Why Some Photographers Stay Poor (The Truth About Money)

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As photographers, our relationship with money shapes not just our business decisions but our entire creative journey. After years of coaching photographers and working through my own money blocks, I've discovered something crucial: the difference between struggling and thriving often comes down to what's happening between our ears.

The Hidden Impact of Your Money Environment

Here's a truth bomb: you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with - and this includes their money mindset. When you're constantly surrounded by people saying "I'm so broke," "I can't afford this," or "I don't make enough money," their energy becomes your energy.

This isn't about living in fantasy land. I'll be the first to admit that I don't have $20 million sitting around for that beachfront mansion in the Caribbean. But there's a massive difference between acknowledging your current reality and letting it define your future.

Key Money Environment Shifts:

• Distance yourself from constant negative money talk

• Set boundaries with clients who drain your energy with money complaints

• Create space for abundance-minded conversations

• Recognize the difference between current reality and future potential

The Power of Intentional Money Manifestation

Let me share something personal: In 2019, I put on my dream board that I wanted to buy a house in the Caribbean within five years. Guess what? Just 18 months later, I was putting in an offer on a house. That's the power of clear intention combined with aligned action.

Manifestation isn't magic - it's about creating clear intentions and staying open to opportunities. When you declare what you want and maintain the right energy around money, incredible things can happen faster than you might expect.

Manifestation Success Factors:

• Set clear, specific goals

• Maintain positive money energy

• Take aligned action

• Stay open to unexpected opportunities

• Trust in your ability to create results

Transform Your Money Narrative

One of the most powerful ways to shift your money mindset is through intentional content consumption. Instead of starting your day with social media doom-scrolling or negative news, try this:

Daily Money Mindset Practice:

• Listen to abundance-focused podcasts during your morning routine

• Read books about wealth creation and money mindset

• Follow and engage with successful entrepreneurs who inspire you

• Start your day with positive money affirmations

• Celebrate other people's financial wins

Some of my favorite money mindset resources include:

• "Get Rich, Lucky Bitch" by Denise Duffield Thomas

• "Rich as F*ck" by Amanda Frances

• "We Should All Be Millionaires" by Rachel Rogers

Understanding Your Money Story

We all carry money stories, some from this lifetime and some, possibly, from past lives. I've always had a deep-seated fear of running out of money - even in high school, I needed to keep at least $5,000 in my bank account or I'd panic. Through working with energy healers and doing deep inner work, I discovered these fears weren't just from my current life experiences.

While my childhood was financially humble, my parents always made sure my sister and I never went without. This helped me realize that my money anxiety came from somewhere deeper - possibly past life experiences that needed healing.

Steps to Heal Your Money Story:

• Identify your recurring money fears and patterns

• Question whether these beliefs truly belong to you

• Seek support through coaching or energy work

• Create new, empowering money beliefs

• Practice self-compassion during the healing process

The Flow of Money Energy

Money should flow like a river - both in and out. If you're experiencing constant resistance or blocks (like my persistently declining credit card), it's a sign to examine where you're creating friction in your money flow.

Signs of Money Flow Blocks:

• Persistent technical issues with payments

• Anxiety about spending money

• Difficulty receiving money or raising prices

• Constant worry about having enough

• Resistance to investing in your business

Moving Forward with a New Money Mindset

Remember, developing a healthy money mindset is a journey, not a destination. You'll have good days and challenging days. The key is to stay committed to your growth and keep feeding your mind with empowering messages about money.

Action Steps for Transformation:

1. Audit your money environment - who and what are you allowing to influence your money mindset?

2. Create a morning routine that includes money mindset work

3. Set clear financial intentions and put them somewhere visible

4. Practice gratitude for the money flowing through your life

5. Celebrate your money wins, no matter how small

Your ability to create wealth is directly tied to your beliefs about money. As photographers, we have unlimited potential to create abundance - but first, we need to believe it's possible for us.

Remember: If you can dream it, and you're willing to do the inner work, you can achieve it. Often faster than you think.