FROM THE BLOG

I feel like I keep seeing headlines that read, “The 5 bad habits that can keep you from reaching your full potential” or “Stop doing these 10 things now”. Kind of a drag- am I right? I don’t know about you, but I want to think of positive things that I can be doing to reach my potential-positive things that can only serve to increase my mental strength and capacity.

I know either way you approach it kind of gets you to the same place, BUT the different way in approaching it makes all the difference in my state of mind. I either feel anxious about making sure I’m not doing certain things or positive and at peace- mindful, if you will, about what I can do to be better.

As independent financial advisors, much of our days are spent talking to clients. Your approach to those conversations can mean all the difference in the world. Whether it is talking about the performance of their accounts or talking them through a difficult time in their financial life, your own mental strength will shine through and be the guide for your clients.

Throughout years of meeting with my coach, I have acquired some little tidbits that I try to think about when I want to up my mental strength game. There are actually a lot, and ALL are still a major work in progress, but here are my top 5:

1. Retain personal power. Don’t give negative people power over you. The only one holding you back or dragging you down is you. The challenge is in how you act and react to the world around you. This is a work in progress.
2. Accept challenges. Mentally strong people view adversity as an opportunity to grow stronger and learn more. Every time you overcome an obstacle or work through a situation, you gain confidence. Think of all the things you can learn!
3. Modify unhealthy beliefs. Stop saying “I can’t”. Man, that’s a pet-peeve of mine as my son can attest to- “if you say you can’t then you definitely can’t.” This is where the power of positive thinking comes into play. Don’t let your self-limiting beliefs stunt your growth. When you are faced with physical adversity during a run, they say your mind stops before your legs do- the same is with business and life. Believe and ye shall achieve.
4. Discomfort? Bring it. Mentally strong people don’t mind a little pain- they practice self-discipline even when it’s uncomfortable. “Nothing worth having is ever easy”. I’ve tossed that around in my head a time or two. If you know you need to do something, prepare and do it. Resist instant gratification when you know there’s a better way to do things long-term. Take the extra time and be uncomfortable for a bit. Oh, and run a little further….it’s good for your heart.
5. Be alone….my favorite….and I get made fun of for it because I love it so much. There is nothing that sitting alone with your thoughts can’t fix. I’m a firm believer in this. Every morning. Even if it just calms you down enough to think things through or run through a scenario in your mind, it can make a big difference in how anxiously or strongly you approach your day.

What positive ways do you try to up your mental toughness game?

Later,

Posted by Tarah Carlow Senior Vice President, Marketing & Advisor Loyalty