WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: GEORGE ACHEAMPONG
In 2009, I believe that I wanted to be a dentist and that led me to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for a post-bac program. There I met George (GA), and we have been pushing one another to be greater ever since. Throughout the years, I have watched him overcome some major obstacles and couldn’t wait to chop it up with him about how he adds eustress to his life as a Financial Planner and Investment Advisor.
HEY GEORGE, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I am Financial Planner and Investment Advisor. Been doing it for 6 1/2 years.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
Yes.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
When I receive an influx of new clients, that have complex financial situations that I have to develop strategies for. Sometimes that comes with a feeling of pressure to execute the proper strategy for multiple clients which can cause me to feel stressed. New business is great, but each time you feel like you have to deliver on your promise or your reputation and credibility are on the line.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
When I started to notice that I didn't have a strategy for dealing with the feeling of becoming overwhelmed. Being an entrepreneur and an ambitious person, you set very high standards and expectations for yourself. sometimes those high expectations can lead to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm if not properly managed.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I workout 4-6 times a week. I also journal to document my thoughts and to jot down what is going well in my life and what I am thankful for to shift the focus off of what I THINK is going wrong. I read a daily devotional and sometimes I just go out on my balcony and take a moment to breathe and think. I remind myself that most of the pressure or stress that I think I have is self-imposed and that it does not have to be. Essentially I talk to myself instead of listening to myself if that makes sense.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
It helps me be in the right frame of mind to properly advise my clients. I equate mental health to mental clarity in some respects and if I don’t have that, there is no way I can operate at peak levels.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
New goals that I set for myself with specific measurable results. Away from work, planning new and fun things to do with my wife, like taking a trip or just a nice dinner/date night.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
Find a mentor early. Get as much education and certifications as you can as soon as possible so that it doesn't have to compete with you trying to grow your practice or business later on. Work with people you enjoy, not just the ones you think can help you earn a lot of money.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW?
I have a podcast entitled: The Legacy and Lifestyle Show which you can find on the website under the media section or by searching that show name in iTunes (or the podcast app), google play and Soundcloud. In the coming weeks, I will be launching a movement that has a goal of helping close the racial wealth gap. We are aiming to help create 100,000,000 of new wealth in the African American community so please be on the look out for how you can join and support the movement.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Website:
makescents2me.com
Instagram:
makescents2me
Facebook:
Makes Cents 2 Me
Twitter:
makescents2me_
