The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing
The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing
S4 E2 March Into Action
Marching into Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika discuss the steps needed to start cultivating the Wealth Mindset addressed in Episode 1.
Arthi provides details of the key characteristics that define a wealth mindset, including resilience, innovation, resourcefulness, discipline, and generosity. In a playful twist, the theme of becoming your own financial superhero underlies the characteristics, where Arthi and Malika help us identify with some well-known (and wealthy!) fictional superheroes, such as Batman and Iron Man.
Malika emphasizes the power of resourcefulness. By maximizing what each of us has, we can create opportunities—just like T'Challa.
The characteristic of generosity is connected to gratitude, and both Arthi and Malika share details about this link and ways to empower oneself with gratitude and feed it forward to others.
For a bit of fun, Arthi and Malika shared which financial superpower they would like to have. Can you guess what they may have chosen?
Practical and intentional action steps are provided to develop each of these characteristics, which can cultivate a wealth mindset.
Listen in to Malika and Arthi discussing:
- 5 of the key characteristics that define a wealth mindset.
- Insight into the true meaning of adding value and the different ways that value can be perceived
- Staying informed and expanding your knowledge
- Resilience and innovation and the key links between these characteristics
- Defining what wealth means to you and the goals you have to achieve this wealth
- Tips for being resourceful with your finances
- How gratitude can impact your mindset and help you achieve your goals
and so much more!
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
Your legacy isn't just about numbers, it's about the confidence that comes with knowing your wealth is expertly managed at old mutual wealth we offer solutions that go beyond investment management. We're your trusted partner in achieving financial success together with your financial planner, we uncover what matters most to you, crafting a personalized plan tailored to your unique goals, backed by a team dedicated to your wealth journey. We provide innovative strategies in depth research and award winning investment expertise. Partner with us to take your wealth further with advice led personalized Wealth Management offering clients and financial planners a full suite of industry leading investment solutions. Visit www.oldmutual.co.za/wealth Hi there. I'm Arthi rabikkrissun,
Malika Petersen:Hello. I'm Malika Peterson.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Welcome to
Malika Petersen:The swan effect podcast.
Arthi Rabikrisson:We're your go to podcast to simplify the complexities of money management, investing and wealth management
Malika Petersen:so that you can gain confidence in your relationship with money and become financially literate, independent and free.
Arthi Rabikrisson:That first step towards freedom is knowledge, and you can start with gaining that right now by listening to this upcoming episode. Hello everyone, and welcome back as we march into the first quarter of 2025, see what I did there. Malika,
Malika Petersen:I can certainly see Arthi, you're on fire early with these puns today. Hi, Arthi and Hello listeners.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Hi, Malika, Yeah, indeed I am, and that's because I really, really got a fire going here. You know, we kicked off our season four, our last episode, which was episode one, we discussed the foundations of financial well being, and of course, that was around the wealth mindset, right? So today we're going to march right into deliberate action steps so that we can start to cultivate that wealth mindset and gear ourselves towards wealth creation.
Malika Petersen:You certainly haven't been in your bonnet, and I absolutely love it, because there is no time to waste anymore, a lot happening in the world today, and that
Arthi Rabikrisson:no time information or misinformation is being spread everywhere. I kind of put a media ban on myself a few years ago, so I think I did tell you about that, and if the content is reaching me, I can't even imagine how it must be affecting others. So you know, this is the perfect time to unpack the actions that can be taken to move to abundance and away from scarcity. Yeah, and everyone, we alluded to this in episode one, that our theme for this season is to become our own financial superhero. So guess what? We are going to draw inspiration from some of our favorite wealthy comic book superheroes, even in today's episode.
Malika Petersen:Now this sounds like an engaging mix of serious strategies and superhero plays. If I do say so myself.
Arthi Rabikrisson:It's quite a heavy mix, for sure. Okay, alright, alright, let's kick things off, but before we can move into action everyone, we first have to identify those key characteristics that define a wealth mindset. So we're going to go through five of them specifically, and within those we're going to find ways to action it. All right? So the first one is actually, I think, one of the most crucial traits, and it's resilience. So you know, wealth individuals often do face setbacks, but it's their ability to bounce back that truly sets them apart.
