Working with women over 40, many women I meet are focused on building wealth.
They’re asking for raises or getting promoted.
They’re finding ways to create passive income, and get their money working for them.
They’re hiring financial advisors and wealth managers to help them get to their goals.
I love that so many women are kicking ass financially.
And, it’s also made me think.
The principles of building wealth are pretty much the same as those that build health.
The big difference is currency.
To build wealth, you invest your money and your time.
To build health, you invest in yourself using various currencies…
Movement, healthy foods, water, rest, and time and money as well.
But, although the currencies aren’t exactly the same, many of the investment principles are.
Here are some parallel principles that I’ve found to be true for both wealth and health:
1. Have a vision
When you build wealth, it’s not because you want to have a bank account full of money.
It’s because you want the FEELINGS that having money will give you…
Freedom, ease, flexibility, possibility.
Money in and of itself isn’t a great motivator.
It’s just printed paper.
But the motivation comes from the things that you can do with that money.
Your vision for your life.
What does your vision include?
Maybe travel, leaving a job, living in your dream house, moving to a new country, giving to charity,…
You have a vision of what you’ll do with that money.
And it’s the same thing with your health.
There’s a reason that you want good health.
And it’s not because you want to exercise more, eat healthier, and sleep better.
You want what those things will give you.
Things like freedom of movement, energy, strength, confidence,…
And you want those things because you have a vision for your life.
Maybe travel, running around with your grand kids, meeting someone, running a marathon, wearing a dress that you love,…
Investing in your wealth or health is driven by vision.
2. Take charge
Your wealth isn’t built by company programs or government pensions.
It’s built by your daily financial decisions.
You are in charge.
You decide what you invest in, how you save, and the risks you want to take.
And similarly, your health isn’t built by gyms or doctors.
It’s built by the daily decisions you make.
No one is responsible for your health except you.
If you’re not happy with your the current state of your body or mind, make new decisions.
And let go of the self-doubt… You have the answers.
3. Diversify
Putting all your eggs in one basket is never a good idea.
That’s why investors have portfolios.
Portfolios consist of diverse assets, so that if that if one doesn’t do so well, it’s not the end of the road.
Similarly, building health requires diversification.
There’s not just ONE thing that will make you healthy.
It’s a combination of things.
Working out, eating when you’re hungry, cutting out night-time snacking, taking time to rest,…
There’s an almost endless list of things that will make you healthier.
And if for some reason you can’t do one, there are a whole bunch of others you can do.
Diversifying will help you stay on track.
4. Keep investing, even when things get hard
So, when the markets go down, it’s time to double down.
It’s not time to panic and pull all your money out.
Reacting to your fear won’t build you the wealth you want.
Wealth is built with calm, patience, and perseverance.
It’s the same with investing in your health.
Things will get hard.
Obstacles like family drama, financial woes, injuries, and so much more will be on the path.
But they aren’t a reason to panic and retreat.
In fact, these obstacles are really good reasons to get even more committed and show up.
Because life’s problems will always keep coming, there are no perfect circumstances ever.
So, calm down, be patient, and persevere… You will get there.
5. Be consistent
Wealth takes time to build.
And it requires consistent action.
Like investing a certain percentage of each paycheck, or paying off a debt.
And it’s the same with your health.
Health is built with small, consistent actions.
A daily walk, planning meals, getting to bed at a certain time, meditating,…
In both wealth and health, there’s no magic solution.
No one big thing that will get you there.
And maybe that’s boring, but it really is all about consistency.
6. Be in it for the long haul
Results take time.
So, constantly watching what the stock market is doing isn’t helpful.
It goes up and down, by the second, and if you’re watching it too closely your emotions will follow.
And bad decisions won’t be far behind.
An investment grows over time, and it’s not a smooth upward slope.
Those who invest, and make money, know this.
They’re in it for the long haul.
It’s the same with health, and in particular, weight.
They take time.
Watching your weight daily won’t usually help, because chances are you’re emotionally connected to the number.
Believe that if you invest in your body consistently, weight and health will take care of themselves.
Your health is a long term investment, not a short term reward.
Is your health as important as your wealth?
Personally, I meet a lot of people who are very well organized financially.
They’ve got a plan.
They have several investments, decent incomes, and are actively paying down debt, if they have any.
They’re thinking ahead so they don’t find themselves in financial chaos as they grow older and retire.
However, I meet less people who are well organized with their health.
Not many have a plan, at least nothing consistent.
And they don’t really want to think of their health in old age.
It’s more of a hope and a prayer.
So, I want to challenge you.
If your health is important to you – and I’m pretty sure it is, or you wouldn’t be reading this – then begin investing in it.
Take steps forward this week.
Begin creating a plan for growing your health.
Decide how you will invest in your body and mind…
- Add more exercise?
- Eat less processed foods?
- Stop drinking during the week?
- Get to bed by 10pm?
- Meditate?
- Hire a coach?
Start doing just one thing consistently.
Then, build on it.
Over time your investment will grow, and you’ll be reaping the rewards of long-term health well into your old age.
Keep moving forward,
Debbie
P.S. Are you ready to invest in yourself and grow your health? I can help. As a coach, I’m kind of like a financial planner for your health, wellness, and fitness. You bring me your goals, and we work together to get you there… no matter the obstacles.
Curious? Let’s talk… Contact me for a free consultation.
Email me, message me, or book a time to talk through Zoom.