Tuesday, 18 September 2012

How your brain might be getting in the way of your success


Matt Leech 17th September 2012
What if I told you that your brain could be in the way of everything you've ever wanted. Quite a strange idea considering you work hard to achieve the things you want. Let me explain...

Your brain is an amazing computer that has many 'apps' but for simplicity there are 2 parts to your brain:

1. The Emotional brain
2. The Rational brain

The 2 parts to your brain are quite often in conflict; let me give you an example...

As a youngster, have you ever planned to ask someone out on a date (Rational brain) only to pull out at the last moment because something insides says “They will say no, they don’t like me” (emotional brain) This is an internal conflict on wanting to do something but the overriding fear & emotion get in the way.

Could you imagine all the times in your life where this part of your brain got in the way?

Typically in my daily interaction with my clients, I see the emotional brain override the rational brain when it comes to making investment decisions. The emotional brain tends to be stronger and can impact important decisions. These decisions can often make rational sense but the emotions still take over.
If you want to achieve financial success in your life, be aware of what part of your brain is making the decisions for you.
If possible, try to override the emotional brain or outsource your decision making to someone that can look at it rationally with no emotional connection.
This is where having a professional adviser who can understand what you want emotionally but applies rational decision making to achieve the results you want.

Thursday, 13 September 2012

There is no substitute for persistence

Matt Leech 12th September 2012

I came across this great quote by Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the USA) that I wanted to share with you...
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." 
Calvin Coolidge

Although I agree that persistence & determination are formulas for success, I still agree that education is important. I also think that education without determination is fruitless

Every time I read about someone successful, the common themes are;

  • They have come from a tough background
  • Dropped out of high school
  • Dropped out of University
  • Were told that they were not good enough
  • Were told that their idea wouldn't work
If you are going through something difficult at the moment, it's not a bad thing, it's the world telling you that you are on the right path and you are doing something worthwhile. Change at the end of the path is likely (and most likely of a positive nature). As they say, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

"No test, No Testimony"