Generally, it pays to have an investor mindset, given that everything we do has some kind of consequences, cause and effect.
Some of us don't consciously choose to have this type of mindset, it comes gradually based on experiences that shape how we view the world.
I think being aware of it nevertheless, could give one more advantages. For example, knowing how to spend our time and resources to potentially get the "best" returns.
Traditionally, an investor is defined as someone who allocates capital with the expectation of a future financial return.
That's mostly in the realm of profession. In the personal realm, being an investor also entails making strategic decisions about how we invest our time, energy, and personal resources to achieve our subjective objectives.
Optimal Outcome
The trick that I've discovered is looking at our personal lives primarily through the lens of an investor may not always yield the best results.
What I mean by that is imagine approaching every situation, every decision with a question like; what return could I get out of this?
Although, it seems rational, it's quite shallow too and reduces life to a single metric which frankly, fails to capture the complexity and nuances of human experience.
Life isn't always about measurable returns. Sometimes, it's about the journey, the relationships we build, and the impact we make.
The lesson is that mindsets should be malleable, like clay that can be shaped and reshaped according to the situation at hand.
In certain times, we may need to think like an investor, carefully weighing our options and considering long-term consequences.
Other times, we need to embrace spontaneity and act from the heart, without even considering the potential returns.
And What About A Business Mindset?
Well, for impact, as in creating value for others and solving problems, a business mindset can be incredibly valuable in that regard.
Because it encourages us to think about leverage, operations, efficiency, and meeting the needs of others and not just ourselves.
The interplay between these two mindsets – investor and business – has been interesting to observe in my personal and professional growth.
On a personal level, the investor mindset pushes me make more thoughtful decisions about my future, while the business mindset pulls me into creating value and seeking opportunities for growth.
Professionally, these mindsets have sharpened my decision-making skills, strategic thinking and brought about a more wholesome approach to problem-solving.
Interestingly, it's often my professional experiences that have helped refine these mindsets, which I then apply back to my personal life. A sort of feedback loop of continuous learning and growth.
In Closing
The key to juggling these mindsets effectively is knowing when to apply each one.
There are times when we need to be calculating and strategic, and others when we need to be bold or even visionary.
The art then lies in recognizing which approach will serve us best in any given circumstances, knowing that flexibility in our mental models is needed to better navigate the unpredictable nature of life and business.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.