The Finance Freeze: Why Money Talk Can Shut Me Down (and What I'm Learning to Do About It)
Ever feel that familiar tightening in your chest? That sudden urge to just… escape the conversation, the email, the very thought of it? For many, the subject of personal finance can be daunting. For me, as a disabled person who has spent years navigating life on a pension, it often triggers a full-blown shutdown.
It's more than just "not liking numbers." It's a deep-seated overwhelm that can leave me feeling utterly paralyzed, incapable of making even the simplest financial decision. If you've ever felt this way, especially when your health journey adds an extra layer of complexity, know this: you are absolutely not alone. Today, I want to open up about why finance has always been such a tough subject for me, and some of the strategies I'm slowly, tentatively exploring to break free from the "finance freeze."
The Unique Weight of Disability on Our Wallets and Our Minds
For those of us living with chronic illness or disability, finance isn't just about budgeting for bills and groceries. It's a constant, high-stakes negotiation with limited resources, often exacerbated by a system that wasn't built for us.
Fixed and Limited Income: Living off a pension, while a vital lifeline, means a rigid ceiling on earnings. There's little room for error, and unexpected expenses can feel catastrophic.
The "Disability Tax": Our health often comes with hidden (and not-so-hidden) costs. Specialized equipment, accessibility aids, prescription co-pays, specific dietary needs, adapted transportation, or even just the extra cost of convenience when you lack the energy for multiple errands – these expenses chip away at an already tight budget.
Energy Depletion & Brain Fog: Managing chronic pain, fatigue, or cognitive challenges leaves little "spoon" for complex tasks like reviewing bank statements, tracking expenses, or understanding intricate financial jargon. The mental energy required to focus on spreadsheets or call customer service can feel like scaling a mountain.
A History of Scarcity: For many of us, years of financial precarity due to health-related unemployment or underemployment have wired our brains to associate money with stress, anxiety, and a constant fear of not having enough. This historical context makes approaching finance emotionally charged, not just logically challenging.
When the "Shutdown" Happens
When the topic of money arises, my internal alarm bells start ringing. It's not a conscious choice to disengage; it's a visceral, protective response. My mind might go blank, my heart might race, and I might physically feel exhausted at the mere thought of it.
This "shutdown" isn't laziness or irresponsibility. It's a coping mechanism developed over years of feeling overwhelmed and powerless. It's a way for my brain to say, "This is too much; I need to conserve energy." Unfortunately, avoidance often leads to more stress down the line, creating a vicious cycle that's incredibly hard to break. The bills still arrive, the statements pile up, and the anxiety quietly festers.
My Journey (So Far): From Paralysis to Progress
Acknowledging this shutdown response has been my first, crucial step. It's allowed me to approach my financial struggles with a little more self-compassion, understanding that it's not a personal failing, but a deeply ingrained pattern linked to my life circumstances.
I certainly don't have all the answers, and it's an ongoing journey. But I'm actively trying to shift from a place of avoidance to one of gentle, manageable engagement. Here are some of the strategies that are starting to make a difference, even if just incrementally:
Strategies That Are Helping (Even a Little):
Acknowledge and Validate the Feeling: The first step is to gently tell myself, "Okay, this feels overwhelming right now, and that's understandable." Giving myself permission to feel that way reduces the internal resistance.
Break It Down – The "15-Minute Rule": Instead of tackling "my finances," I break it into tiny, bite-sized pieces. "Today, I will open one bank statement." "Tomorrow, I will check one recurring bill." I set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, I stop, no matter what. This prevents overwhelm and makes the task feel achievable.
Automate What You Can: Direct debits for essential bills are my best friends. The less I have to think about manually paying things, the less energy is drained. If possible, automating a small transfer into a savings account (even just $5!) can also build a sense of financial agency.
Find a Trusted Co-Pilot (If Possible): This is a sensitive one, but if you have a trusted friend, family member, or partner, sometimes just having them present while you open mail or review a statement can make a huge difference. They don't have to manage your money, but their calm presence can help regulate your nervous system.
Seek Professional Guidance (When Ready): This is a big step, and one I'm still working towards more consistently. Finding a financial advisor who understands the unique challenges of disability and fixed income can be invaluable. Look for someone empathetic, patient, and who can explain things in plain language. Many non-profits also offer free financial counseling.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Did I open that scary letter? Did I make one phone call? Did I track one expense? Pat myself on the back. Every tiny step forward deserves recognition, reinforcing that I can do hard things.
