Your Healthy, Wealthy Mindset
Spring is here, and the roads, cycle tracks, and gyms are again toppling with re-invigorated exercisers who have emerged from hibernation (and conceivably some a little worse for wear).
Whilst training smart, following a clean diet, sleeping well, and staying hydrated are our top tips for a better body, we often forget the mind.
I was reminded of this the other day when I read something interesting about of all things; investors in the US sharemarket (arguably not so good for your health).
It revealed that US company, Dalbar, had shown the US market (S&P500) had returned 9.85% per annum on average over the last 20 years. The average investor however managed just a measly 5.19% per annum return over the same timeframe: nearly less than half. Ouch.
Now here is an interesting parallel to draw on: the correlation between the average investor who undersold themselves and our minds relationship with our bodies and health.
Whilst training smart, following a clean diet, sleeping well, and staying hydrated are our top tips for a better body, we often forget the mind.
I was reminded of this the other day when I read something interesting about of all things; investors in the US sharemarket (arguably not so good for your health).
It revealed that US company, Dalbar, had shown the US market (S&P500) had returned 9.85% per annum on average over the last 20 years. The average investor however managed just a measly 5.19% per annum return over the same timeframe: nearly less than half. Ouch.
Now here is an interesting parallel to draw on: the correlation between the average investor who undersold themselves and our minds relationship with our bodies and health.
- The average investor undoubtedly sold some stock on emotion thereby minimising their return but as a loss-prevention strategy. Interestingly one of the most interesting paradoxes I think you'll find is an individual's ability to "short sell" their health. We break, rightly or wrongly, emotionally under the temptation for many vices that have negative ramifications to our overall health and wellbeing.
- The average investor also undoubtedly chased some losses on the hope of them "coming good". Poor decision-making can also flaw us when it comes to our health. We make decisions about our health under the sometimes false expectation something will "come good" all the time.
- And lastly it could be expected that some of these investors possibly failed to diversify and see the bigger picture. Lack of diversification perhaps out of fear, and perhaps out of lack of knowledge. If we only understand the Banking Sector how can we invest in the Mining Sector? In the physical context if we fear change such as stepping outside our comfort zone and trying something new (diversification) then how will we ever progress beyond our current physical capacity? How often do you hear of friends doing the same workout, or type of workout but never really yielding the physical results they deserve and/or want for the effort they put in? In a sense this is failure to diversify. We, as humans are inherently routine creatures and like to stick to what we know. Albert Einstein defined this as "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result". Interesting.
Whats Your Mindset?
Your mindset essentially dictates the way in which you will react and respond to all of life's situations.
Mindsets are often broken into two broad types:
1) Fixed - folks with fixed mindsets believe talent alone creates success. When challenge looms they tend to take the easy way out to avoid failure and embarrassment.
2) Growth - folks here believe they can improve their abilities and create success by hard work, practice and learning. They devour challenges in spite of the threat of failure. In fact they embrace failure because they know they'll learn something valuable from it.
Mindsets are often broken into two broad types:
1) Fixed - folks with fixed mindsets believe talent alone creates success. When challenge looms they tend to take the easy way out to avoid failure and embarrassment.
2) Growth - folks here believe they can improve their abilities and create success by hard work, practice and learning. They devour challenges in spite of the threat of failure. In fact they embrace failure because they know they'll learn something valuable from it.
3 Steps To A Healthier Mindset
Step 1 – Recognise Your Fixed Mindset.
Ever given up on yourself before you've even started? Then read on!
Lets say your goal is losing a few kilos (NB we'd recommend being a little more specific, stay tuned for our guide on SMART goals!). A fixed mindset may look a little something like this:
- "What if I try and fail?"
- Why am I training now, I know I won't be able to keep this up?"
- "I don't actually have the willpower to stick with a healthy diet anyway".
The most important factor in the fixed mindset is recognising it. Fixed mindsets are self-limiting and have the potential to hold you back from attaining your goals. The fixed mindset might be hard to recognise for many of us as sadly, for many of us its become a habit.
But recognition is the first step. Recognise the fixed mindset, catch yourself and apply Step 2. Step 2 – Drop The Fixed Mindset Thinking For A Growth Mindset
"Forget diets. This is a lifestyle change that takes time. I'll take it day by day."
"I deserve to treat myself with wholesome, nourishing food that will make feel good."
"Making changes takes courage and means I'll risk making mistakes."
A growth mindset takes practice and patience - but the cool part is once you adopt a growth mindset, you'll start hearing fixed mindsets everywhere you go!
The great thing about a growth mindset though is the more you practice, the easier it gets. And the best thing is, eventually growth mindset thinking will become intuitive.
Step 3 – Act.
Continue to take risks. Always ask yourself whether you'll be better off by never starting or by taking a chance and risk failing?
Embrace failure. Failure gives us feedback. Learn from your failures and treat them as a learning tool. Life is about continuous improvement: learn from your mistakes.
Learn. A healthier mindset is fuelled by learning. Listen and learn from those around you.
Don't give up. Its never too late to retrain your mindset. Change your mindset, change your life!
What Do You Think?
Reach out to us here and get in touch . We're here to help, and would love your feedback on how to make New Zealand an even better Active Nation! We also want to hear about want you want to hear about, so please let us know.