What elite athletes can teach us about personal finance

IRECENTLY came across an article about the top habits of elite athletes. At first glance, the habits were incredibly simple — but their power lies in their consistency and mindset. These routines aren’t just about physical performance; they’re about mental strength, discipline and strategy.

Think of Simone Biles, Novak Djokovic, Stephen Curry and Alex Eala. These athletes didn’t become champions by accident. Their success was built on years of preparation, habit formation and laser focus — principles that apply just as powerfully to your personal finances.

Let me share a few of these habits and how they can shape your financial journey.

1. Envision success

Elite athletes don’t train for the sake of training — they train for the win. Similarly, building wealth starts with a clear vision. Do you see yourself living debt-free, owning a home or sending your kids to top universities? Visualizing these outcomes brings purpose to your financial decisions.

When I first dreamed of investing, the entry point was steep: P100,000. I had to cut back heavily — no gadgets, no impulsive trips — just focused saving. It took sacrifice, but that initial investment opened doors to higher returns and deeper financial learning. Envisioning success gave me the motivation to push through.

2. Learn from success stories

When we see people like Elon Musk, Melanie Perkins (Canva) or local icons like Nadine Lustre turning entrepreneurial or investment decisions into wins, we feel inspired. Their stories, like those of successful athletes, show what’s possible with persistence and calculated risks.

Identifying with others’ wins — whether in business or personal finance — helps us learn vicariously. I remember investing heavily in a stock fund during the 2006–2007 bull market. But I didn’t diversify. When the 2008 crash came and I needed money, I had no choice but to pull out — at a loss. That painful mistake became one of my greatest lessons: diversify and prepare for the unexpected.

3. Follow an individualized plan

No athlete has the same training regimen. Likewise, your financial plan should be uniquely yours. A 25-year-old just starting a career might invest aggressively in stocks, while a 60-year-old preparing for retirement may prefer lower-risk, income-generating assets. Your strategy should reflect your goals, income and family needs.

Before marriage, I could save and invest nearly half of my salary. Now, with a family, my priorities have shifted, and so has my budget. I had to adjust — but the habit of planning remains constant.

4. Set clear, actionable goals

Athletes train with specific milestones: weight targets, recovery times, personal records. Without these, they can’t measure progress. In the same way, financial goals give direction.

Want to buy a car in two years? Start saving a set amount monthly. Planning for your child’s college fund? Estimate the future cost and work backward to set your savings target.

Your vision is the destination; your goals are the steps that get you there. Without concrete targets, even high earners can lose their way financially.

5. Work with a coach

Every elite athlete works with coaches — experts who guide, challenge and hold them accountable. Managing your finances should be no different.

Just as we seek doctors for our health, a registered financial planner (RFP) can provide professional guidance, help you avoid costly mistakes and optimize your financial strategy. Not all who call themselves planners have formal training — look for those with recognized credentials. RFPs are held to high ethical standards and go through rigorous education.

A coach won’t just tell you what to do — they’ll keep you focused, consistent and aligned with your long-term goals. And in personal finance, that accountability can be the difference between short-term regret and long-term success.

Discipline, consistency, vision, coaching — these aren’t just for athletes on the court or in the ring. They’re for anyone serious about improving their financial well-being. Elite athletes reach the top not because of luck, but because of preparation, persistence and planning.

If you’re interested in learning more about managing your money and improving your financial security, save the date for the 13th Financial Fitness Forum on Saturday, April 5. It’s a one-day event featuring top registered financial planners sharing their insights, strategies and tips to guide you on your financial journey.

The event is supported by International Marketing Group, Kaiser International Health Group, Manila Bankers Life Insurance, Rampver Financials and ATRAM — leaders in the financial services industry dedicated to promoting financial literacy and empowerment.

It’s a great opportunity to hear from experts, ask your questions and take that next step toward becoming the CEO of your financial life.

Rienzie P Biolena, RFP is one of the pioneering registered financial planners in the Philippines. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 111th RFP program this May 2025. To get details, please email [email protected] or visit rfp.ph.