Malika Petersen:Yeah, I think this is a key point like, let's take Bruce Wayne, for example, despite witnessing the tragic loss of his parents. He channeled this painting to becoming Batman, right? And he also used his resources to fight crime and protect Gotham City, so his resilience transformed personal tragedy into a force for good?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yes, yes. It's this ability to still see goodness and opportunity even in the murkiest of times that truly is the hallmark of resilience being built. Now here's another essential characteristic Malika that I'm going to share, it's innovation.
Malika Petersen:Tell us a bit more, Arthi.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Okay, well, you know, contrary to popular belief, wealth isn't just about accumulating money, it's about creating value. Now I'm going to be a bit pedantic about this point, because you know what creating value has become one of those phrases we say without fully appreciating its meaning anymore. So, you know, everyone creating value means generating something beneficial. So whether it's financial or social or just personal, you know, it's something that will improve the lives of others while also contributing to your own wealth and success. So as you can see, it's about offering something meaningful that solves problems, meets needs, or even enhances experiences.
Malika Petersen:Okay, I get that, and I actually like that we're taking it to the next step of thinking, but let's break it down even further. How does that apply to a wealth mindset?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Well, I think Malika can apply in a couple of ways, all right, so maybe the first one would be providing solutions. So let's bring in our superheroes. The one that comes to mind is Tony Stark or Iron Man as we know him. I think he exemplifies this, right? He has this genius level intellect he's constantly driving towards innovation. I mean, not only did he build his empire, but he also created massive technological value that enhanced security. It brought about efficiencies. So there's a whole host of things in terms of creating value that he was able to do. The second one I think, could be maybe around enhancing skills and knowledge. Okay, so maybe let's go back to Batman, because I like that, like what you were saying. So he invests in himself, you know, both mentally and physically, to become an asset to Gotham, right? So similarly, everyone, when you start to improve your skills, that makes you more valuable, both in the job market or even in a business that you're in.
Malika Petersen:That is so good. And actually making me think of another example now of the connection of creating value and the wealth mindset. It can be, for example, leveraging networks and resources, right? And here, here Black Panther chichala from back Panther comes to mind, okay, he ensured that Wakanda technological advancements benefited all of these people, right? If we bring this back to finance, this means that you use your resources, your knowledge, your money, your connection, whatever it may be, to create opportunity, not only for yourself, but for others as well.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, this is such a good example. Definitely, you got it. You absolutely got it, Malika. And you know, if I come to think of it in terms of your example, there's actually many superheroes that give back to the communities, right as we're thinking about it, and they always seem to be making a really positive impact. So everyone in the real world creating value could mean ethical investing, supporting local businesses, even mentoring others. In financial literacy, you know, very much like what you and I are doing Malika with the podcast.
Malika Petersen:I mean, it's, it's why the swan effect podcast still runs, because, you know, you see value in what we share with listeners. I'm getting a bit mashy Just thinking about our podcast. Because, you know, this is a passion project. I mean, for both of us, actually, right?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, I completely know. I know I get it, yeah.
Malika Petersen:Alright, let me, let me get myself back together and back on track.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Okay,
Malika Petersen:So I like these characteristics so far, resilience and innovation in the sense of creating value. But how can our listeners kind of develop resilience and innovation in their own financial journey?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Excellent, excellent. So now we're getting into actionable steps, alright? So if we think about, you know, what have our superheroes done? Okay? And if I think back to that, there's a few that come to mind the first one being they're embracing continuous learning, and so should we, too. So everyone, what that means is we can stay informed right about financial trends, investment opportunities, even personal finance strategies. The more knowledge you acquire, the pretty equipped you'll be to make those innovative decisions and see the link there, everyone. So there is a wide array of resources available to you. You know, there's so many free short courses. I mean, I'm always getting push ads for these courses through some really, really credible names, even international names, and even through platforms like edX or similar. But even if you don't reach that, I mean your local newspapers, podcasts like ours, radio, television, I guess you know what I'm saying everybody is just be curious and want to know more about what's going on. The second step or actionable piece or tip that I'd want to share is setting clear goals everyone, I would suggest, define what wealth means to you. We always talk about wealth. We're starting off this entire season talking about wealth. But what does it actually mean? Does it mean financial freedom to you? Does it may mean making impact, or when you think about wealth, is it about securing your family's financial future? Also, you know, is it longer term or shorter term things? So is it a shorter term sort of thing, like you want to have the ability to travel, or you want to have maybe a generous emergency fund at your disposal? So you know, these clear goals, once you've now articulated your definition of wealth, can then give you direction and motivation everyone. I think a third one I'd want to offer Malika is to be able to develop a problem solving mindset, and I think we'll go into that a little bit later, but everyone you know challenges happen. They're pretty much inevitable. It's life. But I think the key is how we view them. So instead of viewing them as roadblocks, let's view them as opportunities instead, because that's going to allow us to find creative solutions.
