Page 61 - Workbook2E

Your Financial Stress Profile—Evaluations Stressor No. 9 Ambitions from page 41
Today’s world is filled with pressures moving people toward change, growth, improvement, and
progress. Widespread interest in self-improvement marks this age from every other age in the history of humankind. But these interests and pressures also bring stress and urgency to “get with the program.” And even stress from trying to “go your own way.” Consider these recommendations based on the results of Your Financial Stress Profile questionnaire.
You currently are fairly unconcerned with ambitions in your life.
Your answers strongly suggest you’re more interested in enjoying the status quo in your life and finding contentment, instead of climbing the ladder of ambition. Take some time
to consider if your attitudes are the result of stress-causing fear instead of true decisions of choice.
Reconcile yourself to the world around you. This is a day fraught with ambition. Many people around you will be out of step or critical of your way of life. They won’t understand the path you’ve chosen to walk.
Try to acknowledge and understand these contrasting opinions and ambitions of others. Don’t feel you have to accept their ideas. Be willing to live and let live. Develop a true appreciation of your own choices and way of life.
Express your gratitude often for the things you have.
You’re currently only moderately concerned with ambitions in your life.
Your answers indicate you’re trying to find a balance between seeking your ambitions and finding contentment in your life. Realize the key word here
is “seeking.” You’re making these decisions as a matter of conscious choice.
Find opportunities to learn self-help disciplines to assist you in your choices. Be aware it’s possible to overlook opportunities simply because they involve changes you’re somewhat uneasy with.
Don’t dismiss good ideas simply because they require you to look at things or do things differently.
Be sensitive to the feelings of others, such as your spouse or family, co-workers or friends. They may have different attitudes about ambition or feel different about seeking contentment.
Understanding their point of view will give you a fuller appreciation of your own attitudes.
You’re currently very concerned with pursuing your ambitions.
Your answers indicate you’re very ambitious and may exhibit a mental restlessness, searching, or yearning to become more than you presently are, or to earn more than you’re now earning.
Certainly these feelings are in the growth tradition of the modern age, but there are many stresses that accompany this kind of ambition. Be aware stress may come from discouragements
you feel over not progressing as swiftly as you’d like.
You may feel discouraged about your present circumstances
or stressed when others don’t understand your driving ambition or the risks you’re willing to take to advance.
Build the habit of looking before you leap in order to avoid unforeseen pitfalls. Caution yourself to stay with assignments long enough to get full benefit from them. Live by the rule of investing only what you can afford to lose.
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