The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing
The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing
S4 E5 The Wealth Code Discipline
What separates financial dreamers from achievers? One word: discipline.
In this illuminating episode of the Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika explore the untold power of self-discipline in wealth creation through the lens of our favorite superheroes.
Forget what you think you know about discipline. It's not about rigid obedience or punishing routines—it's about emotional self-regulation paired with rational decision-making that keeps you focused on your financial goals. The hosts break down why this internal tug-of-war between immediate gratification and long-term goals is particularly challenging in our technology-saturated world, where distractions and temptations are just a click away.
Drawing wisdom from unexpected sources, Arthi and Malika unpack how Batman's obsessive routines, Black Widow's calculated decisions, Captain America's unwavering priorities, Spider-Man's self-awareness, and Doctor Strange's mindset transformation all offer profound lessons for your financial journey.
These superhero strategies translate directly to practical money habits—whether you're building a business, diversifying income streams, or simply trying to stay on budget.
The most powerful insight?
Self-forgiveness may be your greatest financial superpower.
As explored through Scarlet Witch's journey, holding onto financial mistakes creates a burden that prevents forward movement. Learning to forgive yourself for past money missteps frees you to make better choices today.
Ready to build your financial discipline muscle? Listen to the hosts share five actionable strategies to start right now:
🦸🏽♀️establishing your non-negotiable "hero habit,"
🦸🏽♀️building systems (not just goals),
🦸🏽♀️eliminating financial noise,
🦸🏽♀️creating visual reminders, and
🦸🏽♀️practicing compassion when you stumble.
Because discipline isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.
Whether you're struggling to stay on budget, looking to grow your wealth, or working toward financial independence, this episode provides the mental framework to transform your relationship with money through superhero-level discipline.
Subscribe now and discover why, as we say, "forgiveness is part of your financial toolkit.
Share 📢and write a review as we continue our mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom. What innovative solution might be your path to wealth creation?
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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Arthi Rabikrisson:Hi there, I'm Arthi Rabikrisson. Hello.
Malika Petersen:I'm Malika Petersen. Welcome to 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.
Arthi Rabikrisson:It's my favorite month because it's my birthday month. We are well and truly into mid-year, okay. Okay, I'm not going to say it, but I can't help myself. Where has the first half of the year gone?
Arthi Rabikrisson:I don't know about you everyone, but for me, when I get into June, I almost have like a gear shift, you know, after the disbelief of how quickly time has passed, to actually now focus and think about discipline, because I start to realize that the end of the year is so close by, which is why I think it's so appropriate that we are cracking the code on discipline today on the Swan Effect podcast, which, as you will recall everyone, is the theme of the season of becoming your own financial superhero, and discipline is a key trait that we identified in episode two of the season, and it's needed in order to create that wealth mindset, and Malika and I are on that mission to get you, and ourselves too, closer to that wealth creation vision. Hi, malika, and welcome.
Malika Petersen:Hi Arthi it's another exciting conversation today and I'm so glad that you shared that recap with our listeners. So remember everyone, we've been working our way through a wealth mindset this season, which is so exciting, and the last two episodes have focused on the key traits being innovation and resilience. So hence this is now our third one, right on discipline, that we're unpacking. If you miss missed others, not to worry, just go back to our podcast and listen at your leisure. Listen to it a few times. Each time, I mean for me, every time I listen to it, something new kind of emerges for me, and I'm sure it will for you as a takeaway as well yeah.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Set the scene for us. Malika, how are we going to be talking about discipline today?
Malika Petersen:Okay, so today's episode is about a cornerstone of success discipline, right, whether you're starting your own business, looking at building additional streams of income or thinking about wealth creation, the common thread and guys cannot stress this enough, it truly is the common thread that ties it all together, and that's discipline. That constant drive keeps you on track, especially when things get tough.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Absolutely, Malika. I mean, you can have all the ideas in the world everyone but if you don't have the discipline to follow through, they're just dreams. So today we're going to talk about the what, the why and the how around self-discipline and how. When it comes to wealth creation, it's this non-negotiable, so that you can achieve that financial independence as well as that lasting success.