Prioritize Energy Management: I've learned that tackling finance when I'm already drained or in a flare-up is a recipe for shutdown. I try to schedule financial tasks for my "best" times of day or week, when my energy and cognitive function are relatively higher.
You Are Not Alone
If you, like me, find finance an intimidating mountain rather than a navigable path, please know you're not alone. Our experiences, shaped by health challenges and limited resources, create a unique and valid struggle.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's okay to take things slowly. It's okay to ask for help. The goal isn't perfection, but progress – one small, manageable step at a time, moving towards a place where money feels a little less like a threat and a little more like a tool.
What are your experiences with finance and chronic illness/disability? I'd love to hear your thoughts and any strategies that have helped you in the comments below. Let's build a space where we can support each other through this often unspoken struggle.
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
My Unstoppable Edge: How a Mastermind Fuels My Disabled Network Marketing Journey - Building Resilience: How Masterminds Transform Disabled Lives.
Being a disabled network marketer is a unique journey. It's a path paved with incredible potential for financial independence and personal growth, but also one that often presents distinct challenges – from managing health and energy to navigating societal misconceptions. If you're anything like me, you understand the importance of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in what's possible.
That's why, when I first delved into Napoleon Hill's timeless classic, *Think and Grow Rich*, Chapter 10, "The Power of the Mastermind," resonated with me on a profound level. This wasn't just a theory; it was a blueprint for the kind of support system I knew I needed to not just survive, but truly thrive. For us, a mastermind isn't just an advantage – it's often a critical component for success, providing an "unstoppable edge" against the unique obstacles we face. Although I had no idea what a mastermind was or even how one really functioned.
The Mastermind Principle: A Synergy of Minds
Napoleon Hill defined a Mastermind as "the coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose." In essence, it's a group of like-minded individuals who support and challenge each other, pooling their collective intelligence, experience, and resources to help each member achieve their goals.
While this concept is powerful for anyone pursuing ambitious goals, it takes on an even deeper significance for disabled entrepreneurs. Our journeys can often be isolating. We might face energy limitations, accessibility issues, or simply a lack of understanding from those around us. A mastermind provides a dedicated space where these unique circumstances are not just acknowledged but leveraged as points of innovation and creative problem-solving.
Fueling Health & Well-being: A Mastermind for Sustainable Success
One of the most immediate and impactful benefits of my mastermind group touches directly on my health and well-being. Building a network marketing business requires consistent effort, and for someone managing a chronic condition or disability, "consistent effort" needs careful calibration. You can have many different mastermind groups.
My mastermind isn't just about business strategy; it's also a safe space to discuss energy management, self-care routines, and even the emotional toll of living with a disability while striving for big goals.
* **Shared Strategies:** We brainstorm ways to adapt business activities to accommodate fluctuating energy levels. For instance, if a traditional "power hour" isn't feasible, we discuss breaking it into smaller, manageable segments or delegating tasks.
* **Accountability for Self-Care:** My group holds me accountable not just to my business goals, but to my health goals. They remind me to rest, to schedule appointments, and to set boundaries when I'm overextending myself. This is crucial because it’s easy to neglect personal well-being when driven by ambition.
* **Emotional Resilience:** The journey can be emotionally taxing. Having a group that understands the unique stresses, the pain, or the daily challenges of living with a disability provides immense emotional support. They celebrate small victories, offer empathy during setbacks, and help me reframe challenges into opportunities.
This focus on sustainable health ensures that my journey towards financial independence doesn't come at the cost of my well-being.
Paving the Path to Financial Independence: Crafting Our Own Future
Financial independence is a primary driver for many in network marketing, and for disabled individuals, it can represent a profound liberation. It offers the freedom to create income on our own terms, often from home, with flexible hours – bypassing many of the barriers prevalent in traditional employment. My mastermind group has been instrumental in making this a reality.
* **Strategic Brainstorming:** We analyse market trends, refine business plans, and develop innovative marketing strategies that are accessible and effective. If a traditional outreach method isn't suitable due to physical limitations, the group helps me pivot and find alternative, equally powerful approaches.
