Looking for some inspiration to kick off a new chapter of growth or jumpstart your next evolution? Regardless of your goals, these words from some of the most notable authors, scientists, artists, philosophers, politicians, activists, business professionals and athletes are sure to resonate.

Bookmark these 50 best personal growthquotes to draw upon in the months ahead.

When your goal is personal development, fostering a growth mindset is a crucial first step.

Sometimes the word "change" is intimidating but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're experiencing shifts in your personal life, changing careersor navigating changes in the workplace, these quotes can help you alter your perspective and embrace what's ahead on your path to personal growth.

There's no doubt that education is important, and for many, personal growth and education go hand in hand. The following quotes might inspire you to harness education to usher in a new chapter of your life that's defined by knowledge and opportunity.

People often think of achievement as an end goal, but if you're wondering how to be successful, you should prepare for an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery. Look to these quotes remind you of what's really important on your personal quest for success.

Because personal growth is a long-term effort, you're bound to encounter obstacles along the way. These quotes might help you find your life directionor guide you toward growth when you're facing hardship or feeling discouraged.

Whether youre pursuing a new dream, working hard toward ongoing goals or making a plan to transform your life in some way, you're bound to encounter challenges along the way. But those challenges could be a gateway to growth and new opportunities.

If you find any of these quotes particularly inspirational, consider printing them out and posting them in the places you view often throughout the day. Sometimes a simple quote can impact you in the most positive of ways.

Know someone who needs a bit of motivation? Share these quotes and help them on their personal growth journey.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.

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50 Best Personal Growth Quotes | SNHU - Southern New Hampshire University

Motivational Monday: Positive Affirmations for Swimmers

Breathe in, breathe out. The moment has arrived. All swimmers know the feeling of having a big race in front of them. You stand behind the blocks, anxiously adjusting your cap and goggles. You count down the heats in front of you until its finally your turn to dive in. These few minutes of last-minute preparations are often filled with a boatload of thoughts. These can be a swimmers saving grace or their method of self-destruction.

As cliche as it may sound, a positive mindset can go a long way in our sport. The swimmer who says I can and the swimmer who says I cant both usually turn out to be right. Therefore, when standing behind the blocks before a nerve-wracking race, it is important to make sure that the thoughts flowing through your head are constructive rather than destructive.

A great way to calm oneself down before a race is through the use of affirmations. An affirmation is a regularly repeated phrase that can help enforce a positive attitude. They can be as simple as I got this! or as lengthy as my fears and doubts are normal, and I am still capable of great things.

The next time you find yourself in that nervy position as the swimmer behind the block, remember these affirmations to help keep you in the right mindset.

I Am In Complete Control Over My Performance

This affirmation can be very useful in calming oneself down before a race. When it comes to being nervous, we usually focus on the what ifs. What if my goggles fall off? What if I cant execute my turns? What if I dont hit the right splits? This affirmation reminds us that despite all of these what ifs, we are the only ones in control of the outcome of a race. While outside factors may have an impact on our mindset, we ultimately are in control of our own destiny. This affirmation reminds us that we are in control, and nothing can stop us.

I Am Confident and Fearless In the Water

Sometimes, a fake-it-til-you-make-it attitude is all you need in order to be successful in the water. If you know that youve been off in training, this knowledge can bring down your personal morale. When we lose our own self-confidence, this can make us even more nervous for a big race. Therefore, even when we lack a sense of believing in ourselves, it can be helpful to tell ourselves that we are confident anyway. This affirmation allows us to embrace the fake-it-til-you-make-it mentality, and this can sometimes be the key to achieving a goal.

I Have the Mental Toughness To Overcome Any Setback

In our sport, disruptive things can happen. We may miss our warmup. Maybe the pre-race meal from the night before isnt sitting so well in your stomach. Or, we couldve forgotten our lucky pair of goggles. No matter what setbacks we may face on race day, no matter how big or small, we must have the mentality that we can overcome them. If we dwell on all of the negative things surrounding us, we are more likely to tank a race in the water. However, if we tell ourselves that we are mentally capable of overcoming these challenges, then a positive result is more likely. This affirmation can help a nervous swimmer who may have had a few disruptions on race day.