Malika Petersen:Exactly, and we're not just talking about the hustle grind that people are talking about on social media. It's interesting on social media, but it's real kind of sustainable discipline that gets results over the long run. So, because I'm so excited, let's dive in and unpack this even further. So, aati, spell it out for us from your experience with coaching and from a neuroscience perspective. You come across different levels of self-discipline with your clients, correct?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, that is correct. It really does vary. Malika.
Malika Petersen:Okay. So exactly what are we talking about when we say discipline?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Okay, so, very simply put, what it means is everyone being able to control ourselves and to stay focused on our goals. So, if you think about it, what that means is we're controlling our behavior, our mind and actually even our body over time so that we can achieve what we want to achieve, meaning we have to stay disciplined. I hope that's simple enough.
Malika Petersen:Okay, so that does sound like it might mean that we have to be obedient and set rewards and punishments to stick to being disciplined, right.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, you know, it's actually interesting you say that because you're right, right, as humans, we feel that discipline it's very rigid and we really have to shift things in such a rigid way in order to get things done. But you know, if anything, we actually, by doing that, we set ourselves up for So, actually, Malika, you know what I would say? and the anxiety that builds just by doing this. No, discipline is not actually requiring all of that, that obedience and these rigid regimen of things that need to be done Okay, but then what does it require?
Arthi Rabikrisson:I would say it's actually a healthy dose of self-regulation from an emotional perspective, and then add to that that rational thought process to help you make a decision, Okay, so okay, let me illustrate with a very simple example. I love chocolate. I also know it's not good for me. Okay, Because it messes with my sugar cravings. You know, once you get started, you can't stop right, so I want more sweet stuff as a result. Now, from an emotional perspective, there's a little voice in me that says, Artie, go on, have that chocolate. And when that voice comes, I actually need to be able to regulate myself to actually understand. Okay. But now, Arthi, why do you want or even need that chocolate? And you know, through my own kind of work over the years, Malika, I've come to realize that actually me reaching for chocolate is actually a self-soothing mechanism, because there's actually something else that's going wrong.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, I've come to realize that. So now, with that realization, I regulate myself and I actually figure out okay, Arthi, what's going on with you at this point in time that's making you want that chocolate. And over time now, I've built up my willpower to be able to say no in that moment. And once I'm able to do that, my rational mind comes in and basically says chocolate no. No, you're not eating that today. Or if I'm in the store and I see the chocolate, no, I'm not buying that chocolate today, Don't need it. Because I figured out what's actually going on with me.
Malika Petersen:Yeah, and I mean it sounds like a constant battle internally, which I mean I can absolutely understand because I have my own battles that gone inside of me, but we all do. Yeah, why is it that we have this battle to retain our self-discipline?
Arthi Rabikrisson:That's such a great question and it comes down to this conflict, right? A conflict between immediate gratification which I know you have a bugbear on, this, right, we speak about this all the time that instant gratification and long-term goals. So that's the tussle. Now, remember, our brains are wired to seek pleasure, right, it wants things to get done easy, smoothly, it wants to avoid discomfort, and therefore we find it hard to focus, right, especially if something is, we're going to push it out, and plus, there are so many other distractions that come into play. And also, you know, oftentimes we don't set accountability measures as well. That just helps us to keep on track. So there's a lot going on.
Malika Petersen:Yeah, you're saying. I mean, you're saying this and I'm already thinking about those reasons why, and even in a financial context too, right, so we're always speaking about instant gratification or the delay of instant gratification, for example, when it comes to to spending right yeah, like my chocolate example I just shared with you no, yeah, absolutely.
Malika Petersen:And then other reasons, like technology being a distraction with multiple influences and I mean when I influencers, I mean people and things online, a myriad of shopping apps and portals oh yes, we know about those and habits and rituals that play into spending as well, such as always buying popcorn or cold drink and candy at the movie theater.
Arthi Rabikrisson:It's like it goes hand in hand.
Malika Petersen:Yeah, absolutely, like we just put them together. You always had a pizza on a Friday night, but from what you're saying, we can actually change this through understanding the why we are doing this and changing it for something else, right? So that is the question. The big question now is like how do we do that?