* **Goal Setting & Accountability:** My mastermind provides a framework for setting ambitious yet realistic financial goals. More importantly, they offer unwavering accountability. Knowing I have to report back to a group that genuinely believes in my potential drives me to push past perceived limitations.
* **Diverse Perspectives:** Members from different backgrounds and experiences offer unique insights into problem-solving, overcoming sales objections, and expanding our networks. This collective intelligence means I'm not just relying on my own limited viewpoint, but drawing from a wellspring of wisdom.
Together, we're not just building businesses; we're building a future where disability doesn't dictate our financial destiny.
Silencing the Noise: When Destructive Comments Come Knocking
Let's be honest: not everyone believes in what we do, or what *we* can do. As a disabled network marketer, I've encountered my share of skeptical glances, dismissive remarks, and outright destructive comments. "You can't handle that with your condition." "Network marketing is just a scam." "You're too sick to run a business." These words, if allowed to fester, can chip away at even the strongest resolve.
This is where my mastermind acts as an impenetrable shield and a powerful amplifier of belief.
* **A Source of Unwavering Belief:** When others doubt, my mastermind believes. They see my potential, not my limitations. Their consistent encouragement and belief in my vision counteract any negativity from the outside world.
* **Reframing & Resilience:** They help me process negative comments, not as truths, but as projections of others' fears or misunderstandings. We discuss strategies for responding (or not responding), for letting go, and for refocusing on my own path.
* **Proof in Progress:** My group celebrates every milestone, big or small. These shared successes serve as tangible evidence that progress is being made, directly refuting the "you can't" narrative. They remind me of my progress and capabilities when self-doubt creeps in.
My mastermind isn't just a place for business strategy; it's a fortress where my self-belief is nurtured and protected, allowing me to focus on building, rather than constantly defending my choices.
Building Your Own Unstoppable Force
If the concept of a mastermind resonates with you, I urge you to consider building or joining one. It doesn't have to be a formal organization; it can start with a few trusted individuals.
**Here's how to begin:**
My Unstoppable Edge: How a Mastermind Fuels My Disabled Network Marketing Journey
Being a disabled network marketer is a unique journey. It's a path paved with incredible potential for financial independence and personal growth, but also one that often presents distinct challenges – from managing health and energy to navigating societal misconceptions. If you're anything like me, you understand the importance of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in what's possible.
That's why, when I first delved into Napoleon Hill's timeless classic, *Think and Grow Rich*, Chapter 10, "The Power of the Mastermind," resonated with me on a profound level. This wasn't just a theory; it was a blueprint for the kind of support system I knew I needed to not just survive, but truly thrive. For us, a mastermind isn't just an advantage – it's often a critical component for success, providing an "unstoppable edge" against the unique obstacles we face.
The Mastermind Principle: A Synergy of Minds
Napoleon Hill defined a Mastermind as "the coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose." In essence, it's a group of like-minded individuals who support and challenge each other, pooling their collective intelligence, experience, and resources to help each member achieve their goals.
While this concept is powerful for anyone pursuing ambitious goals, it takes on an even deeper significance for disabled entrepreneurs. Our journeys can often be isolating. We might face energy limitations, accessibility issues, or simply a lack of understanding from those around us. A mastermind provides a dedicated space where these unique circumstances are not just acknowledged but leveraged as points of innovation and creative problem-solving.
Fueling Health & Well-being: A Mastermind for Sustainable Success
One of the most immediate and impactful benefits of my mastermind group touches directly on my health and well-being. Building a network marketing business requires consistent effort, and for someone managing a chronic condition or disability, "consistent effort" needs careful calibration.
My mastermind isn't just about business strategy; it's also a safe space to discuss energy management, self-care routines, and even the emotional toll of living with a disability while striving for big goals.
**Shared Strategies:** We brainstorm ways to adapt business activities to accommodate fluctuating energy levels. For instance, if a traditional "power hour" isn't feasible, we discuss breaking it into smaller, manageable segments or delegating tasks.
**Accountability for Self-Care:** My group holds me accountable not just to my business goals, but to my health goals. They remind me to rest, to schedule appointments, and to set boundaries when I'm overextending myself. This is crucial because it’s easy to neglect personal well-being when driven by ambition.