I Trust In My Abilities and Will Achieve Greatness

Maybe youre in the opposite situation as the swimmer described above. You put in loads of work, and everything went perfectly. You went through your warmup seamlessly and put on your racing suit without any rips. You ate your pre-race snack at just the right time. Still, as youre standing behind the blocks with the utmost sense of preparation, youre filled with anxiety. It is in these moments when we must learn to trust our training and have confidence in our abilities. If we truly put in the work, then we simply need to have faith in our own abilities and know that we can achieve our goals. This affirmation can help reinforce self-confidence among a swimmer who may be extremely prepared yet still nervous.

I Am a Winner. I Have a Champions Mindset

Last but not least, this is an affirmation that every swimmer needs to hear. When were standing behind the blocks, no matter how nervous or prepared we may or may not be, it is critical to continually reinforce self-confidence. For a last minute jolt of confidence before a race, this affirmation may do the trick. Believing that you are a winner and embracing the champions mindset is important to swimmers looking to achieve their goals. Similar to what was said earlier, the swimmer who believes he/she to be a winner and the swimmer who believes he/she to be a loser are both usually correct.

Through the use of positive affirmations, swimmers can harness their nerves and build their self-confidence. Even in the last few moments before the biggest races, swimmers can rely on affirmations to keep them mentally sharp and ready to perform at their best.

Motivational Monday (7/3/23)

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Motivational Monday: Positive Affirmations for Swimmers - Swimming World Magazine

Strength and conditioning training is a crucial component of physical fitness and athletic performance. This type of training zeroes in on building strength, power, agility, and endurance through a wide array of exercises and techniques. It is widely used by athletes to enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury. More than just for professionals, strength and conditioning training offers valuable benefits to individuals of all fitness levels. This article provides an in-depth exploration of these benefits and shares practical advice on incorporating strength and conditioning exercises into your workout routine.

Strength training offers a plethora of health benefits for both men and women. For men, personalized strength training programs focus on exercises that promote muscle development and toning. This leads to improved physical appearance, better posture, increased strength and endurance, and an overall sense of well-being. Moreover, such training can stimulate the formation of new bone tissue, helping prevent diseases like osteoporosis and keeping the skeletal system strong and healthy. As a bonus, strength training also positively impacts testosterone levels in men, contributing to an improvement in muscle mass, energy, and physical performance.

For women, strength training increases muscle mass and helps reduce body fat, leading to a slimmer, more toned silhouette. It can counter the risk of osteoporosis by improving bone density and strength, thus reducing the risk of fractures and improving overall bone health. Furthermore, by increasing muscle mass through strength training, women can boost their basal metabolic rate, burn more calories throughout the day, facilitate fat loss, and maintain a healthy weight.

Various studies have substantiated the benefits of strength training, showing that it improves bone density and quality in both men and women, reduces the risk of fractures, improves body composition, and leads to significant health improvements overall.

Strength training becomes even more important as we age. According to the National Institute on Aging, most adults start losing muscle mass around ages 30 to 35, leading to conditions such as sarcopenia. Strength training exercises focusing on using resistance or weights can help counter this, as well as increase bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. For people living with diabetes, strength training can help the body utilize insulin better. It is recommended to do some type of strength training exercise at least twice a week in addition to aerobic activities.

Personal training can significantly contribute to the success of a strength training regimen. It reduces the risks of atrophying muscles and bone loss, prevents injuries by teaching the correct way to exercise, keeps you motivated to workout, and tailors training sessions to individual needs. Personal training can enhance independence and overall wellness. For those seeking the advantages of a personal trainer without a large investment, AI-based applications like Traineer offer personalized workouts tailored to each users individual needs, with detailed instructions and effective progress tracking.

Joining a strength and conditioning gym can be pivotal for anyone serious about their health and fitness. These gyms specialize in improving athletic performance and overall fitness through varied workout regimes combining strength, agility, endurance, and flexibility training. They provide structured programs, expert guidance, and a community that motivates. Consistency, expert guidance, and the right environment are keys to unlocking fitness success.

Strength training should be a priority in your fitness regimen. Its benefits extend beyond just building muscles it improves overall health, prevents bone density loss, improves cardiovascular health, reduces body fat levels, and can even alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. As you start your strength training journey, remember the importance of learning correct techniques with the help of a professional, whether in person or via a digital platform. No matter your age or fitness level, its never too late to start reaping the benefits of strength and conditioning training.

