Clarity, control and connectedness can come from performing activities that promote synchronous thought processes. This balancing act of the mind could positively influence financial decision-making for those struggling with emotionally driven choices.
Whether it is listening to music, baking or hiking, finding an activity that creates a relaxed state can impact how someone makes important life decisions, like those during financial planning. Financial planning is more about emotional reactions and behaviors and less about money.
“Some people say that our emotional thoughts lie in what we call the right brain and the logical reasoning side of our brain lies on the left side,” says Walter Wisniewski, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. “In reality, the two kinds of thinking are carried out in both parts.”
Emotions run rampant in modern society. Dramatic media headlines and speedy gratifications impact the right brain’s strength. Credit card debt and poor investments are fueled by similar emotional instincts. Using a tool, like listening to music, to push through intuitive judgments toward an analytical, left-brain state will greatly influence what choices one makes with money. Planners should actively seek out this synchronicity. Music is a scientifically proven method for people to find that mental state.
“The use of a cat-scan has scientifically shown how a reduction of stress can be created by certain sounds,” explains Walter Wisniewski Paragon Capital.
Exploring different music genres may help everyone find which ones reduce negative emotions for their unique thought processes. It is unlikely for emotions to be out of the process, but knowing how to recognize emotions and control them will improve financial planning and making other vital decisions.
A balanced way of addressing how to make financial decisions will bring synchronicity to the two sides of the mind. Important life choices, like where to invest money or how to spend savings, can be negatively affected without this logical approach.