Arthi Rabikrisson:And that is where we are going to take some cues from our superheroes that we've been talking about throughout the season to maybe illustrate some of that, how everyone now, if you think back, we've mentioned a number of super wealthy heroes already into the season and one of the things that most of them, almost all of them, have in common I mean not just brains, not just their bravery, but it stands out all the time. Discipline stands out all the time.
Malika Petersen:Excellent. I'm so happy that we are doing it with this focus.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, yeah, okay, okay, okay, cool. So let's start with Batman, for example. Okay, so he doesn't have superpowers, but he's got this, iron will right. So Bruce Wayne. He built his wealth through Wayne Enterprises and then he became Batman. But he became Batman by being absolutely obsessive with his routines. There was this intense training, to the point where it actually became self-denial in certain respects as well. So he literally trained his body and his mind to what I would say is like the edge of human capacity.
Malika Petersen:I mean, everything was at his fingertips, right, yeah, but he still chose discipline. He set up non-negotiable routines, from his combat drills to strategy planning, and that's what separates him from being just another rich guy. Imagine, listeners, if you're thinking about your side hustle business as an example the idea of starting a business is exciting. It's glamorous in every way the freedom, the potential to scale, the ability to be your own boss. But we all know that starting a business is really, really tough. ANd I know why you are laughing ARthi ... It requires next level discipline yeah,
Arthi Rabikrisson:You know why I am laughing. It's because I can tell you all about that, malika. Being a, being a solopreneur, you know it's very easy to feel discouraged when you don't have those immediate returns, right, that instant gratification. But you know, what I find is that showing up even when I'm not winning, is actually winning, right? Because, like Batman, I've become obsessed with building myself, building my brand and, importantly, building a system that actually works for both the big and the small tasks. So, for me, everything is like part of this web, like almost, of building towards success in business. And I know, even from your side you know in your family as well, malika it's been similar, because you've got entrepreneurs in your family too.
Malika Petersen:It's the same right yeah, yeah, you know, when you say that, you make me think of Natasha Romanoff, right, Black Widow, every single move is calculated right. I mean, she's proof that stealth wealth and stealth strength requires mental and emotional discipline, especially under high pressure situations. I mean, imagine bringing that into your financial decision making right?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yes, I mean, it's a game changer. It really is. And it ties into another key. How point about self-discipline? Everyone? And actually, let's think about Steve Rogers, right?
Arthi Rabikrisson:Captain America, he's a really good case in point. So, again, he was not one of the flashiest, or I mean maybe a little bit lower down the rungs, not the super rich. He was also rich, but there was one thing that he does better than anyone else, and that is to prioritize. So he always knows what matters, and one of the hardest thing everyone to learn to do is to learn to prioritize what's important. Because, I mean, I see it all the time it's like everything seems to be urgent, everything seems to be we need to get it done, like yesterday, but actually, no, that's not the case. So the discipline is to be able to do things in this prioritized fashion, even if they don't feel exciting, like planning how your cashflow is going to go or, you know, creating that solid marketing strategy Difficult if these are not areas that you're familiar with, but you know these are tasks that are critical to your long-term success. So when you build that kind of focus and that routine, it truly does set you up for growth. yeah
Malika Petersen:I mean, steve rogers is so clear on his values. It's like his internal compass never wavers, even when the world changes. He doesn't, and he doesn't waste time chasing things that don't align to those values. So I mean, discipline is really about not getting distracted by the shiny new idea, but just stick to the plan always.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Ah, that is. You know. For me, that's a massive wealth lesson, actually, because when you know your financial goals whether it's saving for a home, paying off debt, building generational wealth you actually stop spending on distractions because you know this is clear. This is where I want to go, so self-discipline without prioritization is actually just exhaustion.
Malika Petersen:That's what I think it is, absolutely, and it's making me think about even diversifying your income. You know, I know I know you big on this, I think. But the challenge is figuring out how to make it work without burning out. It's very easy to fall into the trap of thinking I have to hustle all the time, but this is where discipline in time management comes in. You have to be strategic about allocating your time across different income streams right and creating a schedule to give each one its due credit right.
