What’s your SEC Mindset?

Are we truly focusing on what matters most? Too often, we don’t think about how to Save, Earn, or Create—what I call the SEC mindset—until circumstances force us to. We scramble for solutions only when the pain becomes unbearable, but why isn’t this mindset part of our everyday approach?

We often feel compelled to comment, share our opinions, or even engage in disagreements over matters that don’t warrant such urgency. But authentic leadership and mental resilience come from the power of restraint. It’s about recognizing when to pause when to hold back, and when to simply let go. This ability to step back to not give undue urgency to every situation gives us the clarity needed for thoughtful decision-making.

Why is thinking strategically such a challenge while living in the now is a dopamine hit we can’t resist? Our instant-gratification culture has rewired our brains to crave immediate rewards. The thrill of notification, the satisfaction of a quick retort, or the rush of an impulsive decision can feel good at the moment, but they rarely lead to long-term success.

Thinking strategically, on the other hand, requires patience, discipline, and the ability to delay gratification. It means pausing, reflecting, and planning—skills that don’t offer the immediate payoff of a social media like or a hasty decision.