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The Multifaceted Benefits of Strength Training | Importance of Strength and Conditioning Training - Medriva

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To live well and cope with everyday challenges, you need a holistic approach that combines a balanced diet with regular exercises to keep your health in top shape. This is because your food choices are not only important for a balanced diet, but also crucial for enhancing your workout performance.

Diet experts say you can never go wrong with including fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. But, did you know that even in this hallowed list of superfoods, beetroot, commonly known as beets, shines the brightest when it comes to improving your exercise performance?

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Understanding beetroots:With their rich, earthy hues, beetroots are more than just a colourful addition to your plate. This root vegetable offers a unique blend of health benefits and is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. From salads to smoothies, juices and more, beetroot conveniently blends with several foods.

According to a study in PubMed, beetroot juice could help enhance athletes' cardiorespiratory endurance by improving efficiency, thus boosting performance across different distances. This supplementation could lead to increased time before exhaustion at lower exercise intensities and potential improvements in cardiorespiratory performance at higher intensities.

Here are 5 ways beets contribute to better workouts:

Better endurance:Beetroots are a natural source of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles. This can lead to enhanced endurance during workouts.

Delays fatigue: The nitric oxide generated from beet consumption improves the efficiency of oxygen utilisation in the body. This means your muscles can extract more oxygen during exercise, delaying fatigue and supporting prolonged exertion.

Improves stamina:Studies suggest that beets may reduce the oxygen cost of exercise, meaning your body becomes more efficient in utilising available oxygen. This can result in improved stamina and endurance during both aerobic and anaerobic activities.

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Enhances performance:The nitrates in beets add to muscle power and strength. This can be especially beneficial for activities requiring explosive movements, contributing to better overall workout performance. In a study with trained cyclists, it was discovered that drinking beetroot juice can enhance performance by 0.8 percent during a 50-mile test. Furthermore, these enhancements were associated with a decrease in the time required to cover the specified distance.

Faster recovery:Beets possess anti-inflammatory properties that potentially aid in faster recovery post-exercise. This can reduce muscle soreness and contribute to a quicker turnaround time between workouts.

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Discover the latest business news, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

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How to boost stamina: Supercharge your exercise routine by including beetroot in daily diet - Moneycontrol

If there is one hack I would recommend for reaching your goals in 2024, it would be listening to motivational podcasts. Think about it: The time you spend driving in the car, doing laundry, walking your dog, or cooking dinner could simultaneously be spent learning, growing, and feeling inspired. After all, we are what we eat, but were also the content we consume toonutrition is not just what you put on your plate but also the movies you watch, the people you follow on Instagram, andyou guessed itthe podcasts you listen to. Whether youre a podcast junkie looking for new inspiring options or youre new to podcasting and want another way to encourage yourself to reach your goals, here are 10 motivational podcasts to add to your queue.

Episodes: 80+

Ok, so maybe were a little biased here, but The Everygirl Podcast is packed full of incredible guests who are bound to spark joy and inspiration when you listen. From manifestation queen Roxie Nafousi to fitness guru and celebrity trainer Megan Roup to finance expert Tori Dunlap, consider this podcast your ultimate resource for living a well-rounded life. Hosted by Josie Santi, our wellness editor, we have episodes that cover mental health, physical health, financial health, romantic and relationship health, and more. Its the best way to habit-stack your morning routine or your commute.

Episodes:135+

With episodes dropping every Monday and Thursday, theres no shortage of incredible advice that Mel Robbins is capable of delivering with her podcast. If youre not familiar with Mel, consider this your lucky day, because she is one of the most inspiring motivational speakers, podcast hosts, and authors out there. On this podcast, youll hear all about how to stop procrastinating, ways to improve your relationships and career, and how to make the most of every moment. This is an essential to have in your podcast queue.

Episodes: 660+

As an Everygirl-editor favorite,Almost 30is the perfect listen for Millennials looking to improve their lives. You can find interviews and episodes on everything from modern spirituality to finance, so you can grow in any (and every) area of your life. The best part? The hosts Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik are hilarious besties, so you know the conversation is as entertaining and funny as it is empowering.

