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You’re Better Off being Worse Off

28 Comments / Newsletter / By /

Hi Reader,

Recently I learned about a concept called the region beta paradox (RGB). This paradox states that someone is more likely to recover quickly from a more distressing experience than a less distressing one. The most common example found on the web is:

  • Someone who prefers to walk to places within a mile from their home. If the destination is further out than a mile, they will drive, effectively reaching their destination quicker when traveling a longer distance than a shorter one.
  • Another example is being in a relationship that’s kind of okay. If you were in an extremely toxic relationship, you would have pulled the trigger way sooner than if you were in one where you’re not exactly ecstatic but not quite unhappy.

What it is

The region-beta paradox is therefore the tendency to put off changes simply because we can tolerate the current situation/outcome. We decide to take action at the point where the situation becomes unbearable. The science behind this is that our bodies activate defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from distressing circumstances, and so when our backs are against the wall, we put more effort into pushing away any barrier standing in our way.

Today, in five (5) minutes or less, you will learn (from a business/professional perspective):

  • Three practical illustrations on what the RGB is
  • Three ways to recognize RGB
  • Three ways on how to get out of it

How does this apply to your finance and business goals?

  • You are more likely to stay in a slightly tolerable bad job than if you were in an extremely toxic job.
  • You are more likely to get your finances in order if you were about to become homeless, than just barely scraping by.
  • A business is less likely to take drastic measures in increasing sales in an ‘okay’ market, than if the business was about to close its doors.

Key indicators

The RGB paradox somehow puts us in a state of stagnation as we know this is not the ideal situation to be in, but it’s not extreme enough to trigger a knee-jerk reaction. Well, <subscriber first name>, I am triggering a knee-jerk reaction in you today. Think about your current life – social, wealth, health, intellect etc. Ask yourself, is this where I want to be for the rest of my life? If not, then think about your dream life, and find a way to turn your current situation into a nightmare you need to immediately wake up from.

Now, this is not to say that every situation that doesn’t give you butterflies is automatically a region-beta. Life is a bit more complex than that. But to know if you are in the RGB paradox, here are three (3) questions you can ask yourself:

  1. Do you do a lot of wishful planning or fantasizing for the same goal over and over again, but have not set any concrete action steps or definite timeline? Example, I want to increase my income over the next year, or as soon as I get additional income, I will do this, but it’s just a thought you keep pushing around. You haven’t done anything concrete as to how you’re going to increase your income. You are in the region-beta paradox.
  2. How often has it creeped into your mind to make a change, and how often do you find yourself managing this situation? That is, navigating emotional stress – frustration, anger, discontment etc.). How often have you had to request an extension on your utility bills? Follow-up with hard-paying clients, wishing you could flip a switch and suddenly it will all be over? If this is you, you’re in the region-beta paradox.
  3. And finally, when you look at your current situation, is it a hell yes, or hell no? Ok there are a lot of uncertainties about life. That’s what makes it exciting. Not every decision will be a hell-yes (yet), but there are some that are definitely a hell-no. Do you see yourself showing up the same way you are now for your (sometimes difficult) clients, collecting pennies, for back-breaking work, for the rest of your life? If it’s a hell-no, then….

Action Plan

Once you recognize that you need to make a change, here are three (3) ways to get out of this:

  1. Set clear goals – there are many ways in which you can set goals. Some people set NICE goals, some set SMART goals, some people use the OKR method. Do whatever works for you, but it is important that you gain clarity on what you want for your life, and set goals to achieve them. Hard concrete goals help you to break out of the ‘kinda okay’ zone, and jerk you to pull the trigger on what needs to be done.
  2. Make a plan to challenge yourself – get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Remember I said that once you crossover the critical threshold level is when your body’s defense mechanism kicks in? Sometimes it is hard to do something about your situation when you are too comfortable. Trigger your psychological defense by stepping out of your comfort zone and ‘face a fear’.
  3. Train your sense of urgency muscle – Many times we set goals, say we want to challenge ourselves, but one excuse after another prevents us from pulling the trigger. One of the main culprits is procrastination. Find a way to take action whether it is setting an alarm, doing the work in bits of pieces or whatever works for you.

For a healthier, wealthier and high performing life, take one small step today to get out of the ‘kinda okay’ zone.

Regards,

Mo.

P.s. Did the RGB teach me empathy? As I was writing this, I thought to myself: have I put anybody in the RGB state? Am I a not-so-terrible friend, partner, and team player? Am I putting my best foot forward?

Disclaimer:

We are not financial advisors. We provide financial education, not financial advice/recommendations. Investments and business ventures are inherently risky, and there can be no guarantees. As your context is unique to you, Reader, some tips may not work for you. Please do your due diligence and consult with the relevant authorities before embarking on any journey.

Best of luck and see you on the other side.

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