The Inventory Genius Podcast #278: Debt Series Part 5 - How to Change The Story You Tell Yourself About Debt with Jennifer Vollmann
In this final episode of our series on debt, I'm chatting with executive mindset coach, Jennifer Vollmann. Jennifer is the newest resident coach in the Inventory Genius Mastermind, and today she breaks down why the "stories" we tell ourselves about our finances are often the only thing standing between us and a zero balance.
Episode Highlights
-
Numbers are Neutral: A $50,000 debt is just a digit on a screen. Jennifer explains how 12 different people can look at the same number and feel 12 different emotions—from pride to paralyzing shame—based entirely on their internal narrative.
-
The Thought-Action Loop: Understand the cognitive chain reaction: Thought → Feeling → Action → Result. If your debt isn't moving, it’s likely because your "story" is creating a feeling (like dread) that leads to inaction.
-
Primitive vs. Prefrontal: Why your brain is wired to keep you "safe" (and stuck). Jennifer explains how to move from the fearful primitive brain to the logical prefrontal cortex to set and achieve bigger goals.
-
The Power of Neutrality: You don’t have to be "positive" or "happy" about your debt to fix it. Jennifer shares how shifting to a neutral perspective—treating debt as simple information—can unlock the ability to take "messy action."
-
A Story of Transformation: Sierra shares a powerful example of a Mastermind student who went from the brink of bankruptcy to success by changing her narrative from "survival" to "investment."
Key Takeaways
-
Identify Your Story: If your results aren't changing, your current story isn't working.
-
Challenge the "Yeah, But": Your brain uses "yeah, but" as a safety mechanism. Counter it by asking, "What if it was possible?"
-
Take Messy Action: Don't wait for the perfect plan. Any small action breaks the cycle of shame and builds self-trust.
Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-me
Visit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstore
Sign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe
Connect with Jennifer Vollmann:
Website: https://www.findingyoursuccess.com/
Email: jennifer@findingendurance.com
More About the Episode Sponsor:
T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.