Arthi Rabikrisson:You know that means that you don't make unforeseen mistakes, for example, Right, right, and you know why that's so important is because it brings you down to being very realistic about what's going on at that point in time, right, which I think brings me now to our next superhero, malika. Spider-man, okay, or the character that we know as Peter Parker, right, so he is a really great example of someone who knows his limits. So he's young, he's broke half the time time, he's juggling like 15 things, right, but then he kind of owns it, don't you think?
Malika Petersen:no, absolutely. And I mean he knows he gets impulsive and emotional and sometimes reactive, but I think, instead of pretending that it's got it all together, he builds systems like routines, anchors, asking for help. Help, he's very self-aware, right.
Arthi Rabikrisson:And I think that's exactly what we need to do with money as well, everyone. So, for example, if your weakness is late night online shopping, oh boy, you know, especially around Black Friday, we do this. Right, it's the up till midnight and we start to shop, or maybe even avoiding the budget, you know, you can name it. Whatever it is that weakness, then set up some guardrails for yourself, as you said earlier, malika. Things like auto-saving, limiting your card access or using that accountability buddy I mean all of these things are really, really going to help.
Malika Petersen:No, those are excellent examples. I mean that we've spoken about previously that, obviously. But it is a mind shift towards wealth creation. And speaking of that, I must say dr strange is coming to mind at the okay, tell us more. Well, he's the ultimate mindset transformation right or transformer from ego-driven surgeon to humble dimensional, and his story is such a powerful reminder that loss can either destroy you or it can transform you, and I think in his case it unlocked a whole new perspective, literally.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah okay, I can see why you're saying that. Okay, and if I have to translate it into like a financial context, I think you know this is what can happen for us, that transformation, everyone, if we let go of these toxic money mindsets that we have. Right, and it's often rooted in, you know, a sense of scarcity, shame even, or this comparison factor of what I have versus what others have. All of these things actually hold us back. But then when we shift to what I like to call possibility, thinking like, for example, what if I could learn to invest? Or what if I could be wealthy without any kind of guilt, right, suddenly I'm like visualizing, or I'm dreaming, manifesting I know you love that word as well, malika that game actually then starts to change, right?
Malika Petersen:That is so true. I mean wealth is starting your head. Before it starts in your wallet. Doctor Strange didnt gain power from holding on. He actually grew when he let go.
Arthi Rabikrisson:That is so powerful. I think what you've just said there. That's like a drop mic moment for me, actually that letting go truly sets us free and when we're able to forgive ourselves for any mistakes we've made, that freedom is ultimate. It's reminding me of do you remember the character? The Scarlet Witch Wanda?
Malika Petersen:Oh yes.
Arthi Rabikrisson:She's one of the most complex characters, you know. Every time I think of her, I think of, like, all this grief like she holds because of so much that's gone on, right. But she's made some really, really big mistakes, right, especially in the WandaVision series movie as well. But underneath it all there's this big journey of self-forgiveness and that, to me, is such an underrated part of actually building wealth.
Malika Petersen:No, totally. I think we've all made money mistakes building wealth no, totally. I think we've all made money mistakes Maxed out credit cards, missed investment opportunities or just avoided financial conversations right, but if you stay stuck in that guilt, you're not going to move forward. That's the reality of it, right? And what I'm hearing is that listeners like Wanda you can be powerful and still flawed. You know what matters is really taking responsibility, healing and stepping forward. Wealth is emotional too, and forgiveness really is part of your financial toolkit.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Yeah, you said it, Malika, I mean everyone, you've heard it here, Forgiveness is part of your financial toolkit. Self-forgiveness, right? Oh, I think that's so powerful. We're dropping some real powerful things here today, Okay. So just to recap, then, because we've said so many different things. Okay so, listeners, for your benefit, on the how piece. How do we actually build self-discipline? So it's things like obsessive routines, which are all calculated towards getting you closer to your goals. And then, of course, when you prioritize these goals, then you will find ways to get started on them, be it building a business or finding ways to diversify your income.
Malika Petersen:No, and let's also not forget that we need to know our weaknesses, flaws or limits so that our rational mind can set up guardrails, so that we can tangibly steer clear of being derailed right. This is all in our control. Everyone that strong mindset about control opens up so many possibilities and in knowing our flaws and being able to forgive ourselves, we can truly embrace that wealth mindset.
