Behaviors vs Outcomes

Behaviors and outcomes seem similar at first, but it is imperative to be able to distinguish between the two. A majority of financial education centers around saving and reducing debt. These elements are outcomes of people's behaviors towards money. While you can control your behaviors, you cannot always control your outcomes. However, by making good decisions, you are more likely to achieve your desired outcome as the probability of overcoming obstacles along the way increases. 

If you want to attempt to realistically reach these desired outcomes, you must become mindful of your personal habits. To do so, you should identify 

1. Your values about money

   1. Reflect on how money has been perceived by you since childhood 

   2. What messages you picked up on financial habits 

   3. Were these messages conflicting?

2. Your beliefs shaped by experiences

   1. Did you go through financial hardships that left lasting imprints on your financial decisions today?

3. Your emotions when thinking about money

   1. What emotions do making financial decisions invoke?

Understanding the distinction between behaviors and outcomes is essential for building a healthy relationship with money. While outcomes such as saving and reducing debt are important, they stem from the behaviors and choices that you make. By becoming more mindful of your financial habits—rooted in your values, early experiences, and emotional responses—you can take control of your actions, even when outcomes are uncertain. Reflecting on your financial upbringing, beliefs, and emotional triggers empowers you to make informed decisions, increasing your chances of overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term financial security.