Oftentimes we look at others’ success and see some circumstances that may have contributed to the said success. While circumstances may make it easier or more difficult in finding success, they do not create success on their own. Researchers have found that mental toughness and perseverance predicts our level of success more than any other factor.

Success in Personal Life

Whether you want to be the best accountant, salesperson, professional athlete, doctor, parent, etc., there is a simple formula for success. That formula is to do what other people aren’t willing to do and do it a lot. This can be applied to studying, working out, getting more experience or learning to be more patient.

Success isn’t a secret formula. Often the greatest difference between someone who is average, and someone is successful comes down to “doing it”. Doing the daily habits that will compound over time to success. It’s not easy – and that is why there are many who are average and a few who are successful. But it is something we can each improve upon day by day.

Success in Investing

The media often refers to “Smart Money”. I don’t know why. The “Smart Money” crowd make some pretty stupid decisions. Their identification of “smart” is misleading. Intelligence has very little to do with investment success. In fact, Warren Buffett said that once you have an average IQ, what sets apart successful investors is their ability to control the urges that influence us to make bad financial decisions.

These urges are natural, and they are hard to fight off. It takes a lot of mental toughness to ignore the media or the hot investment of the month. It takes mental toughness to ignore what your co-worker is bragging about. It takes perseverance to stick with your financial plan and exercise patience – especially when your plan doesn’t appear to be “working”. After all, no strategy will outperform all of the time.

Being patient and disciplined is not easy! It goes against what may feel right. But that is why you have me. I understand. I am here to help and guide you along your financial journey. Just like with a personal trainer, sometimes it is easier to exhibit mental toughness when you have someone cheering you on.

If you’re considering working with us here at Mosaic, we invite you to learn more about who we serve and how we help them. You can also contact us with any questions you have.

By Marcus E. Ortega, ChFC, RFC | Investment Advisor Representative | CEO of Mosaic Financial Associates & Orthopaedist Advisory Group | Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor.  Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

©2019  The Behavioral Finance Network. Used with permission.