As I scroll through my Instagram feed looking to catch up on what my friends have been up to, I get constantly bombarded by all of the “influencers” sharing their latest protein, health serum, or workout routine to help keep me “young and healthy.” And then I put my phone down and turn on the TV, I get hit with wealth-building investment courses and books I can read to get rich quickly. Bleh. It’s all marketed to sell, and it all seems too good to be true, and the ads sometimes make you think it’s worth a try, right? It’s not. When we choose these types of scams, it’s a quick fix or helps scratch the itch for a short time period. The shortcut might help in the near term, but it won’t be sustainable. Eventually, the change stagnates and might even revert to your previous state. Although it may seem daunting, there is no secret to staying healthy or building wealth. So why do so many people struggle with it? The challenges we face in managing our wellness and our finances often rely on the same principles. The folks who try to cut corners may find themselves satisfied in the short run but ultimately fail to reach the final goal.
Remember the Egg
Most people want to believe in these shortcuts because the nutrition AND finance worlds are so confusing. Remember when eggs were bad for you? Everyone with cholesterol issues would use substitutes like eggbeaters which was a weird substitute for real eggs. Now eggs are considered a power food that increases good cholesterol. The foods haven’t changed over the years, so what has?
In finance, all the terms of 401(k) IRA Mutual funds, whole life insurance, term life insurance, bonds, fiduciary, and so much more can be very confusing. With so many mixed messages, how do we know where to start?
To change our habits, we have to simplify things. This is how I would simplify each:
Nutrition: Eat whole foods and lots of greens.
Fitness: Get up, move and do something that you enjoy.
Finance: Spend less than you make and invest the rest in something you understand.
Do your best to simplify things and practice good habits
People who have consistent, healthy habits have the skills to practice more discipline in their lives. They use self-control to stop overeating and time management to find the time to exercise during their busy lives. The habits people use every day are the same skills that help people grow wealth, so the thought process goes well together. By developing consistent, healthy habits, you are training yourself to think long-term and practicing skills like discipline, focus, patience, and self-control. Healthy people are not tempted by immediate gratification and can view the bigger picture.
June 2021