Malika Petersen:I think, speaking about problem solving, I think, I think, you know, it's very easy to say challenger inevitable, which we say we believe that right and and it's easy to tell our listeners see them as roadblocks,
Arthi Rabikrisson:yes,
Malika Petersen:but I think we need to talk about a third key characteristic when it comes to to problem solving, okay, in order to be able to see it as an opportunity. And that's the resourcefullness, right? Many superheroes maximize their assets in order to be cheaper girls. They're not limited by fear. So I'm going to use chichala again here the Black Country uses wakandas wealth and advanced technology to benefit these people and allies, and there's no unnecessary dependence on others. They worked with what they had. They understood their own resources, and they maximized on it.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, I mean, I'm thinking about it now. You're so right, right, because people didn't even know about
Malika Petersen:Oh, no, absolutely. I mean, we've kind Wakanda. So that was how they became so self sufficient, right? Using and maximizing, as you said, that what they needed. So, you know, if I have to translate that in terms of personal finances, I think it means, you know, simply, let's make the most of what we've got. So here's a few simple tips. Everybody, budget wisely. Oh, we've belabored this point in previous seasons, haven't we, Malika, but it simply means everybody just track your income and track your expenses and actually identify areas where you can save or invest more. Okay, then start to pay attention to where you're investing, and in particular, invest in appreciating assets, meaning things that will grow in value over time. So we've talked about it all of last season we unpacked the Advent Calendar things like stocks and real estate and continuous learning and education, right? A third one would be, build your network. Okay? And here's a nice one where it's not going to be maybe as difficult as you think, because you can start by mining your existing relationships. So think about your mentors, your peers, other professionals that may be around you who could offer you guidance and opportunities. You know Malika, I recently connected, reconnect that actually, because it's been a while with an old colleague of mine, and it really it was starting off as a casual catch up. How are you? What's going on with you? You know, that type of a thing. And then suddenly, as we got stuck into kind of what each person was doing, we started to have a bit of brainstorming. And both of us were learning about each other's sort of different spaces that of hinted at this before, but it really is about moving away from we're in, so much so that we started to co create something new and interesting together. Yeah, you know, it's amazing, right? So I found it so energizing everybody. But, you know, in the short to medium term, I'm sure it's going to land in some kind of a positive financial boost as well. So think about it, those conversations could be and those networks as well could be leading you down a path that you otherwise would not know about. that place where we feel like there's never enough, right, whether that be time, opportunities or resources, and really about stepping into that mindset where we start to believe that there's plenty to go around for everyone you know, no matter what's happening in the world and kind of CO creating with others.
Arthi Rabikrisson:I love that again, it's bringing that abundance mindset fully and square into play here, isn't it? And this co creation piece, I think that's the fun part, actually. But you know what? Here's the other thing, okay, because it's great to brainstorm. It's great to come up with ideas, right? But it's action is needed, okay? And in order to act everyone, we need this next key characteristics. So this is our fourth characteristics we're talking about now, for the wealth mindset, and that is discipline everyone. And you know, if you're going to maintain your wealth or even growing your wealth, it's going to require consistent habits as well as self control. Now, Malika, do you know Oliver Queen?
Malika Petersen:No, I dont think I do.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Guess what? You most likely do know him, because he's known as the Green Arrow.
Malika Petersen:Oh, okay, yeah.
