In a fast -paced investment management, which is often quantified by profits and rankings, the fundamental change in thinking can be redefined your edge. This is the first in a four -part series on self -improvement to set up a stage for participating in the CFA Institute Live 2025, contributing to the debate on the construction of trust and the management of expectations.
Sports psychology research has revealed that athletes, which focus on self -improvement, have a better performance than athletes focusing on the results. Ancient stoic philosopher will agree. This principle can be applied to first -class individuals, teams, and your own practice.
There are two ways for people to experience engagement:
- It is based on the factor of the ego, such as how to rank compared to the peer.
- Practical factors such as personal improvement.
Athletes can see that they have improved their performance when working on self -improvement, not focusing on scores or similar metrics. It is the difference between a golfer aimed at impressing others to impress the low hand cap and others who aim to improve the swing.
Both players want improvement.
Both players are very motivated to win.
The difference is the reason. Leacronble Holm, a world -famous professional golf coach, states:
“That's not how motivated you are, that's the fundamental reason for your motivation. [that matters]。 “
Here, we distinguish between the ego and the way of learning. With the concept of learning, we will focus on what we can control, regardless of the final score (result).
Similarly, Guy Cotter, an expert at Mt. Everest, says climbers should travel, not the summit, not the goal.
“It's as if people are only interested in the goals of climbing Everest and climbing Everest as a great achievement of mountain climbing careers.”
I have to admit more in the Ego Mind Set Camp. Let's be transparent. I care about what my colleagues think about themselves and how much money they make. I think almost everyone will do so. But I am trying to re -establish my “why” to the acquisition side.

So how can you get better by doing it for self -improvement?
That is what I can control easier than others.
In my work in managing money, I emphasize the number of portfolio performances and business growth. There is no reason for measured goals in the corporate world. As far as I can, I need to maintain my score.
But I also focus on our process, which can control my team. What makes us a better investor? Do I need to change the way of operating the meeting? Can you improve the interpretation method of financial data and economic data? How can we maximize the impact of collaboration and strengthen investment decisions?

In the business world, data and “major performance indicators” are observed. In general, that's a good thing, but ignores the importance of mindset in driving performance.
The conventional goal focuses on the results, and the acquisition goal focuses on the process. Both are effective. It is important to set goals for improving processes. Transfer your focus from things you can't control (out, opinions, or rankings) from process, efforts, learning, etc. Whether you lead a team or climb your Everest, you can get more focusing on your trip than to be absorbed in your destination. And your way of thinking is determined whether climbing is meaningful or empty.
CFA's Sébastien page is the author Leadership psychologyReleased soon in April 2025. This book can be obtained by making a reservation order with www.psychologyofleadership.net.