Page 66 - Workbook2E

Your Financial Stress Profile—Evaluations Stressor No. 14 Status from page 46
Status is your relative position or rank. Wherever there are groups of people, there will be status— whether you like it or not, or you recognize it or not. Sometimes status can be a function of appearances. But true status is a function of fact. It’s also a function of choice, conscious decision-making to be what we will be, or an unconscious decision, or decision by default. Consider these recommendations based on the results of Your Financial Stress Profile questionnaire.
You currently feel only mild stress from a need for status in your life.
Your answers suggest status is fairly unimportant to you and it’s not a source of stress. However, be aware you may not fully understand the influence status can have in your life. Self-esteem is status within yourself. Reputation and influence help define status within the community or group.
Don’t let yourself be controlled by conditions or circumstances within groups you associate with. Make conscious decisions about how you’ll let others influence you.
Remember the value of a good first impression. Honestly portraying yourself, the way you are, is the best way to secure true status. Putting
on pretenses backfires and becomes a source for stress.
Financial freedom creates a status level all its own. Often it’s not the size of the bank account that matters, but how well it’s managed.
You currently feel moderate stress from a need for status in your life.
Your answer indicates status is of only moderate importance to you. Be aware this can be a source of stress if you perceive you’re not receiving your due respect from your peers.
Avoid the temptation to appear to be something you’re not. “To thine own self be true,” and you’ll avoid being untrue to anyone else. Know status
is truth not illusion. Illusions, like ghosts can come back to haunt you when you least expect them.
Choose to be what you’ll be. A status can’t be forced on you without your permission. Your own conscious decisions or decisions made by others determine your place in life.
Elevate your status through accomplishments. Develop your talents; gain knowledge; emphasize your uniqueness. Remind yourself, “It’s up to me what I will be!”
You’re currently feeling considerable stress from a need for status in your life.
Your answers make it clear it’s important what others think of you, and it effects how you feel about yourself. Be aware this can be a real source of stress in your life if you perceive others aren’t thinking well of you.
Learn to conduct yourself with dignity, good posture, and intelligence. Study self-help materials on being a good listener, public speaking, letter writing, grammar, spelling, and good table manners. Develop
a sense of humor. Become charitable, kind, thoughtful, patient, humble, trustworthy, and friendly.
Develop into a person of real substance as you strive to be a person of status. Otherwise your status will be false
and hollow and a source of considerable stress in your life. Become the best you can be.
62 Workbook 2: Improve Your Financial Life