Arthi Rabikrisson:So he is the billionaire playboy who you know, despite his flamboyance in many, many respects, he is sharply focused when it comes to managing business, dealing with politics, and ultimately, the development of his natural talent, which is archery, right? I mean even Robin Hood, I mean, he needed to have skills to master the bow and arrow right now, Oliver Queen, Green Arrow. He's done the same as well. I mean, to be honest. I mean, I've watched the series even. I've read a few of the comic books. I mean, I never knew there were so many types of arrows that one could have as well there's so many different ways you could shoot it. I mean, I just use a normal one
Malika Petersen:Yeah, now I think, I think, let's translate that discipline into practical steps you can take listeners from, just from a financial perspective. These are some of the practical steps that's again. So firstly, set up automatic savings, right and you know, use, use, you know, automatically transfer to savings or investments accounts, but to ensure that this consistent contribution, so many people worry about the size of the contribution, whether I've got enough, that's less important than ensuring that you are consistently saving. So remember to pay yourself first, and this is one of the best ways to do this. Set up a debit order that automatically does that for you.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yes, yes, I do this. I do this. Yes,
Malika Petersen:good, good. Then avoid impulse purchases, right? Simply by delaying the purchase by an hour, five hours a day, you get the idea, right? I think the bigger the purchase, the more you should delay, right? Yes, but I think that that thinking time just allows you to realign whether this purchase helps you towards your goals, such as it is an appreciating assets like paying for a new learning course, or just a consumable that will get shelved quickly after, you know, the novelty has worn off,like a hand, like a handbag. I say this, you understand how quietly I said because, yeah, that pains me. But yes, that's my that is my weakness, or a paddle racket, right? That you only use for two months before you decide that you've had enough injuries that you're not going to continue to play anymore.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Oh, no, yes, guilty, guilty, yeah.
Malika Petersen:And then regularly review your financial plan, right? Make sure that whoever your accountability partner is, whether it's a financial coach, a financial planner, whoever that may be, an accountant, whoever that maybe make sure that you book your meetings with them. I always say, go and see your financial planner. When you see your dentist, it needs to happen at least once every six months, right? And this will allow you to periodically assess your financial situation and adjust your strategies as needed. Life happens, and sometimes you need to adjust your strategy.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, perfect. I like this reminder. Malika, I've just scheduled my next meeting with my financial advisor, so thank you for reminding me. And you know, talking about all of these superheroes, I'm wondering, like, who's advising them?
Malika Petersen:Well, many of them had big corporations, so you know, there were boards of stakeholders, but some of them, we can actually find evidence that it was their close friend, like Pepper Pots to Tony Stark or Alfred to Batman, right? And actually, these advisors ended up becoming wealthy in their own, right?
Arthi Rabikrisson:So that is true.
Malika Petersen:Yes, that is very true, right? And we've spoken about accountability partners coming in many guises, um, everybody, but create your own board of trusted advisors from different aspects of your life just to ensure that you stick to your journey. I often say that a financial journey and your financial decisions are very personal, and when it's that close to home, you sometimes look or lose perspective. So make sure that you get you surrounded by a group of people that can help you and keep you on your your path. So all this talk of superpowers makes me want to add a bit more fun into our discussion. If you could choose financial superpower. What would it be?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Oh, okay. Oh gosh, there's like so many running in my head now I'm gonna say the first time it's popping into mine I'd love to have the ability to foresee market trends correctly, right? My gosh, can you imagine how easy, ja investing would be an absolute breeze? Malika, what about you? What about you?
Malika Petersen:Think that I would up the power to eliminate all the world's debt with it with the snacth of the finger.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Oh, snap, snap, snap. I'm snapping
Malika Petersen:imagine the financial freedom that we just bring to everybody across the globe.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Oh, oh, my gosh, that it would be incredible. Really, really would okay. But so Okay, since we don't have superpowers, we can focus on building habits instead. That can lead us to financial freedom. Okay? So everyone, let me just also, you know, take you back in terms of what is a habit, right? So habits come from thoughts, which are basically this confluence, amalgamation, whatever word you want to use to describe this coming together of life experiences, and also, you know, based on things we've heard in passing, maybe fundamental beliefs that come or emanate from childhood memories. And then obviously the actions that we take as a result of that, and we keep doing over and over again. That is a habit, everyone. Okay? Now, you know me, I love to talk about the neuroscience of things and the brain, so I'm just going to make this connection. So what would happen here is the brain would make a link to these moments, and you know what? They may or may not be useful to us or actually be true of that moment, right? Because that's the thing. Our brain doesn't always remember things in 100% clarity. Okay, so what I'd want to advise you, everybody, is, if you're getting thoughts coming into mind, consider whether or not it's going to be helpful to you in the moment. You really do want to go into that reflective place to understand is this something that rings true? If it doesn't, I need to get rid of it. I need to toss it, and I need to be deliberate then about replacing that with something far more positive and fact based, evidence based, okay, the more you do this, it will lead you to train your brain to think differently in the future, and thereafter, this can translate into positive action, and that can help us build towards what we define as wealth or financial freedom. So, you know, for example, one thought that has passed from generation to another has been and I know Malika, this is a nice, a big bug bear for you. So I know you're going to jump on this. One was that salary, right? Your salary was your main source of income from which everything else happened, right? Whether it was saving, spending, donating, whatever it was, but that was it. It was a salary. What we've now come to realize everyone is that in this world that we live in, that is simply no longer true. And so that was a thought, right? So if that thought is no longer true, one is to think, well, what is the action that one could take to override that and build a new habit to everyone and tingling. We've spoken about it before. The answer is diversifying our income streams.
