Charles Morgan Develop the mental strength of an Olympian 💪

Pin Tweet Share Share
From: Bankable by Forbes - Wednesday Feb 21, 2018 06:01 pm
Develop the mental strength of an Olympian 💪
Money. Career. Balance.
Train your brain to be as mentally tough as an Olympian’s
Photo: PeopleImages/Getty
Since the Olympics Opening Ceremony, I’ve caught only a few minutes of slalom, skeleton and snowboard cross. But the athletes’ hard work and endurance through falls, failures and injuries isn’t lost on me, even as I watch lazily on my couch. Olympians are no less mentally tough than they are physically. 

You may never walk in the red, white and blue, Ralph Lauren-clad delegation, but you can train your mind to think with the same resilience as those who do.

For my part, I’ve been trying some end-of-day journaling, just a quick three lines: “Today’s moment of happiness: __, gratitude: ___, giving: ___.” It’s challenging to think of how to fill those blanks, but I’ve been surprised and enlightened by where the pen goes. My happiness selection may be as simple as laughing with a colleague in the hallway, and giving as simple as holding the elevator for someone. Though small, these acts signal what kind of moments keep my mentality positive.
TAKE CHARGE
Tackle money, career and balance with these tips today.

 
Now that tax season is in full swing…
…read up on what you must know about identity theft and tax returns.

Despite our best intentions, we can’t always say “yes” at work.
Identify these opportunities to start saying “no” more.

Expecting baby No. 2?
Here’s what your bundle of joy will mean for your money and career.
WHAT'S FRESH
Earn extra pay for working extra hours

In this age of constant communication, one work-related ping after another may have you feeling “always on.” Whether due to your own eagerness or your employer’s expectations, consider whether clocking extra hours should be earning you extra pay.

Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, either your employer pays you a fixed amount regardless of schedule, or you’re entitled to time-and-a-half when your workweek exceeds 40 hours. However, the second option carries exceptions, like sales employees who earn commissions. 

Generally, if you’re making important, administrative decisions after hours without consulting your boss, you may be able to demand more pay. If the boss says you’re not entitled to overtime pay, visit HR to ask why your job is exempt from the government provision. 
Get the most from your employer’s 401(k) match

Between the corporate tax cut and tight labor market, one in four employers is increasing 401(k) matches to assist workers’ financial futures. The formulas vary widely, with more than 200 varieties administered by Vanguard Group alone. That’s great news, but look closely for a critical catch: At the same time the C-suite is contributing more, more may be required from you.

On the extreme end, some retirement plan consultants have seen employers stretching matches from 6% or 8% up to 10% or 25%. To give you an idea: Experts recommend saving 15% of your salary each year, and if you only manage to set aside 12% with a 25% employer match, you’re stockpiling a hefty sum before seeing just 3% return from the company. 

Review your benefit package to make sure your employer’s plan is competitive and you’re getting the most you can from it.
SIGN UP

 
Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.
ONE CHART ANSWER
In 2017, the year of the #MeToo movement, Hollywood was rife with stories exposing sexual harassment. At the same time, revelations brought Silicon Valley founders and investors to their knees. From disgraced leadership at high-profile companies including Uber and SoFi, the exposures seemed to be heralding the next big tech disruption. But in an environment where only 17% of founders are female, and companies run by men receive 16 times more VC funding, lasting equality will require more than a few brave women and men acting as catalysts for change.
Have a question you’re dying to ask, but not sure where to turn? Send your money, career and balance questions to askbankable@forbes.com. We’ll publish articles to answer as many as we can. And don’t worry: We won’t print your name. But details could reveal you, so be thoughtful.
Facebook
Facebook
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Twitter
Twitter
     
Add Bankable to your Echo’s Flash Briefing and to your Google Home
Copyright © 2018 Forbes Media LLC, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Forbes newsletters.

Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe.

Please click here to view our privacy policy.
© Copyright.