**Emotional Resilience:** The journey can be emotionally taxing. Having a group that understands the unique stresses, the pain, or the daily challenges of living with a disability provides immense emotional support. They celebrate small victories, offer empathy during setbacks, and help me reframe challenges into opportunities.
This focus on sustainable health ensures that my journey towards financial independence doesn't come at the cost of my well-being.
Paving the Path to Financial Independence: Crafting Our Own Future
Financial independence is a primary driver for many in network marketing, and for disabled individuals, it can represent a profound liberation. It offers the freedom to create income on our own terms, often from home, with flexible hours – bypassing many of the barriers prevalent in traditional employment. My mastermind group has been instrumental in making this a reality.
**Strategic Brainstorming:** We analyze market trends, refine business plans, and develop innovative marketing strategies that are accessible and effective. If a traditional outreach method isn't suitable due to physical limitations, the group helps me pivot and find alternative, equally powerful approaches.
**Goal Setting & Accountability:** My mastermind provides a framework for setting ambitious yet realistic financial goals. More importantly, they offer unwavering accountability. Knowing I have to report back to a group that genuinely believes in my potential drives me to push past perceived limitations.
**Diverse Perspectives:** Members from different backgrounds and experiences offer unique insights into problem-solving, overcoming sales objections, and expanding our networks. This collective intelligence means I'm not just relying on my own limited viewpoint, but drawing from a wellspring of wisdom.
Together, we're not just building businesses; we're building a future where disability doesn't dictate our financial destiny.
Silencing the Noise: When Destructive Comments Come Knocking
Let's be honest: not everyone believes in what we do, or what *we* can do. As a disabled network marketer, I've encountered my share of skeptical glances, dismissive remarks, and outright destructive comments. "You can't handle that with your condition." "Network marketing is just a scam." "You're too sick to run a business." These words, if allowed to fester, can chip away at even the strongest resolve.
This is where my mastermind acts as an impenetrable shield and a powerful amplifier of belief.
**A Source of Unwavering Belief:** When others doubt, my mastermind believes. They see my potential, not my limitations. Their consistent encouragement and belief in my vision counteract any negativity from the outside world.
**Reframing & Resilience:** They help me process negative comments, not as truths, but as projections of others' fears or misunderstandings. We discuss strategies for responding (or not responding), for letting go, and for refocusing on my own path.
**Proof in Progress:** My group celebrates every milestone, big or small. These shared successes serve as tangible evidence that progress is being made, directly refuting the "you can't" narrative. They remind me of my progress and capabilities when self-doubt creeps in.
My mastermind isn't just a place for business strategy; it's a fortress where my self-belief is nurtured and protected, allowing me to focus on building, rather than constantly defending my choices.
Building Your Own Unstoppable Force
If the concept of a mastermind resonates with you, I urge you to consider building or joining one. It doesn't have to be a formal organization; it can start with a few trusted individuals.
**Here's how to begin:**
**Identify Your Allies:** Look for individuals with shared ambition, diverse skills, and a positive mindset. They could be fellow network marketers (not in your direct upline/downline if you want objective perspectives), mentors, or even friends with entrepreneurial spirits. You may need to test them to see who is committed and what belief they have in Your goals and dreams. Some people say the care but really struggle to understand or believe as You do.
**Define Your Purpose:** What are your collective and individual goals? Health, financial independence, skill development? Be clear.
**Establish Guidelines:** How often will you meet? What's the agenda? How will you ensure mutual respect and accountability?
**Embrace Diversity:** A group with varied backgrounds and experiences will offer richer insights and solutions.
Don't let the unique challenges of being a disabled entrepreneur deter you. Embrace them as fuel for innovation and seek out the synergy of a mastermind group. It's more than just a support system; it's an engine for growth, a shield against doubt, and a vital component for truly thinking and growing rich on your own terms.
What's your next step towards building your own unstoppable force? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
G'day Mate! This collage perfectly captures the spirit of Australia Day – from sun-drenched beaches, backyard BBQs, and cricket, to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and dazzling fireworks! Happy Australia Day to all, celebrating this incredible country.
A Note From Ben:
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
❤️😃 I found the company which allows the time to focus on my own health, time with the family, live a lifestyle and still earn a income to contribute to the household, rather than living on disability support pension.
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:
My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.
You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.
