As another year rapidly draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to consider all the triumphs and trials that faced us in 2010. In reviewing the past, let’s celebrate our successes and learn valuable lessons from our mistakes.

When we look back in time, sometimes we may find that certain challenging issues keep recurring without us really uncovering or understanding their underlying principles. One important life course that many people believe that they are doomed to fail is ‘Money Success 101’. The key attitudes and actions needed to excel in this class continually seem to elude them.

People often ask me for one piece of advice that can help them to accomplish their financial goals. As they search for solutions, many of them think that a job that pays a higher salary would deliver them from their money woes. Others believe that the answer lies in the perfect investment scheme or a profitable business opportunity.

The reality is that even if more income or the ideal financial vehicle appears on your doorstep, they may not help you to be more successful with money. Over the years, I have realised that the key to achievement is actually found in your mind; it’s not only dependent on outside forces. Developing the right mentality is crucial if you want to succeed at any goal, including improving your financial wellbeing.

Feed your mind, fill your pocket

I usually encourage persons who want to change their money situation to first adjust their mental environment. Unfortunately, too many people are surrounded by negativity, which hampers their ability to get ahead in life. My suggestion for anyone looking for the way to a more prosperous New Year is to develop a habit of reading or listening to positive, motivating instructional material.

In my personal journey to improve my finances, the knowledge I gained from books and CDs about budgeting, saving, debt reduction, goal attainment, investing and wealth building strategies, was priceless. However, learning about the authors’ expert ideas was not enough; I had to follow their advice in order to see changes in my own financial life.

If you feed your mind every day with optimistic thoughts and abide by the principles of success that you learn, you will notice that a miraculous change will start to occur in your life. Once your thought processes are geared towards achievement, then you’ll find it easier to consistently carry out the required activities that will help you to attain your goals.

In the past, I have provided a reading list which offers the essential information needed to improve different areas of your finances. Starting today, I will explore some of the fundamental books which can assist you to turn around your money situation. By highlighting their important lessons, I hope that you learn the necessary steps to really make your dreams happen in 2011.

When caterpillars take flight

It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step; and believing in your ability to achieve is definitely the primary process as you set off on the route to financial success. One book that I have found exceptional in motivating people to rise above their circumstances and embrace their true potential is Alvin Day’s inspirational work, If Caterpillars Can Fly So Can I.

Day, now the CEO of an international sales and motivational training organisation, started life on the wrong side of the tracks in Jamaica. The all-too-familiar story of being born to a teenaged mother and an absent father forms the background of Day’s rags-to-riches memoir. He shares his grandmother’s lessons that helped him to break through the barriers of his birth and soar, despite his humble beginnings.

This book outlines seven universal laws that can help you to achieve and prosper in life, and Day gives step-by-step instructions on how to utilise each principle of success. Looking at the Law of Vision, Day explains that before you can attain anything, you must first create a clear vision of it in your mind. A strong belief in what doesn’t yet exist can be the catalyst for future accomplishments.

The power of the word

Day describes how to convert your vision into word form in order to continue the achievement process. The Law of the Word, Day asserts, is a potent force that can be either constructive or destructive. The three forms, thought, spoken and written word, produce cause-and-effect actions that can determine your eventual results, so it’s important to be positive in your use of words.

“Human life is sheer physical, mental and spiritual energy,” Day points out, “it may be hidden as mere potential or expressed as kinetic energy.” To make the best use of the Law of Energy, Day advises that you eliminate things which can drain your vital energy such as boring routines, self-blame and negative people.

Day’s book continues to inspire persons to transform from crawling caterpillars into beautiful butterflies by utilising the various laws of achievement. It is the perfect manual to help you to make New Year’s resolutions that you will actually keep throughout 2011!

Cherryl is a financial consultant and money coach, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services; she is currently writing her first book, “The 3 Ms of Money.” Get more practical financial advice at www.financiallysmartadvice.com and free financial tools at www.financiallysmartonline.com. Please email comments to cherryl@financiallysmartonline.com