A growing editorial perspective argues that the words we use can influence our money choices and stress levels. A YourTango feature highlights how small shifts in language may help people avoid common mental traps tied to finances, offering a new angle for readers seeking to improve their relationship with money.
Financial anxiety is a global issue, including in Thailand, where rising living costs and economic shifts compound stress. Recent data indicate a general dip in financial happiness and a rise in household debt, underscoring the everyday impact on Thai households. Rather than focusing solely on budgeting or investing, the feature emphasizes how subconscious beliefs—expressed through everyday phrases—can shape financial realities.
Manifestation expert Demi Millbank explains that certain routine expressions may block or enable financial flow. Drawing on neuroplasticity and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), she singles out two commonly used phrases for reconsideration: “I earn money” and “I’ll believe it when I see it.” She argues these phrases can reinforce patterns of scarcity and self-doubt at the level of the nervous system.
Instead of “I earn money,” Millbank suggests language like “I allow this amount of money to come through my job” or “I allow myself to receive this amount.” She argues that associating money with effort and struggle can keep people in a cycle of overwork, while reframing the process as receiving or allowing prosperity may help the brain accept easier abundance.
The phrase “I’ll believe it when I see it” is described as a self-fulfilling prophecy that delays progress. The proposed alternative is “I believe it, and that is why I see it,” which aims to align the subconscious with a more confident financial outlook and normalize prosperity as attainable.
Researchers connect language, belief, and behavior. A 2023 review in Psychological Bulletin notes that positive self-talk and affirmations can influence stress, motivation, and resilience. While concrete evidence on the direct financial impact of manifestation practices remains limited, the stress-relief benefits of cognitive reframing are supported by multiple studies.
Other practitioners in the YourTango piece encourage phrases like “I’m ready to appreciate more” and “I’m ready to do things differently,” signaling openness to abundance and a stronger sense of agency.
Critics caution against relying on language alone without addressing real-world conditions. An economist from a major Thai institution emphasizes that financial wellness results from a mix of beliefs, behaviors, and external factors. Practical steps—such as budgeting, saving, and financial literacy—remain essential. Younger Thais, in particular, face risks from predatory credit and online scams, underscoring the limits of positive thinking without solid financial literacy.
Interest in manifestation-based approaches appears likely to rise among younger audiences, particularly on social platforms where self-help content resonates. Thai-language discussions around abundance mindset blend global trends with local values. Experts advise balance: mindset shifts can support, but must complement solid financial planning, access to education, and policy measures that address inequality.
Practical recommendations for Thai readers seeking to improve their financial outlook include:
- Maintain positive, supportive self-talk about money while continuing practical budgeting and saving.
- Use trusted financial education resources from national institutions and reputable NGOs.
- Combine traditional wisdom with evidence-based strategies such as mindfulness and CBT-inspired thinking.
- Be cautious of “get rich quick” schemes and misinformation online.
- Seek guidance from qualified financial professionals for personalized help.
Words alone cannot guarantee financial change, but a hopeful, well-grounded mindset paired with prudent action and community support may help many Thais navigate today’s economic challenges with resilience.