Imagine having peace of mind. How does that make you feel? What image or thought enters your mind? I think for many people, it’s a feeling of abundance, of having enough of what you need and then some. Perhaps most importantly, in this state of consciousness, money worries are non-existent and you feel financially secure. So how do you get here?

First, you need to ask yourself how much is enough? If you have a significant other, this is a money and lifestyle conversation that offers you both an incredible opportunity to set common goals and work as a team.

It’s not an accident that if you ask most people how much they need to accumulate in savings in order to be financially secure for the rest of their lives, you’ll get lots of confusing and unsure answers. There’s an entire industry built on keeping consumers in the dark about this. You’ve heard the phrase striving and never arriving; in many cases, not knowing your “number” and believing perhaps incorrectly that you need to save much more that you actually do can cause you tremendous stress.

Now, let’s imagine you know your “number”. You know exactly how much you need to accumulate in savings in order to have work be optional.  To arrive at this place means you have asked yourself the tough questions? You’ve questioned every assumption and belief around your relationship to money? You’ve stress tested your number and played devil’s advocate. You’ve asked yourself all the hard what-if questions. You know your cash flow like the back of your hand.

It means you’ve looked with new eyes at your career or business and asked yourself if you feel inspired by your work? If the answer is no, you have the desire and self confidence to make the necessary changes. You know peace of mind is your destination and you’re ready to do what it takes to get there.

Will all this be easy? Not a chance - it’s going to require challenging all your assumptions around money and harnessing the courage to be absolutely honest with yourself. It means moving out of your comfort zone and making major life decisions. It’s setting an intention to always attract peace, love and abundance into your life.

Need help with your relationship around money? Pick up the re-issue of Your Money or Your Life, and start with the Nine Steps to Financial Independence.

“To thy own self be true” - that’s the energy you’re seeking.  There’s never going to be a better time than now to begin this process. You may have many starts and stops along the way, that’s ok, just don’t lose faith. Have a knowing deep in your heart and soul that the reward at the end of this journey of self-discovery is peace of mind. If for nothing else, it’s worth it for that reason alone. Plus, you deserve nothing less.