Elite advisors attending Sunday morning’s Royal Council breakfast received more than just a free meal and the usual congratulations from Mark Goldberg. They also received a lesson in fitness, courtesy of Marc Vahanian of BodyCoach, a whole body fitness and personal growth company.
Vahanian’s message was not some self-help pitch from a motivational speaker, rather it was a wake-up call for advisors to become aware of their overall fitness. “True fitness is a whole person project,” he said, adding that it is not just about the body but the mind and spirit as well.
Vahanian gave the example of a group of tribesman in Southeast Asia that avoided the effects of last year’s deadly tsunami because they were fit in body, mind and spirit. That level of fitness allowed them to read the signs that other people could not see, interpret those signs and take action that saved their lives. “What would it be like if you could incorporate this ability into your life and business?” he asked.
According to Vahanian, stress is the number one factor that keeps us from being fit in body, mind and spirit and, in turn, from being more in tune with our environment. However, he has identified a number of practices that people can use to regain that level of fitness.
It all starts with awareness and a focus on attention and intention. To get in tune, Vahanian recommended placing both your feet on the floor. This helps to get you grounded, he said. Next, sit up straight and sense your breathing. These exercises will help you get back in balance.
The next tip is regarding what you need to keep your machine running at its best. “Food is very powerful,” Vahanian said. “If you want to keep stress in check, don’t skip a meal.” He did not endorse any particular diet as different people function optimally with different foods. The only thing he stress is to keep track of what, when and how much you eat in order to create balance.
The last tip is about exercise and building virtue into your body. “Exercise is a physical metaphor for situation is life,” Vahanian said, adding that strength, flexibility and endurance are applicable in both. For example, finding options for a client is all about being flexible, he noted.
Once Vahanian wrapped up his presentation, Mark Goldberg took the opportunity to acknowledge the Royal Council’s top producers. Phil Hartwell of Torrance, California, was recognized as top managing executive, while Peter Anderson of Arden Hills, Minnesota, took top individual honors. Goldberg concluded by encouraging everyone to make the best use of the conference meeting and sessions.
While the conference officially doesn’t begin until today, new recruits got a headstart on the meeting with the Investment Advisory Academy. Between a segment on improving communication skills, another on focusing on more than just a client’s financials and a panel on fee-based business, attendees received a good base for the sessions offered in the days ahead. And to close out the day, the recruits were treated to their own cocktail reception.
For most advisors, many of who arrived yesterday afternoon, Sunday evening’s welcome reception and dinner kicked off the conference. The learning, however, begins today.
- Erik Kolb
