28 Jun The Unexpected Key To Success

Would you be surprised if I told you that English speakers are 30% less likely to save money than those who speak Mandarin?

I certainly was!

The fascinating findings of a study by Keith Chen of Yale Business School found this to be the case when comparing languages such as English, Russian, and Korean that have future tense such as “I will save money” vs a language like Mandarin that only has present tense – “I save money”.

Not only do those who speak in present tense save more money, they smoke less, exercise more, and tended to be healthier as they age.

So how can English speakers get a piece of this 30% more successful pie?

1. Use Power Words

This study shows that the words we use are powerful. They create our present and our future.

One of my favourite ways to stay present is with Power Words. Power Words help you create and cultivate qualities in the present moment, allowing you to have more of what you want in your life, right now.

2. Be Present

Mindfulness is an awareness of the present moment, acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings and thoughts without judgement. As a practice, pausing to tune-in to the present can have lasting tangible effects on our well-being and performance.

Take the time to really focus on what you are doing, or what is happening around you. Notice the details, how it is affecting your body, your senses, if it’s an object the texture, the shape.

3. Meditate

Meditation trains your mind to let go of striving for the future, or ruminating on the past and just focus on the here and now.

There’s a growing body of research that shows the benefits of mindfulness meditation including increased focus, reduced stress, and boosts to working memory.

The basics of mindfulness meditation are simple. You set aside some time to simply sit and focus on the present moment. You’re not striving for eternal calm or enlightenment, you’re just noticing what’s happening around (and in) you. Just pay attention to what’s going on right now – the sounds, the smells and other sensations in and around your body.

The good news? Meditation studies have found that even just 10 minutes a day can have positive impact.

What can you do right now to focus on the present moment?

Maybe there is stress you have being holding on to, or something you’ve been avoiding. Or, maybe it’s time to step away from the computer and go for a walk.

Do yourself the favour of being in the present, it’s the only time we really have.