Remember the milk commercial, that would star a recognizable celebrity and ask, “Got milk?”

When the commercial aired, it always seemed light-hearted and funny. It was an opportunity for those of us who drink milk to identify with a celebrity and their white, milk mustache.

Fairly harmless right?

Now imagine that same commercial, but instead of advertising milk, it revealed a recognizable celebrity, getting out of their luxury automobile, dressed well, wearing expensive jewelry, and then asking, “Got money?”

How do you imagine people would respond?

How would you respond?

Would a commercial like that motivate and inspire you to work harder, and do more to reach your monetary goals or would it anger and infuriate you, due to its perceived condescending nature?

Maybe you wouldn’t feel any type of way about it. Maybe you just feel apathy.

I believe the emotions for a large viewing audience of a commercial like that would have a wide range and variety.

Why?

Well, people get crazy about money.

How you feel about money, will most likely dictate your response to a commercial like the one I described above.

Many of us, relate to our finances in a very emotional way.

When it comes to the subject of money, we will let our emotions dictate our decisions, well before our logic gets a chance to weigh-in.





This is one of the reasons money tends to be one of the biggest breakdowns in relationships.

Sometime ago, a very close friend of mine borrowed my car and returned it. The next time I drove my car I noticed one of the car’s rims had been badly damaged. I immediately felt myself getting really angry with him.

My first thought?

“How much is this going to cost me?”

This thought made me feel a number of negative emotions towards my friend.

How is it possible that a $400 car rim, could ever become the measuring tool of respect and meaning for a 35 year friendship?

My relationship with my friend is priceless.

Thinking about possibly severing that relationship for $400 is irrational.

Yet, I entertained these type of thoughts while caught in my initial emotions.

Lucky for me, I realized my emotions were impeding my rationalizing abilities and I quickly forgave him.

Later, I came to find out, that my friend had no idea he damaged the car and the rim could be fixed for less than $90 dollars.





This week my questions for reflection are:

How do you make your decisions about money?

Are these decisions based on emotion or logic?

Consider this…

Money is a tool. The opportunity most of us have with this tool is learning how to properly relate to money when using it.

Carpenters typically have a healthy relationship with their hammer and nails. The relationship is healthy and productive, because they have been taught how and when the hammer and nails should be used.

As the holiday season continues to progress and we sort our plans for the New Year, take sometime to really consider the role money plays in your life.

Awareness is the foundational ingredient for all change.

How might an awareness to your relationship with money provide you additional access to your goals for financial security and freedom

This holiday season, consider your relationship to money and stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice.

About the Author:

Linal Harris

Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker

Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.

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