that building wealth is a journey. Every action you take today is a step towards greater financial freedom tomorrow. It’s not about making huge leaps overnight—it’s about steady progress. With each step you take, you’re not only building your wealth, but also your confidence and your sense of empowerment. Let’s take that first step together, and keep moving forward towards the life you want to create.