Arthi Rabikrisson:I love that recap All right. So let's bring it now to the ground level, to our foundational base. How can our listeners start building their self-discipline muscle today?
Malika Petersen:So number one set your hero habit baseline. Now this might be saving 10% of every payment you receive, or doing a weekly money. Check in with yourself. Choose one habit and make it absolutely sacred.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Okay. Second, for me would be building a system, not just a goal. Okay. So, yes, I love goals. Goals give you direction, but you know what? It's the systems that keep you moving. So things like what we said earlier automate your savings. Maybe even you have a no spend day once a week, even start day, and then actually something like that visualization component about how you can make your future self the default winner. So that delaying of the gratification as well, that's part of that system.
Malika Petersen:Everyone yeah, absolutely. And then, third, cut the noise. Discipline absolutely loves focus, so unfollow accounts that tempt you into lifestyle inflation, create boundaries around emotional spending and track all your triggers.
Arthi Rabikrisson:All of that shopping and consumption Okay, great, okay. So our fourth one everyone would be to use some visual reminders, actually, so you know whether it's a superhero you admire, or maybe a vision board that you're creating where you can see it all the time that talks to your financial goals. Just keep reminding your brain why you're doing this. I use this all the time in my coaching. I always tell my clients to use some kind of a visualization because the more you see it, the more it becomes ingrained in your mind about here's why I'm doing certain things. Okay, so that discipline, if you don't have that vision, it kind of feels a little bit like that punishment we were talking about earlier. Now, if you've got that vision, if you can visualize it, man, it's absolute power everyone and finally forgive yourself the stumbles.
Malika Petersen:I mean, even superheroes have off days, so if you do overspend or break a habit, don't spiral, just reset. Show up tomorrow and that is really the true power.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Oh, I agree. I really, really agree.
Arthi Rabikrisson:This is the one that I think is sometimes the biggest stumbling block, you know you make that misstep and suddenly we throw everything out the window and we just discount all the progress we've made up until that point. Right? So I love what you're saying there. Let's show up again the next day and start again. The sun rises the next day, everyone, okay, gosh, that's been so lovely talking around all of this. I think we're actually coming to the end of our conversation, malika. Oh my god, let's go to our parting shots then. Malika, for our chat today, what's yours?
Malika Petersen:so I think, for me, discipline doesn't just create wealth, right, it creates freedom. I mean, superheroes don't wait for motivation, they train through the mundane. I read this saying once that one of my favorite soccer players, cristiano Ronaldo, when asked you know what is it? You know that he hates the most about his career and he says it's difficult it's the discipline. The discipline is the most difficult thing, not only in sport but in life, and I think that's key to understanding. However, he also has a saying that the best version of yourself is a disciplined version of yourself. Right version of yourself is a disciplined version of yourself, right. So train your habits, honor your budget and let discipline unlock your destiny towards true financial independence and success. How about you at the end? What is your parting shot today?
Arthi Rabikrisson:no thanks, malika. I mean I, I love what you said as well with that quote. That was was amazing. Okay, I mean, everyone, we're talking superheroes, right, but here's the truth you don't need a cape, you just need consistency. Everyone, there's different levels of perfection. We always get hung up on this, but perfection is something we strive for and we set ourselves up for failure. But actually, what we were talking about earlier those systems and being persistent, obsessive even, but at the same time being kind to yourself, to me, you know, that's what really really gets us going. So think of self-discipline as the bridge between who you are and who you are becoming in the future, so who you are now, who you're becoming in the future. So every choice, then, that you're making today plants the seeds for your financial future. And choose that, choose to be that fully enveloped superhero that you are, and making those progress steps, one at a time.
Malika Petersen:So keep building that financial muscle, keep paddling beneath the surface, keep soaring to grace and remember transformation takes place. You've got this. Until next time, everyone.
Arthi Rabikrisson:Those are great words. Until next time, everyone. 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, aarti. You've witnessed different types of investor behaviors around money, too 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 us comments. We would love to hear from you. Catch you on the next episode of the Swan Effect podcast. Bye for now, ciao.
