How to Listen to Your Inner Millionaire

by Lynn Robinson, M.Ed.

     What do Albert Einstein, Lillian Vernon, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Stephen King have in common? The answer is: They trust their intuition! Each one of these people credits this powerful inner resource, in part, to their personal and professional success.

     Webster's defines intuition as "quick and ready insight." We're all born with this inner knowing and when we listen to it and act on what it tells us we're guided unfailingly towards our hopes and dreams. It's as if we have an inner compass that points us to success and abundance.

     Here are seven tips to help you use your intuition to create the life of your dreams.

     Stop, ask and listen. - Intuitive information reveals itself more easily when you learn to quiet your mind through meditation or by simply sitting quietly and listening to some relaxing music. Ask your intuition questions such as, "How can I begin to bring more money into my life?" or "What career could I choose that would be both fun and financially rewarding?" Intuition reveals itself in a variety of ways. There's no one right way to receive its wisdom. It may come in the form of a hunch, a gut feeling, an inner voice, an image or in a dream.

     Be clear about what you want. - It's been said that if you don't know where you're going, any path will take you there. What are your goals, your dreams and passions? Spend some time writing about them in a journal. Draw, paint or cut out pictures from magazines that describe what you want your ideal life to look like. Dare to think big! When you're clear about what you want, your intuition will begin to give you messages about how to achieve your dreams. What would you do if you were to unexpectedly receive one million dollars with the stipulation that you spend it on creating work you love? What would you do if you were to receive so much that you could do whatever you chose to do for the rest of your life and not have to worry about money? The answers to these questions are a strong message from your intuition about your life purpose. With the understanding that this money isn't in your life right now, what steps could you take to begin to live the life you dream?

     Keep your self-talk positive. - Your thoughts have power. Keep your focus on what you want, not on what you don't want. Research has shown that financially successful people tend to be optimistic. Their inner dialog reveals that they expect things to work out in their favor. Imagine two people. Woman #1 holds these predominate thoughts in her mind, "I'm a failure. I'm broke all the time. I'll never get ahead." Woman #2 thinks, "I'm a good person and I deserve abundance. Things have a way of working out for me." Who would have your vote as "most likely to succeed?" Intuition can reveal itself more easily to people like woman #2 whose mind is open to its guidance.

     Educate yourself about money and investments. - An important part of creating abundance is planning for your success. While the world of financial information may seem overwhelming at first, start small. Learn about your company's retirement plan and begin to make regular contributions. Take a class in financial planning. Read a beginner's guide to personal finance or subscribe to one of the many good magazines on the subject. Do something every week to learn about money. Begin to save and invest and soon your financial nest egg will be growing along with your confidence.

     Maintain an attitude of gratitude. - If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will begin to be filled with abundance. What is in your life right now that you feel grateful for? Your intuition will constantly provide you with information about how to create a life you love when you begin to focus on appreciation. It will give you nudges, hints, impulses, feelings, hunches and dreams to move you in the right direction. If you're constantly stressed and always wishing for more time, money, freedom, energy - fill in the blank - you need to create some time for "sacred idleness." All those signs of stress are signals from your intuition that it's time to slow down… take a comfort break… give yourself a few hours or days off to reflect on your life. What do you truly want? What fills your soul? What can you let go of? What are the blessings in your life? These are all questions to ask your intuitive guidance system. Listen to the answers, reflect, and take action. Take the time to meditate, write in a journal and dream new dreams. These are all important steps in creating the abundant life you deserve.

     Turn away from worry. - Do you labor under the illusion that if you worry enough about money, you'll ward off debt? Nothing could be further from the truth. Worry, anxiety and fear create more worry, anxiety and fear. They don't create more money. Here are two techniques that work: If you find you simply can't ditch the worry habit, try limiting your worry to a five-minute period during a specific time of the day. You might also choose a phrase that you find comforting such a, "Peace, be still." Or "I am now open and receptive to new avenues of income." Or "It will all turn out okay." Say it often when worry thoughts arise.

     Visualize and prosper. - Close your eyes for a moment and bring to mind an image of what it would look and feel like to have the prosperity you desire. Spend a few moments visualizing this perfect outcome. What emotions would you be feeling if you got what you wanted? As you visualize this image, feel those emotions. Add some words to your imagery. Use whatever works for you. "This is great." "I feel terrific!" Imagine your friends and family celebrating with you. Do whatever you can to make this image real and vivid. Open your eyes when you feel ready. Now go out into the world and experience the abundance all around you!