Posts Tagged "financial archetypes"

Redirect your Energy Toward the Greater Good!

Posted by Elle on Mar 14, 2012 | 0 comments

I’m reading a really interesting book right now that has got me thinking of my finances in a whole new light. As you might know, one of my resolutions this year was to spend wisely. As part of that, I vowed to stop shopping and immediately began criticizing myself for my inability to leave Lululemon empty-handed. It’s just since reading this book that I have realized how to change my financial outlook- and it has nothing to do with buying or not buying myself pretty dresses.

Financial Archetypes

As it turns out, there are 6 financial archetypes, one of which, is “The Performer.” As I read through the qualities that make up this archetype, I realized I was reading about my own spending habits! This was a huge epiphany for me. The way that John Robbins looks at this archetype really got me thinking about how I spend my money and what that means to me. He reveals the many pros and cons of this archetype and how I can ultimately channel this spending energy toward the greater good!

The Performer

The performer, as he says, is more aware than other archetypes of the significance and power of gaining the attention of others. Marilyn Monroe, a famous performer once said “I don’t want to make money, I just want to be wonderful.” Performers generally spend a higher than average percentage of their money and clothing, jewelry, cosmetics or hair care. When out of balance, a performer could fall prey to vanity and get so caught up in appearances that they neglect their feelings and relationships, stoop to plastic surgery, or buy things they can’t afford. But the evolving performer realizes that she can use her abilities to attract the attention of others to fulfill higher purposes. Performers can help those that feel invisible express themselves so their gifts will be recognized. Their craving to be seen gives way to more contentment and self acceptance. They use their charisma to uplift and motivate, creating an atmosphere of hope and goodwill. They attract attention to themselves in order to serve the highest aspirations of humanity.

Using your Financial Literacy for the Greater Good

Performers on the positive side of the spectrum can be true life changers! The book lists famous performers such as Mother Theresa and John F Kennedy. These folks used their ability to put their best foot forward to change the world. Performers know that a positive self-image is key to being good at your job, influencing a friend, inspiring the sick. Michelle Obama is the perfect example of a performer: She always looks put together and gorgeous, she is charismatic and attention grabbing, but she channels that energy into motivating people to change their diet, inspiring children, and bringing hope to orphans or the homeless.

These are all amazing influences on me. Instead of not shopping, I should be looking to how these purchases can reflect the humanity I aspire to. Even in the book “Eat, Pray, Love” Elizabeth Gilbert talks of her friend the aristocrat who always wears a dab of beautiful jewelry when helping the poor. She says that self-respect is  crucial to helping others. Good role models have a responsibility to bear and looking the part can go a long way when it comes to making incredible or impossible things happen.

Being aware of my potential has also helped my spending habits. Now when I am shopping (which I still love to do) I can see things for how they aid my own aspirations rather than how it will look on me. And THAT, as it turns out, makes all the difference in the world!

Happy lent season to you all!