Investing in your psychological portfolio is just as important as preparing for retirement through financial investing. As we age, it becomes crucial to reflect on our goals and the meaning behind our experiences. Mythologist Michael Meade distinguishes between the “elderly” and the “Olders”, noting that wisdom comes from those who learn from their failures, wounds, and awakenings.
Building a strong ego is key to working with your psychological assets. A healthy ego is characterized by a consistent self-esteem, clear personal values, and the ability to make decisions based on those values. It allows us to identify and pursue our desires, set effective boundaries, and accept our strengths and weaknesses.
To invest in your psychological portfolio, consider the following strategies:
1. Practice stewardship for your wounds and gifts: Acknowledge and care for both your past wounds and strengths. Seek professional support if needed to fully understand and heal from past traumas.
2. Cultivate curiosity about serving: Be open to exploring what life requires of you and how you can best serve others.
3. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: View failure as a natural part of life’s journey and a chance to grow and learn. Avoid seeing failure as a sign of inadequacy.
4. Approach awakenings as opportunities for growth: Embrace moments of clarity and insight as opportunities to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
5. Embrace unity consciousness: Let go of the ego’s focus on separation and embrace interconnectedness with others and all living beings. Practice gratitude and generosity in your interactions with others.
By investing in your psychological portfolio now, you can age gracefully and avoid feeling a sense of loss or regret later in life. Building a strong ego and engaging with your psychological assets can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful older age. Remember, it’s never too late to start investing in your psychological well-being.