Malika Petersen:Preach Arthi,
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, yeah,
Malika Petersen:We have to look at our context right, and what we are passing on to the next generation in terms of possibilities and ultimately creating a wealth mindset means we must be what new habits look like. We must be that phase, yes, so that our kids can look up to us, and it'll snowball there after they'll they'll automatically repeat our habits right now
Arthi Rabikrisson:and improve, hopefully,
Malika Petersen:absolutely, well, hopefully, yeah,so now let's talk about this fifth characteristic right, and it's a very close one to me, and I know to You as well, yes, and that's all about generosity, right?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, absolutely. Malika, I think the starting point of actually practicing generosity is being grateful oneself.
Malika Petersen:Now, not absolutely my turn to have a bee in my bonnet. Everyone when we focus on what we do have, we begin to see that there's more than enough, right? We begin to understand that there's more than enough, and it shifts your energy from scarcity to abundance. Now I've shared this with you guys, before, gratitude is a big thing for me. I spend time every single morning, no matter how I'm feeling, writing down 10 things that I'm grateful for every morning. Now, I want to actually share something with the listeners, because I originally started this practice just during the COVID pandemic. I don't, I don't know if I've shared this before, but that's when I originally started and at the time, it was at the very beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of death and uncertainty around us, all right. I mean, there were family members passing away, there was, we were hearing about colleagues and friends and, whole families at that point in time that were passing away, and we were all kind of questioning, what is going to happen. I'm sure you felt the same. Arthi, we were uncertain about where did it all lead? We were fearful. We were kind of guarded in our homes. And that's when I started with my what I cal; gratitude journal, right? But it's writing things that I write down every day, and initially this took me a long time to come up with anything that I was grateful for.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, Malika, it's not an easy process, especially when you're first starting out. Because, you know, again, going back to the brain, we are so so trained towards finding negatives or false, instead of that abundance that we're talking about in terms of gratitude,
Malika Petersen:Absolutely. Arthi, I mean. And I actually remember that my first list started. It was actually funny, because I would write a couple of things, think about it, walk away for a while, come back a little bit later, and you know, but I'd force myself to find 10 things, okay, yeah, every single day, um, whether it be I've got running water in the tap, the sun is shining today. Whatever it may be, I forced myself to find 10 things, okay. And as time went on, it became so much easier. I mean, I now look at my, you know, back at my list from those early days, because I keep all my gratitude journal, and they really, really make me smile, right? It helps remind me of all the good that already exists and that that I've been blessed to have. The key is to find the positive in every single situation. I actually read the post of a gentleman on social media, and this really, really touched me. He shared how he had lost his job. It was at more or less the same time he had shared how he had lost his job in the pandemic, right? And this was, this was a huge thing impact on his life. He had wife and family and all of these things that he needed to take care of. He didn't have an emergency fund or anything to be able to take care of his family, but he decided to sit down and identify all the things that he had to be grateful for that were associated with that situation, right? And he wrote down a long list, right? It included things like, he got to spend more time with his wife and kids He got to finish DIY projects around the house that he did he hadn't. He had put off because he didn't have time. He got to start writing the book that he'd been wanting to write. He got to cook dinner for his wife. He got to, you know, all of these things he wrote down about what made the situation, what about the situation was positive. And I followed him on social media and today, and I mean, I followed his journey very quickly, his life turned around, right? He turned his DIY projects and the passion that he had for DIY into a business, as we all know, the spend on buildings and renovations increased dramatically post post pandemic, because people were saving money. And he's got a business doing that. He's now written multiple books, so his earnings now is more than double what he earned at the point that he lost his job during the pandemic, plus he has more time freedom. So, you know, he basically, we need to look at those habits that have formed when he when he changed his thinking he was able
Arthi Rabikrisson:I mean, that just ties in so beautifully with to also diversitize himself. everything we've just been talking about, in terms of, you know, a certain thought. I mean, he leaned into the negative situation and looked for something completely different, almost like an alternative trend, in terms of gratitude from the situation and look where it's taken him. That's such a beautiful story Malika. You know, I definitely feel gratitude is like this muscle. You just strengthen it and strengthen it the more you practice it. And I like what you said, it doesn't need to be big things everybody. It can be as simple as what Malika was saying, like this, being grateful for having sunshine or enjoying a great cup of coffee, or just having had a good conversation with a friend, you know. And you know, guess what? When we start to see the goodness of what we have, it really makes it far easier to want others to feel that level of goodness, too, and that is where generosity comes in. So whether it's your time, your knowledge, other forms of resources, maybe it's even a way of saying, I'm not afraid of giving, because that's not going to leave me with anything less all of this, you know, just by giving means that you are going to be contributing to abundance all around you.
