Many people I talk to become so focused on “fixing” the internal issues they perceive are blocking their prosperity that they forget to do the real-world tasks necessary for financial health.

Perhaps you are one of the people hoping that if you get your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions in perfect alignment, the money you so ardently crave and hope to manifest will somehow magically appear. Although there is a far-out chance that you will win the lottery or suddenly inherit a large sum of money, more often than not some grounded action is necessary to reach your financial goals.

First of all, if a large sum of money comes your way and you have no financial management skills, then like the proverbial lottery winners who spend everything they gain, your fortune is most likely to dissipate. Money doesn’t take care of itself — it requires constant love and attention, just like people.

In addition, in order to draw in new or expanded streams of income, you need an infrastructure that can support your financial goals. For example, if you are a coach and want to gross $200,000 a year, you’d have to have at least 14 client sessions a week, 50 weeks a year, at $250/ hour.

Grossing that amount of money, no matter what your business, requires ambition, discipline, and marketing skills that you may not have at this moment in time. Wishing won’t make your practice grow. Appropriate skills, good referrals, excellent customer service, and marketing know-how will — if you apply consistent effort.

Where to start?
Start with your money. Learn about the world of finance, keep accurate, up-to-date financial records, apply spending restraints, and separate your business and personal funds (if you have a business). And stop making excuses for your current situation. If what you’re doing isn’t working, do something else. Get help if you need it.

Taking care of your finances, especially if you haven’t done it before, may not be the most fun and interesting things you do on a regular basis. It’s like flossing your teeth — something your not crazy about doing, but doing so will have long-term, positive effects.

One of my clients told me about a coach who told her not to make a budget because this was scarcity thinking. Using the same rationale, many people are now deeply in debt because they acted as if the money would come as long as they believed it would. Now is the time to get real and tap into the practical world of finance.

Believe that you can have what you want, then plan and take the necessary actions to reach your goals. Do something today and every day to move you closer towards that which you hope to achieve.

Helpful Resources:

•  Mint.com – a place to keep track of your money. There are also quite a few apps for the IPhone, etc. that can be used to track your expenses.
•  Money 101 at CNNMoney.com