I don’t know about you, but I get a little irritated with our world where competition often takes centre stage, whether keeping up with the Joneses or just the one-upmanship that happens in regular old conversations.
If you’ve ever or never watched Monty Python, do yourself a favour and watch the Four Yorkshiremen Sketch. In the sketch, they are talking about how happy they were when they were growing up and they had nothing. It goes something like this:
Eric Idle: …I was happier then and I had NOTHIN’. We used to live in this tiny old house, with great big holes in the roof.
Graham Chapman: House? You were lucky to have a HOUSE! We used to live in one room, all hundred and twenty-six of us, no furniture. Half the floor was missing; we were all huddled together in one corner for fear of FALLING!
Terry Gilliam: You were lucky to have a ROOM! *We* used to have to live in a corridor!
Michael Palin: Ohhhh we used to DREAM of livin’ in a corridor! Woulda’ been a palace to us. We used to live in an old water tank on a rubbish tip. We got woken up every morning by having a load of rotting fish dumped all over us! House!? Hmph.
Eric Idle: Well, when I say “house” it was only a hole in the ground covered by a piece of tarpaulin, but it was a house to us.
Graham Chapman: We were evicted from *our* hole in the ground; we had to go and live in a lake!
Terry Gilliam: You were lucky to have a LAKE! There were a hundred and sixty of us living in a small shoebox in the middle of the road.
This is one-upmanship at its very best, or is it one-downmanship? Either way, it’s very funny.
My point is, the 2024 Olympic Games has provided me with a refreshing reminder of the power of sportsmanship and camaraderie and working together to make our lives better in every way, instead of always trying to be better, seem better, and look richer. A particularly inspiring moment occurred during the medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics floor exercises. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, who captured silver and bronze, respectively, bowed with joy and respect to gold medalist Rebeca Andrade. This simple yet profound gesture was a testament to the beauty of uplifting others for their achievements, it gave me a bit of a gulp moment, and lots of thoughts followed it.
(Picture shared from: https://www.today.com/news/paris-olympics/jordan-chiles-simone-biles-bow-rebeca-andrade-podium-rcna165756)
This spirit of encouragement and celebration is something we can incorporate into our daily lives, particularly in the realm of financial health. Financial well-being is a journey that many of us navigate, often facing challenges and milestones along the way. I know I did, and my girlfriends were the ones who kept cheering for me. For marginalized people and communities, these challenges can be even more pronounced, making support and encouragement essential.
So then I got to thinking that financial health is not just about numbers; it’s about empowerment, security, and the ability to achieve our goals. Sadly, for many folks, the path to financial stability is fraught with barriers and mountains so high they don’t know whether to climb over it, go round it, or just go back to bed. Whether it’s systemic inequities, lack of access to resources, or personal circumstances, these barriers can make financial success seem, well, out of reach.
This is where community support becomes invaluable. Just as athletes cheer each other on in the Olympics, we can create a culture of encouragement around financial health. Celebrating each other’s successes, no matter how small, can foster a sense of belonging and motivation.
How do you feel about talking about money? Many people just don’t go there. Many of us were brought up not talking about money, it’s too personal. Well, I disagree. My parents fought constantly about money, and I never once heard them talking about it in a constructive way. We need to do more of that. Money is a tool, and I think talking about it makes us accountable. I talk about money with my girlfriends, my partner, my daughter, and you, and I love it. It’s my favourite topic (surprise surprise!).
So, how are we going to start celebrating our financial successes?
Why, thanks for asking. I’ve put together some actionable ways we can support and uplift each other in our journey toward financial health, just like the Olympians:
1. Celebrate Milestones
Everyone’s financial journey is unique, and milestones can vary widely. Whether it’s paying off a credit card, reaching a savings goal, or successfully sticking to a budget, these achievements deserve recognition. Share in the joy of these accomplishments by offering heartfelt congratulations and encouragement. Maybe a little bunch of flowers hand-picked out of the garden for your friend to tell them how proud you are of them.
2. Share Resources and Knowledge
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to financial literacy. Sharing resources such as budgeting tools, financial planning workshops, or informative articles can empower others to make informed decisions. Consider starting a book club focused on financial education or even just a money club where you sit around talking about different aspects of personal finances, and drink wine! God, why didn’t I think of this sooner?
3. Create Safe Spaces for Discussion
Financial topics can be sensitive and personal, I get that, so it’s important to create safe spaces for open dialogue with your friends and family. Encourage discussions about financial challenges and successes without judgment. You can start by joining community forums, support groups, or even informal gatherings with friends and family (you know, with the wine).
4. Recognize and Amplify Achievements
Public recognition can be a powerful motivator. Highlighting someone’s financial achievements in newsletters, social media, or community meetings can inspire others and build a supportive network. Consider nominating individuals for financial literacy awards or other forms of recognition. I’ve just started attending a Financial Coaches meet up group and they do a shout out for each other and celebrate wins together. Very powerful.
5. Offer Emotional Support
Sometimes, the most valuable support is simply being there for someone. Listening, offering words of encouragement, and providing a shoulder to lean on can make a significant difference. Financial journeys can be emotionally taxing and knowing that someone cares can be incredibly reassuring. I know this from experience, so be that shoulder or find a shoulder.
As we strive to support each other, it’s important to reflect on our actions and intentions. Consider the following questions in the context of both your life and work:
- Who do we typically support and celebrate? Are there individuals or groups whose achievements might be overlooked?
- How can we diversify our support to include those who are marginalized or facing greater challenges?
- What more can we do to create an inclusive and empowering environment for financial health?
By asking these questions, we can ensure that our efforts to uplift others are intentional and impactful.
Creating a culture of empowerment around financial health requires commitment and collaboration. It’s about recognizing that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that success means something different to everyone. By cheering each other on, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable and supportive community.
Let’s celebrate financial achievements with the same enthusiasm as sporting victories. A world where everyone feels encouraged and empowered to pursue their financial goals. This vision is within reach if we commit to supporting each other with kindness, respect, and joy.
The Olympic spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship offers us all a powerful lesson in the importance of uplifting others. By applying this spirit to financial health, we can create a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Whether it’s through celebrating milestones, sharing resources, or offering emotional support, every gesture counts.
Join me in taking inspiration from Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Rebeca Andrade, and commit to cheering each other on in our financial journeys. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future where financial health is accessible to all.