Changing Attitudes About Money After Growing Up Poor

Hey there, fellow adventurers on the path to financial empowerment! Sofi here, ready to share a heartfelt journey of transformation – one that many of us can relate to. Today, we’ll explore the profound impact of growing up poor and how it can shape our attitudes and beliefs about money. More importantly, we’ll delve into the transformative power of changing our mindset from scarcity to abundance.


As a child growing up in a financially disadvantaged environment, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and limitations that come with living in scarcity. Money was a constant source of stress and worry, casting a shadow over my family’s aspirations and dreams. We lived paycheck to paycheck, and the fear of not having enough was a constant companion.

As I entered adulthood, I carried with me the imprints of those early experiences. My attitude towards money was colored by a scarcity mindset – a deep-rooted belief that resources were scarce and financial stability was an elusive dream. I clung tightly to what I had, fearful of taking risks or pursuing opportunities that could potentially disrupt the fragile balance I had established.

But life has a funny way of nudging us towards growth and change. Through introspection and a burning desire for a different reality, I embarked on a personal journey to transform my attitude about money and embrace a mindset of abundance.

The first step on this transformative path was recognizing that my upbringing had deeply influenced my relationship with money. I acknowledged that my scarcity mindset was a defense mechanism, developed as a survival strategy during challenging times. However, I realized that clinging to scarcity was holding me back from experiencing the abundance and financial well-being I desired.

With this newfound awareness, I began to challenge my limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones. Here are some strategies that helped me shift my mindset from scarcity to abundance:

  1. Gratitude: Cultivating a sense of gratitude for the resources and opportunities available to me was a game-changer. By focusing on what I had instead of what I lacked, I discovered a renewed appreciation for the abundance already present in my life.
  2. Abundance Mentality: Embracing the belief that there is enough for everyone, including myself, opened doors to new possibilities. I shifted my focus from scarcity-driven competition to collaboration and abundance, recognizing that there are infinite opportunities for financial growth and success.
  3. Mindful Spending and Saving: I adopted a mindful approach to spending and saving, making intentional choices aligned with my values and long-term goals. This helped me break free from impulsive spending patterns and develop a healthier relationship with money.
  4. Investing in Self-Education: I invested time and effort in expanding my financial knowledge and skills. By educating myself about personal finance, investments, and wealth-building strategies, I empowered myself to make informed decisions and take calculated risks.
  5. Surrounding Myself with Abundance: I sought out like-minded individuals who shared a mindset of abundance and financial empowerment. Surrounding myself with a supportive community inspired me to dream big, take bold actions, and challenge my limiting beliefs.

Through this transformative journey, I discovered that changing our attitudes about money is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about fostering a sense of freedom, security, and possibility. It’s about embracing the belief that we have the power to shape our financial destiny and create a life of abundance, regardless of our past circumstances.

So, dear readers, if you find yourself carrying the weight of a scarcity mindset from your upbringing, know that change is possible. Embrace the power within you to rewrite your money story, to shift from scarcity to abundance, and to create a future where financial empowerment and well-being are your birthright.

Together, let’s rise above our past, break free from limiting beliefs, and cultivate a mindset of abundance that propels us toward a life filled with financial freedom, joy, and fulfillment.

Author

  • Sofia "Sofi" Abdurahman is a seasoned finance writer with a deep passion for making financial literacy accessible to everyone. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she brings a global perspective to the often complex world of finance. With degrees in Economics and International Relations from the University of Oxyana, and an MBA from Winston School at the University of the Coast, Sofi has the educational background to match her passion.Before joining Revyo, she worked for several years as an investment analyst at a top-tier Wall Street firm, where she gained valuable insights into the inner workings of the global financial markets.Sofi’s writing style is friendly and engaging. She believes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand terms and shares her knowledge through insightful articles and blog posts. Her areas of expertise include personal finance, digital currencies, investing, and economic policy.When she's not busy demystifying the world of finance, Sofi enjoys sipping Bunna (Ethiopian Coffee), exploring new cultures through their cuisines, and teaching her old dog new tricks. She is an advocate for women's financial empowerment and volunteers her time to several non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting financial literacy among women and girls in her native Ethiopia.With a knack for making complex topics relatable, Sofi hopes to help you navigate the financial world with confidence and ease. Remember, as she always says, "Melkam Bunna!" - may your finances be as satisfying as a good cup of coffee!

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