In today’s environment, it’s easy to get sucked into a negative mindset. Whether it’s the time of year, the markets, or the 24/7 news cycle, there is plenty of negativity to go around.
We must remember that our mindset is within our control. We have the power to shape and influence our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. This means that by changing our thoughts, we can change our experience of life.
This has prompted me to revisit my earlier days of mindset training and share 10 Mindset Hacks for Financial Advisors. Whether you’re stuck in a negative cycle or not, it’s important to be reminded of how you can take control of your mind for a more positive and productive life.
- Start with a smile, even if it’s just to yourself. When we smile, even if it’s forced, our body automatically releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which can improve our mood and reduce stress.
- Distance yourself from negative people. They can have a toxic influence that can spread to those around them. By recognizing them and taking steps to create distance, we can better protect our own mental and emotional well-being.
- Acknowledge and challenge negative thoughts. Identify and write down negative thoughts when they arise, then challenge them with evidence and reframe them in a positive light.
- Practice gratitude by focusing on the things you are thankful for in your life. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the blessings and positive experiences you have had, and allow yourself to feel a sense of appreciation.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This could be anything from physical exercise to spending time with loved ones, to pursuing a hobby or creative endeavor. These activities help to enhance your overall well-being and to boost your mood.
- Be careful of your media consumption. Your subconscious mind does not differentiate fact from fiction. With the media and politicians sensationalizing everything, we need to be very careful of where we get our information and how much of it we consume.
- Purposefully reframe negative viewpoints. Do this using positive affirmations. For example, if you find yourself thinking negatively about your social prospecting abilities, start your day by reciting an affirmation like “I am good at networking, and people naturally like me.” This programs the mind to expect a positive outcome.
- Adopt a growth mindset. Focus on growth and improvement, instead of perfection. Embrace challenges and mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. This perspective allows you to approach life with a positive and proactive attitude.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation. By taking the time to focus on the present moment, mindfulness and meditation can help you reduce stress, regulate emotions, and increase feelings of happiness and contentment.
- Stay goal-focused at all times, big or small. When you have a goal and take steps towards accomplishing it, it fuels positive energy and makes you want to achieve even more.
Controlling the power of your mind will have a positive impact on everything you do and everyone you encounter. As a financial advisor, your mind is the most powerful tool for you to utilize for your craft. Let’s make certain we use it!!
