Pericles Rellas, a renowned money mindset expert with over 25 years of experience, has helped countless individuals transform their financial realities by reshaping how they think about and relate to money. In this thought-provoking conversation, he shared his insights on breaking free from negative financial patterns, understanding money’s flow, and creating an empowering relationship with wealth.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, or unsure about your finances, this is your guide to unlocking your financial potential.
The Financial Thermostat: What Is It?
Pericles introduced the concept of the financial thermostat, which represents the internal settings that determine how much money we earn, keep, and feel comfortable managing. These subconscious settings are shaped by our beliefs, experiences, and upbringing.
Key Insight:
No matter how much money you make, your financial thermostat will always pull you back to the level you’re subconsciously programmed to handle. This is why many people struggle to save, pay off debt, or feel secure—despite earning more.
Anxiety and Worry: Common Money Blocks
For many, anxiety and worry about money stem from childhood experiences or societal conditioning. These negative emotions act as blocks in the flow of money. Pericles explained that money flows in a circular pattern:
To us: Income, gifts, or unexpected windfalls.
Through us: How we manage and use our money.
Away from us: Expenses, taxes, and giving.
Back to us: Savings, investments, and financial returns.
When there are blocks anywhere in this flow—such as resentment about taxes or fear of spending—it disrupts the entire system.
3-Step Process to Release Money Blocks
Pericles outlined a simple yet powerful process to identify and release negative beliefs about money:
Recognize the Block: Identify the negative thought or belief, such as “Money is always scarce” or “I have to worry about money.”
Own It: Acknowledge the belief without judgment. Accept that it has been part of your mindset.
Let It Go and Create a New Belief: Actively release the old belief and replace it with a positive affirmation like, “Money flows to me easily and abundantly.”
Pro Tip: Repeat your new belief daily to rewire your brain and create a stronger, more empowering financial mindset.
Understanding Money and Its Flow
One of Pericles’ four keys to resetting your financial thermostat is understanding money itself. He emphasized that money is a tool and a flow of energy—neither inherently good nor bad.
The Problem:
Many people lack a basic understanding of money and how it works. Without this knowledge, they make impulsive decisions or fall into cycles of debt and overspending.
The Solution:
Learn about budgeting, investing, and saving.
Be intentional with your money by aligning spending with your values.
Recognize the difference between wealth-building activities (investing, saving) and money-draining habits (impulse purchases, lifestyle inflation).
Why Money Isn’t the Key to Happiness
A profound insight Pericles shared was that money alone cannot bring happiness, security, or fulfillment. While money can provide opportunities, true contentment comes from within.
Key Takeaway:
If you’re not happy or secure without money, you won’t be happy or secure with it. Work on your inner mindset and relationship with yourself to achieve lasting fulfillment.
Bonus Content: Exercises to Unlock Your Financial Potential
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