A discussion about the economic plight of women is definitely in order right now. Moms throughout the world are looking for ways to take better financial care of their families, whether they’re single or married. And, we certainly know now that security cannot be achieved by working for others.

We grew up in households that preached, “go to school…get a good job”. But, now that the economy (the job market, credit accessibility, and pricing) has changed right before our eyes, we need to realize that the time to make our financial lives better is right now. No longer is having a good job good enough. In these times, those who are choosing to ignore creative ways to add to their bottom line may be sacrificing how financially comfortable they may be later.

Anyone can start an additional income stream this month pretty simply and without a large outlay of cash. Take a look at restauranteur Paula Deen. She was in a situation where she had to support her two sons and herself: she had to make it happen. With a few dollars and sweat equity, Paula launched what would one day become a multi-million dollar business. Although there were many days in which she was afraid and frustrated, she persisted and is accomplishing amazing things in her business. And to make her story even more inspiring, she started her business after the age of 40.

Paula’s story is really encouraging, but isn’t totally unique. She did what many moms who’ve taken their economic viability into their own hands have done. But what made her take massive action to get this business off the ground? It had everything to do with her mindset.

What set her, and many other successful women entrepreneurs, apart from others who feel stuck and unable to move ahead was her mindset. Unless a mom determines that she has to make something happen for herself, she may let her mental blocks get in the way. Economically, many of us are fighting against a limited way of thinking.

Our first task is to be aware that what we may perceive to be true may not be accurate. Often, we take perceptions as fact. We don’t question why we think the way we do, we just let our thoughts define what we can or cannot do. For example, some of us may often make the statement, “I can’t afford…”. Is your declaration really a fact or your perception?

You may not have the money at that moment, but does it really mean you can’t afford whatever the item is? We all should banish the phrase “I can’t afford…” from our thoughts because what we’re really saying is abundance does not flow in our lives. And, if we continue to subscribe to this belief, the harder it will be for us to live abundantly.

Over the next few issues, we’re going to walk through the initial steps we can take to help change our mindset so we’re able to move away from our limiting perceptions.

Your Assignment: Think about something you’ve recently wanted and said to yourself you couldn’t afford. Think about whether you really wanted that item or if you were making that comment out of habit. If you find yourself saying this out of habit, begin by stopping that thought the next time you think it (and NEVER verbalize it). If you decide you truly do want that item, brainstorm three (3) ways you could afford it. Think about opportunities and solutions that could bring in additional streams of income without getting a job.

Need more motivation? Visit http://onefunkymama.com/motivation/index.html for more articles on how to live a more fulfilling life.