As a new financial planner, it's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. With so much on your plate and the highly emotional and intimate nature of client meetings, it can be easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. However, incorporating small changes into your routine can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Silence the Negative Inner Voice
Finding inner peace can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to silencing the inner voice that tells us that we are not good enough or we have messed something up. It is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and has moments of self-doubt and vulnerability - this does not make you unworthy or incapable. Instead of trying to suppress this voice and getting upset with yourself for feeling a certain way, try concentrating on what you can do to work towards building your confidence in yourself and your abilities, such as making improvements in areas where there is room for growth. Identifying triggers and recognizing patterns can help you better understand how these feelings emerge and help you move forward in a positive direction. Encourage yourself with positivity, self-love, and give yourself permission to feel whatever it is without judgment, you are human.
Focus on How Far You Have Come
Alter your mindset to focus on the accomplishments you have achieved and the successes you have reached is beneficial in more ways than one. It reinforces a positive attitude, while reducing stress and anxiety related to needing to accomplish certain tasks or goals. As humans, it is natural to feel that we are not meeting our expectations, however shifting our perspective towards the accomplishments we have attained will allow us to reach further heights of success in whatever endeavors we pursue. How far any individual has come throughout their journey should be celebrated, rather than passing over those achievements with a feeling of dissatisfaction of what is next; so take the time to bask in what you have achieved and savor it - there will be plenty of opportunity for reaching new goals later.
Developing a Positive Mindset
Developing a positive mindset is a powerful way to approach meetings with clients. Instead of feeling compelled to attend, it is beneficial to view client meetings as an opportunity - to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, exchange ideas, and build trusting relationships. Examining meeting objectives beforehand can equip you with the confidence to thoroughly engage in thoughtful dialogue and actively participate in the discussion. An optimistic outlook encourages productivity and sets the stage for successful interactions that allow everyone involved to maximize their potential. This is a great article to read from strategic coach for more information on this.
Energizing Activities vs. Draining Activities
Taking the time to reflect on your daily activities is an important part of self-care and can help you weigh the energy it takes to complete tasks versus the benefits those activities bring. Making a list of what’s on your agenda, from housework and errands to social commitments and professional obligations can be extremely helpful in facilitating this process. Pay attention to which activities give you more energy than they take away, and try to find room in your life for more of these types of tasks. On the other hand, consider ways that you can limit or let go of tasks, events or even people that leave you feeling drained. Once you determine which areas need tweaking, making adjustments to your lifestyle will be that much easier and more effective.
Finding Hobbies to Recharge
Finding the right hobbies that bring you energy can be a game-changer in life. Whether it is something as simple as getting organized or more complex activities such as painting or photography, dedicating time to yourself by engaging in activities that make you happy is often the secret formula for feeling energized and productive. With today’s technology, you have access to many different avenues for finding what activity works best for you! There may even be classes available in your area. Who knows? Take a chance and try out something new – it might just be the very thing that refreshes your mind and leaves you feeling positive about yourself and about life in general. This is a great article to refer to on how to find a hobby.
Bottom Line
If you can shift your mindset to see meeting with clients as something that is not just emotionally draining, but that you “get” to do, rather than something that you “have” to do, half the battle is won. You will project confidence instead of apprehension and will be better equipped to sell yourself and your product. There are many other things you can do on a daily basis to increase your productivity by appealing to the way your brain works. Take inventory of how you spend your day and what activities give you energy versus drain you. Consider adding in hobbies that recharge your batteries so when it comes time for client calls, or networking events, or presentations, you have the mental stamina required for success.
If you are entering the financial planning profession or seeking the perfect fit with a top-tier financial planning firm, submit your resume here or peruse our openings for entry-level planners. We are here to help you in any way we can so you can secure your dream job!
Alexandra Staton
