How a Walk Down Memory Lane Is All it Takes to Shift Your Financial Future

Happy Simcoe Day, Founders!

Today is a civic holiday across Canada. The true meaning behind this annual observance is to honor John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, now known as Ontario.

In case you haven't been able to tell, I’m taking a different direction with today’s post: being it’s a day off, we’re paying homage to the past, and I’m in Ontario.

It’s been two summers since I’ve been able to get back to one of my favourite places in the world - the Cottage. I can’t help but smile when I think of the truth being held in my cup of coffee this morning... Life is Better at the Cottage.

Nestled away in the Kawartha Lakes, the Cottage has a special place in my heart. First built by my great grandfather, Norman Whales, in the 40s, the cottage was passed on to my grandmother, Shirley, and then my Aunt Cath and Uncle Joe in the 80s.

Stowed in the boathouse, is the same boat that would take us to the island of Shalimar to rent VHS movies for stormy nights.

Down by the water, are the same metal patio chairs that would cradle the “adults” as they retreated for their customary evening cocktail by the lake – some of the original glasses can still be found in the cupboard.

And resting in the corner hutch, are the same deck of cards I would use to play “Go Fish” with my uncle Chuck, grandma, and great grandma Elsie. They’re patinaed and softened in the most exquisite way, and I smile knowing their hands have graced the deck.

The Cottage brings me comfort. I feel the presence of my past surrounding me and the loving support of family enveloping me through life’s victories and defeats.

Memories are precious. In fact, they’re priceless. And although they’re based in the past, believe it or not, they’ve shaped our present-day reality and will continue to mold our future.

The science of the brain – just like the brain itself – is complex. Brain science – or neuroscience – studies its architecture and maps how each individual neuron operates. In our latest Blueprint, The Mindshift Method, we examine how our early memories forged our unique neural pathways – well-worn paths that have influenced almost decision we’ve ever made – at least 95% of them, including the ones you’ve made with money.

It’s only by sitting back and reflecting on our memories, and the decisions that have stemmed from them, that we can begin to reshape and shift aspects of our future.

This is why today, I’m excited to unlock the first drill of The Mindshift Method. The lazy, hazy weeks of August are the perfect time to sit back, and without judgment, pull out those precious memories that have been stored away.

Whether you’re lounging by the lake, playing by the pool, or just taking a break from work, take some time to think about your past. The cottage, camping, Christmas holidays, they all count.

Grab your Mindshift Sketchbook and start doodling! What scenes from your life come to mind when you think about money? How have those memories influenced the way you view finances today?

I look forward to hearing all about your precious memories when we reconnect for The Mindshift Method launch on August 29th.

If you're curious and would like to learn more about The Mindshift Method and how your memories are impacting your money mindset, join us for our free THE MINDSHIFT METHOD INTRO SESSION.