Hey there! I'm really excited to share some amazing insights from our recent chat with Julie Holly on the Mindset Reinvented podcast. Grab a cup of coffee, because we've got a lot to unpack!
Julie Holly's Journey: From Classroom to Conscious Investing
First, let me tell you about Julie. Her story is pretty incredible. She started out as a dedicated school teacher, thinking she was on the safe, predictable path. But life had other plans. Through a series of personal challenges and big decisions, Julie found herself diving into the world of real estate investing. And boy, did she dive deep!
But here's the thing that makes Julie special: she's not just about making money. Over her 20+ years in real estate, she's developed this amazing approach she calls "conscious investing." It's changing the game, and I can't wait to tell you more about it.
Conscious Investing: More Than Just Dollar Signs
So, what's this conscious investing all about? Julie explains it like this: imagine if your investments weren't just about growing your bank account, but about growing you as a person and making the world a little bit better. Cool, right?
Julie says it's about viewing money as a tool, not the ultimate goal. It's like having a superpower – you can use it to solve problems, bring joy, and even make a difference in your community. The key is aligning your investments with your values and using your financial decisions to create a life that truly matters to you.
She shared this funny story about how she used to get nauseous when people said they were investing to "spend more time with family" or "give their kids a better life." Not because these aren't great goals, but because Julie believes we should already be doing these things! She challenges us to think bigger – what's the greater purpose behind our investing?
Redefining Wealth: It's Not Just About the Benjamins
One thing Julie really hammered home is that true wealth isn't just about your bank balance. She breaks it down into three parts: health (physical, relational, and spiritual), mindset, and wealth. It's like a three-legged stool – you need all three for stability.
Think about it: what's the point of having millions if your relationships are in shambles or your health is suffering? Julie encourages us to think holistically about success, considering all areas of our lives when we're working towards our goals.
She even shared a personal story about how she once got so caught up in working out that she nearly damaged her health. It's a reminder that balance is key, even in good things!
The Emotional Side of Money: Unpacking Our Financial Baggage
Now, let's talk about emotions. This part of the conversation really got me thinking. Julie believes our feelings about money play a huge role in our financial decisions. It's not just about numbers on a spreadsheet – it's about our hopes, fears, and even our family history.
Julie opened up about her own family's financial past. Her mom was an educator, which influenced Julie's initial career choice. Her dad's job had more financial ups and downs. She even shared how her maternal grandparents came from Mexico, lived in tents, and worked in fields before becoming college graduates. Talk about a journey!
These stories made me reflect on my own money mindset. Where does it come from? How has my family's history shaped how I think about finances? It's pretty eye-opening when you start digging into this stuff.
Learning from Setbacks: Julie's E-commerce Adventure
Julie also shared a really vulnerable story about a challenging investment experience she had. It was in the e-commerce space, working with Walmart, and things didn't go as planned. They ended up with a massive six-figure leverage, which is pretty scary stuff.
But you know what's cool? Julie saw it as a valuable learning opportunity. She talked about the importance of listening to your partners (in her case, her husband), trusting your instincts, and the power of faith in difficult times.
This story really hit home for me. It's a reminder that even experts face setbacks, and it's how we respond to them that counts. Julie's openness about her struggles and what she learned is super inspiring.
The Power of Self-Reflection: Getting to Know You
Here's something I found really powerful: Julie emphasizes the importance of self-reflection. She believes that understanding ourselves better can lead to smarter choices, not just with money, but in all areas of life.
Julie challenges us to really look within and ask ourselves some tough questions. Who are we at our core? What do we truly value? She even suggests talking to ourselves in the mirror, practicing self-love and encouragement. It might feel a bit weird at first, but Julie swears by it!
Practical Tips for Conscious Investing and Living
So, how can we put all this into practice? Julie shared some great actionable advice:
1. Align your investments with your values. Maybe that means investing in companies that prioritize sustainability or community development.
2. Set purposeful financial goals that consider your impact on society and the environment, not just your returns.
3. Prioritize your health – physical, mental, and spiritual. Julie's a big fan of finding balance in all areas.
4. Nurture your relationships. After all, what's the point of wealth if you don't have people to share it with?
5. Educate yourself about different investment options. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to finances.
6. Start small with investments to build confidence and experience.
7. View setbacks as learning opportunities. Remember Julie's e-commerce story!
8. Regularly assess your personal and financial goals to make sure they still align with your values.
The Bigger Picture: Creating a Life of Purpose
Ultimately, Julie's approach to conscious investing and living is about creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. It's about making intentional choices that reflect our values and contribute positively to the world around us.
Julie reminds us that our financial decisions can be a powerful force for good, both in our own lives and in the broader community. It's not just about accumulating wealth – it's about using that wealth in a way that aligns with our deepest values and creates positive change.
So, what do you think about Julie's ideas? Does this change how you view success and investing? Have you ever thought about the connection between your values and your financial decisions?
Remember, we're all on this journey together. Whether you're just starting to think about investing or you're a seasoned pro, there's always room to grow and align our financial lives more closely with our personal values.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Have you tried conscious investing? Do you have any tips for aligning your finances with your values? Let's keep this conversation going – after all, that's how we learn and grow together!
