For the past two months, we have focused on Financial Triggers. In order to take steps to change these triggers, it is essential to first understand that triggers are rooted in emotions – so we must ask the question:
How are our emotions formed,
and is it possible to change them?
According to psychologist and professor Lisa Feldman Barrett, in her TED Talk about how our emotions are formed, reality is what we can sense and what we can make sense of. She explains that emotions, which often feel like they happen to us, are actually constructed by us. In her words: “If you change the ingredients that your brain uses to make emotions, then you can transform your emotional life. You are basically teaching your brain how to predict differently tomorrow, making you the architect of your experience.”
That’s a powerful idea—and a lot to take in. Is it really possible to rewire our emotional responses and reshape our triggers so they help us instead of holding us back?
This raises another question: Are we to blame for having these emotional triggers in the first place?
Barrett offers a thought-provoking perspective:
“Sometimes we are responsible for something not because we are to blame,
but because we are the only ones who can change it.”
In other words, while we may not have created our emotional patterns on purpose, we do have the power—and the responsibility—to reshape them. On her podcast, The Mel Robbins Show, Mel discusses How to Stop Negative Thoughts with Dr. Ethan Kross, Phd. Reframing negative thoughts and becoming more aware of how we process emotions can ultimately help us change our financial triggers and improve our ability to cope with financial setbacks. By becoming more aware of these patterns, we can start to reframe them. Instead of reacting with fear, avoidance, or shame, we can respond with curiosity, self-compassion, and resilience.
Here is an example:
When Maria sees a low bank balance, she immediately feels panicked and therefore avoids checking her accounts. Sometimes she even spends more to relieve the stress she feels after seeing the low balance. This could indicate that she has poor money habits, but as she analyzes why she feels panicked, she realizes it is an emotional trigger tied to childhood memories of anger and arguments that showed up during financial instability. These past experiences led her to associate danger with a low bank balance.
By recognizing the fear triggering her reaction, Maria can start to shift her behavior. She begins checking her accounts regularly, gives herself grace, and starts taking small steps toward savings goals. Over time, the trigger loses power, and her financial confidence grows.
No Matter What Your Situation Is, You Can Change It!
Remember, You’ve Got This!
If you missed this month’s webinar, here is the recording: Credit and Personal Finance
This material is for educational purposes only and
should not be construed as advice.
It is provided without warranty of any kind.