BN#62 Boost Your Performance with These 5 Natural Metaphorical "Miracle Drugs"

Introduction

As a financial advisor or entrepreneur, your ability to perform at your best managing stress, maintaining energy, and staying focused—is crucial to your success and the success of your clients. Inspired by an insightful article from Brian Johnson at Heroic, we’re diving into the concept of five powerful yet completely natural "miracle drugs" that can help you elevate your game. These aren’t substances you consume; they’re simple strategies and practices that can transform your mindset, enhance your well-being, and optimize your performance. Let’s explore how self-talk, sleep, meditation, and exercise can serve as your ultimate performance-enhancing "pills," along with the fifth and most profound one: being your True Self (see message at the end of the article on how to access and heal your True Self).

The 5 Metaphorical Miracle Drugs:

1.      Self-Talk: The Ultimate Performance-Enhancing Drug

Dave Alred, in his book The Pressure Principle, emphasizes the power of language and the way we talk to ourselves. He writes, "It has been said that it is the most powerful drug known to mankind. The performance edges that can be achieved from skillful and consistent use of this drug include: increasing self-esteem, creating a dramatic boost in confidence, reframing and transforming meaning, and changes in behaviors and attitudes." By mastering the art of positive self-talk, you can harness this powerful tool to boost your confidence, enhance your decision-making, and improve your client interactions.

2.      Sleep: The All-Natural Panacea

Matthew Walker, in his book Why We Sleep, presents an intriguing proposition: "Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment that makes you live longer. It enhances your memory and makes you more creative. It makes you look more attractive. It keeps you slim and lowers food cravings. It protects you from cancer and dementia. It wards off colds and the flu. It lowers your risk of heart attacks and strokes, not to mention diabetes. You’ll even feel happier, less depressed, and less anxious. Are you interested?" The secret behind this wonder drug is simply a full night of sleep. Despite its invaluable benefits, many of us neglect the importance of a good night's rest. For financial advisors, adequate sleep is critical for maintaining sharpness, clarity, and emotional resilience.

3.      Meditation: The Daily Pill for Peace and Productivity

Jonathan Haidt, in The Happiness Hypothesis, offers another compelling metaphor: "Suppose you read about a pill that you could take once a day to reduce anxiety and increase your contentment. Would you take it? Suppose further that the pill has a great variety of side effects, all of them good: increased self-esteem, empathy, and trust; it even improves memory. Suppose, finally, that the pill is all natural and costs nothing. Now would you take it? The pill exists. It’s called meditation." Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can help you manage stress, maintain focus, and cultivate a positive mindset, all of which are essential for effective client management and business growth.

4.      Exercise: The Natural Booster for Body and Mind

John Ratey, in his book Spark, compares exercise to taking a bit of Prozac and a bit of Ritalin: "I tell people that going for a run is like taking a little bit of Prozac and a little bit of Ritalin because, like the drugs, exercise elevates these neurotransmitters. It’s a handy metaphor to get the point across, but the deeper explanation is that exercise balances neurotransmitters — along with the rest of the neurochemicals in the brain. And as you’ll see, keeping your brain in balance can change your life." Regular physical activity is not just about physical health; it also enhances mental clarity, reduces stress, and improves overall mood, making it an invaluable tool for staying at the top of your game in the financial advising field.

5.      Being Your True Self: The Ultimate Source of Fulfillment

Gabor Mate, drawing from the teachings of A. H. Almaas, describes trauma not as an external event but as a disconnection from one’s essence. He says, "The fundamental trauma was the loss of connection to yourself. And as I’ll be telling you, when I talk about trauma, that disconnection from the self IS the greatest wound." By reconnecting with your True Self, you move beyond ego-driven fears and anxieties to live a life of authenticity, purpose, and inner peace. This transformation requires a journey of self-discovery and healing, often through understanding and addressing past traumas and building psychological flexibility. Aligning with your True Self can lead to a more profound sense of fulfillment and effectiveness in both your professional and personal life.

Conclusion:

By integrating these five metaphorical "drugs" into your daily routine—positive self-talk, adequate sleep, meditation, exercise, and reconnecting with your True Self—you can significantly enhance your performance and well-being. Remember, your best work comes from not just your technical skills but also from how you manage your mind, body, and inner world. Make these practices a priority, and watch your energy, focus, and productivity soar. Embrace the journey of discovering your True Self and make your life great one day at a time--being alive is already a miracle.

September 2024 Cohort (2 Spots Left)

The next cohort for the True Self Mind Mastery program begins September 2024 (next will be January, May, and September 2025). I have been having phenomenal results with about 50% of clients who have suffered from anxiety throughout their entire lives and after 3 months in the program, they finally have peace of mind. My aim though is highly ambitious—for you to access and heal your True Self. About 50% of those who take the program become Self-Realized (or Self Transcendent, the highest level in the Maslow Hierarchy). The cost for September 2024 will be US$5000. Please email me at Mark@TrueSelfMindMastery.com to set up a meeting for more information.