How to Use the Window of Resiliency to Make Better Financial Decisions
Why Emotional Awareness Matters in Financial Decisions
Let’s face it—financial decision-making can often stir up a storm of emotions like fear, stress, and anxiety. Nobody is exempt from these feelings when it comes to money, and the way they impact our decisions is profound. Yet, how often do we pause to consider the emotional states driving these choices?
This is where the concept of the Window of Resiliency (WOR) comes into play. A tool for emotional awareness, the WOR helps us recognize how our feelings influence financial decisions and equips us to act more intentionally. By tuning into your emotional state, you can shift from reactive habits to financial mindfulness techniques that support long-term financial success.
What Is the Window of Resiliency (WOR)?
The Window of Resiliency is a scale from 1-10 that helps you gauge your emotional state when facing financial decisions. It’s a way to identify whether you’re feeling balanced, overly anxious, or completely disengaged, and it helps create a space for more thoughtful decision-making.
Many poor financial decisions come from hyper-arousal (high-stress, impulsive choices) or hypo-arousal (avoidance and inaction). By using the WOR, you can move toward a state of emotional balance, enabling better financial decision-making and breaking free from cycles of financial stress.
Hyper-Arousal: Emotional Triggers and Impulsive Spending
Hyper-arousal occurs when your emotional state is overly heightened, landing you at a 7-10 on the WOR scale. This state is marked by anxiety, stress, or fear that often leads to impulsive financial decisions.
Examples of Hyper-Arousal in Financial Decision-Making:
Going on an unplanned shopping spree after an argument.
Spending money on takeout or comfort items to soothe emotional distress.
Making risky investments or large purchases without proper research.
Hyper-arousal often stems from underlying emotional triggers, like unresolved conflicts or dissatisfaction in other areas of life. When left unchecked, these feelings can keep you stuck in a cycle of reactive financial decisions that hurt your long-term goals.
How to Address Hyper-Arousal:
Pause and ask yourself, “Where am I on the WOR scale right now?”
Use financial mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Commit to waiting 24-48 hours before making significant purchases.
An image of the Window of Resilience scale from The Trauma of Money educational program I’m certified in.
Hypo-Arousal: Avoidance and the Scarcity Mindset
On the opposite end of the scale, hypo-arousal places you at a 1-3 on the WOR scale. In this state, you may avoid dealing with your finances altogether, whether it’s budgeting, reviewing financial statements, or making necessary investments.
Signs of Hypo-Arousal in Financial Decisions:
Procrastinating on budgeting or financial planning.
Feeling paralyzed by the thought of investing or taking financial risks.
Believing money spent won’t return, leading to excessive saving or hoarding.
Hypo-arousal is often tied to a scarcity mindset—a belief that money is limited and fleeting. This fear of loss can prevent you from making proactive financial decisions or trusting in the flow of money as an energy.
How to Overcome Hypo-Arousal:
Start small: Review one financial statement at a time.
Reframe your mindset with affirmations like, “Money flows to me effortlessly.”
Seek guidance from a financial coach to build confidence in your decision-making.
The Optimal Range: Where Financial Mindfulness Thrives
The sweet spot on the WOR scale is 4-7—a balanced emotional state where you feel calm, focused, and intentional. In this range, you’re best equipped to make thoughtful, aligned financial decisions that support your goals.
How to Stay in the Optimal Range:
Practice Meditation: Regular meditation helps reduce stress and improve focus, making it easier to approach financial decisions mindfully.
Use Breathwork Techniques: Breathing in for four seconds, holding, and exhaling for another four can instantly calm your nervous system.
Incorporate Daily Journaling: Reflecting on your emotions and financial habits can help uncover patterns and triggers.
Financial Mindfulness Techniques to Strengthen Your WOR
Here are additional tools to help you maintain emotional balance and make better financial decisions:
1. EFT Tapping
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping is a therapeutic practice that involves tapping specific pressure points on your body while focusing on negative emotions. It’s a great way to release financial anxiety and cultivate a calm mindset.
2. Meditative Journaling
Set aside time each week to journal about your financial goals, emotional triggers, and progress. Writing down your thoughts helps clarify your intentions and strengthens your financial resilience.
3. Wait Before You Spend
Creating a 24-48 hour delay before making non-essential purchases can prevent impulsive decisions and help you evaluate whether the expense aligns with your goals.
Practical Strategies to Remove Financial Triggers
Sometimes, the best way to prevent impulsive decisions is to eliminate the triggers altogether.
Unsubscribe from Emails: If promotional emails tempt you to overspend, unsubscribe.
Set Boundaries for Online Shopping: Remove saved credit card information to create a “pause” before checkout.
Stay Hydrated: If you’re prone to ordering takeout when stressed, drink a full glass of water before deciding.
Using the WOR to Build Financial Resilience
Financial decision-making doesn’t have to be driven by anxiety, avoidance, or impulsiveness. By using the Window of Resiliency, you can become more aware of your emotional state and create space for mindful, intentional choices.
Building financial resilience is a journey, but with tools like meditation, EFT tapping, and journaling, you can strengthen your ability to make decisions that align with your goals. Remember, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about creating a life of abundance and balance.
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