Malika Petersen:I absolutely believe that is true. And yeah, actually, I had a bit of a proud moment the other day. I haven't even told you about it yet. One of my kids wanted money for something, heneeded to get something. And I said, I'll give you in a second. Just, just, just give me a second. I need to get my wallet. And he was like, standing, waiting, waiting. I said, just, just give me a second. And he said to me, when your hand is open to give, it's open to receive. I was so proud, because I'm like, You guys have been listening. Let's go.
Arthi Rabikrisson:That is quite lovely.
Malika Petersen:But the more you know, the more you give positively, more the more positive things come back your way too. So So I think what are some of the tips that we could share around this? From my side, I would like to say, find community groups in your area that meet regularly to do something. Now this can be anything. Can be dance classes, an investment club, stokvel, like we have in South Africa, a Community Work Group, a soup kitchen. You can inspire teams, anything, collect, stamps, I you know, the list goes on and on of things that you can do. The important thing is that you engage in fellowship with people that you may not have known
Arthi Rabikrisson:Mm, I like it. I really, really like it. before. Okay, a tip, a tip for me, maybe piggybacks off that little piece about fellowship with people, I would say, you know, to travel and explore and to offer to others as a result of that. Now, of course, yes, I'm fully aware it might not be affordable for everyone to travel, especially abroad, to experience new cultures. I mean, immediately, when we think travel, we think, Oh, we're going beyond our borders. And of course, if you're able to do that, I mean those new cultures immersing yourself in that's just going to be so much of diversity, of course. So if that is possible, by all means, go and do that. But I guess I also want to suggest that you can do this even in your own backyard. Literally, everybody explore some hidden gems in your neighborhood, right? I know there's so many I've actually earmarked. I started to do some of this in December during the holidays, and it was amazing, right? Finding these little nooks, crannies, avenues, shops, people to talk to, lovely little markets that I never knew were there that I just stumbled upon. I learned so many new things. But here's the thing, it wasn't just about learning something new. It was also saying about well, what could I offer to them that they might find useful, and that Malika, oh, I can't explain how nice it felt to be able to just offer something that somebody else needed at that time. And it was as as simple as somebody just needed someone to listen because they were just having a really, really bad time, like the one lady at the flea market, she just had a really, really bad customer, you know, who was basically just being very, very mean and stalked off, and she had so much of emotion about it, and she just spoke about it, and afterwards, she's like, just, thanks for listening. I really needed that. And, I mean, I was like, You're welcome, you know, I it was so lovely to be able to do that. And who knows, that may have turned her mood and her whole kind of view of the rest of the day around you know, it could be as simple as giving advice about a new opportunity that you might be aware of to somebody who's looking for that you could make introductions, maybe in your network if you know something, you never know where these things can lead to.
Malika Petersen:Yeah, that is so true. Arthi and I like this idea that it doesn't need to be a huge leap, right? It can be small steps, like networking with people who inspire you online. I mean, Google new and different things that you haven't thought about before, right? Follow people you wouldn't normally follow in social media. Mess with the algorithm, because at the moment, it's set up to feed you the same thing over and over again. Mess with it, right? And try to new RP that could just open up new opportunities. I mean, I recently tried paddle, which is why I can comment on the paddle rackets and the injury, right, exactly. But, I mean, I met so many new people.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Ah, man, I'm feeling so inspired. This has been such an inspiring conversation. Malika, okay, but we're coming to the end of it. This is always the difficult part. All right, okay, but before we get into parting shots, let's actually summarize with some quick action steps for our listeners. So what do you feel would be some of the things? Let's say three things that they can get started with today.
Malika Petersen:Okay, so first, it's the easiest. It's got the most amount of impact, as far as I'm concerned. Okay, start by writing down five things you are grateful for every single day. Get in the habit of noticing the abundance that is you already have and that is around you, and then increase that list until you have 10 things that you are good, that you are grateful every day, but do it every single day, every day, right?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Super, super. Got it. Okay. The second one I would say is start challenging your scarcity thoughts and habits. So when you catch yourself thinking thoughts such as, you know, I don't have enough time, or I can't do that, because you know that, because you know, ask yourself, if that's really true, you know, is that true, that I don't have enough time? Is it true I can't do that? And look for the alternative. So change that little question or statement in your mind. So in the first example, change it to I can make time, or actually instead of I can't do this. I can try this. So start replacing those perceived obstacles with small, productive steps that ultimately will form those great new habits.
Malika Petersen:And lastly, take some kind of action that will build your resilience or create value, even if it's small, whether it's offering to help someone move their project along, or investing in a skill Action speaks so much louder than words.
Arthi Rabikrisson:I love that. I love that these are powerful steps. And remember everyone, this isn't something you can change overnight, but as Malika said, with consistent practice, you're going to start seeing the shift. And with that, we are at our parting shots. Malika, so what is yours?
Malika Petersen:So my parting shot is that I kind of want to share that I've been on this journey, this mindset journey, this change in habit, and, you know, thinking journey for a few years now. And, you know, I think the one thing you said is about constant practice, consistency is so key. This is not an easy journey, because we are forcing ourselves to unlearn years and years and years of beliefs that are shaped by our brains in order to protect us from repeating experiences that left us feeling a certain way, right. But the problem with that is, is that it prevents us from achieving our full potential. So affirmations can help rewire your thinking, like, I mean affirmations like, there's more than enough for me, or I attract abundance into my life every day. Can really help remind your brain that that abundance is possible. Yeah, you can even say them out loud or write them down. Your brain starts to believe what you tell it over and over again. So why not tell it something empowering? Why don't you empower your brain and your thoughts and your mind, right? But I think the biggest guarantee to abundance is still consistency. And let me tell you, it is so so, so worth it. What about you, Arthi, what is your parting short?
Arthi Rabikrisson:I'm smiling so, so big. I converted you into the brain neuroscience. Okay, my parting short would be, you know, what building a wealth mindset. We've covered it today. It involves resilience, innovation, resourcefulness, discipline and generosity. So everyone, when you adopt these traits and you take the deliberate actions that we've given you some great ideas about you can become the financial superhero of your own life. How amazing is that? So everyone start today, today, right now,
Malika Petersen:Thinking about something you said earlier, Arthi, about Alfred yeah, actually, a billionaire Butler. He was a butler.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Oh, my God, clearly, clearly, he was paid for really great service, and probably Excellent advice as well. And you know what? Just for caring actually,
Malika Petersen:Couldn't we all have benefactors like that?
Arthi Rabikrisson:All All in good time, all in good time. Let's continue to think abundantly, and it may very well happen to us too. Malika,
Malika Petersen:That is a great provider. Until next time, everyone, keep growing your wealth mindset and bye for now.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Ciao,
Malika Petersen:Thanks for joining us. We hope you found these ideas and guidance useful.
Arthi Rabikrisson:We're both seasoned in the investments industry. Malika is at the coalface of how, where and why people invest the way they do.
Malika Petersen:I certainly am. And you Arthi, you've witnessed different types of investor behaviors around money, too, and now work as a global award winning coach to free us from the mindsets that stop us from becoming financially free.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Do subscribe, share and write a review or send
Malika Petersen:Catch you on the next episode
Arthi Rabikrisson:of the swine effect podcast us comments. We would love to hear from you.
Malika Petersen:Bye for now.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Ciao