Episodes:500+

Theres a reason why Jay Shettys podcast is the #1 Mental Health podcast on the internet. He leads super in-depth interviews with experts, celebrities, thought leaders, athletes, and more (even Joe Biden) about all things mental well-being. Listening to this podcast will equip you with tools for bettering your personal relationships, living a more fulfilling life, and growing your mindset to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Shetty is an expert interviewerlistening to him chat with a guest will make you feel like youre in the room listening to the conversation.

Episodes:45+

Consider this podcast your go-to confidence booster. Every episode includes interviews with people who are pretty big deals, from famous actors to successful business people, and theyre interviewed by icon Ashley Graham, so you already know its good. If youre looking to be inspired by the whos who of Hollywood, this is the inspirational podcast for you. Graham knows how to get the best confidence tips and success inspiration from all of her guests, so you end each episode feeling empowered.

Episodes:220+

As a successful entrepreneur herself, Siffat Haider (founder of wellness brand Arrae) is exactly the voice you want to listen to to inspire you to be your best self and achieve your best year. In this weekly podcast, Haider talks with thought leaders, wellness experts, and successful entrepreneurs on their tips for improving every aspect of their lives to inspire you to (you guessed it) dream bigger. Consider this the podcast version of the best friend whos always your biggest cheerleader.

Episodes: 280+

If youre done with motivation and instead looking for manifestation, look no further thanExpanded By To Be Magnetic, considered the leading manifestation podcast. Host Lacy Phillips bases each episode on her own method thats rooted in neuroscience, psychology, epigenetics, and energetics. Expandedfocuses on the psychological side of manifestation (instead of the spiritual side), so its perfect for both the skeptics and dedicated manifesters alike. Listen if achieving your best year yet includes self-healing or manifesting your dreams.

Episodes: 240+

Youve probably seen Alex Elles incredible work on Instagram, but shes transforming her wisdom from written word to audio with her podcast hey, girl.Elle talks with women who inspire her, from family members to successful entrepreneurs, all with the goal of cultivating sisterhood and uniting womens voices. The topics dive into purpose, healing, vulnerability, and representation, making it the perfect podcast if youre ready to dive deeper to truly change yourself in order to change your life.

Episodes: 41+

Hoda Kotb is one of those comforting TODAY voices that will give you nostalgia for classic morning shows as you listen to this podcast while making breakfast or on your commute. On this podcast, Kotb interviews celebrities, public figures, and experts as she explores the resilience of the human spirit. These are the kind of stories that will make you a little teary-eyed before filling you with newfound purpose and inspirationits the kind of podcast you wont be able to stop listening to.

Episodes: 489+

Because I would be remiss if I did not include the queen herself on any inspiring list, the Super Soul Conversations you know and love from Oprahs TV segments are now available in podcast form. As if you needed more than Oprahs voice alone to inspire you, she interviews the worlds top thought leaders, bestselling authors, spiritual healers, as well as health and wellness experts for ultimate motivation to help you get happier, healthier, and overall better.

Episodes:650+

While the guests vary between wellness experts, influencers, bestselling authors, finance gurus, reality TV celebrities, and skincare specialists, the purpose of the Him & Her Podcastis to help you optimize your life. Husband and wife duo Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick are impressive in their own right as successful brand builders and content creators, but their guests will help expand your mind and motivate you to be your best in every area of your life. Full of no-filter conversations you probably need to hear, every episode will leave you motivated to be better.

Episodes: 150+

If youre looking for some motivation that is a little bit *softer* and more rooted in prioritizing your mental health, look no further than Jemma Sbegs The Psychology of Your 20s. This podcast is full of great advice for navigating one of the most confusing decades of your life (and yes, the advice Sbeg highlights applies outside of your 20s, too). This is the perfect podcast for anyone looking to level up their life from a deeper, more emotionally grounded level, with information about dating attachment styles, unlocking your next life chapter, and more.

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Motivational Podcasts to Reach Your Goals - The Everygirl

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Former Murray State head coach Dean Hood is returning to Kentucky as Director of Player Development.

Hood previously worked on Mark Stoops staff as special teams coordinator, outside linebackers coach and defensive backs coach.

For the last four seasons, Hood worked as head coach at Murray State.

Here are more details from UK Athletics:

University of Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops has announced the hiring of Dean Hood to serve as the Wildcats director of player development. Hood returns to UK after serving the last four seasons as the head football coach at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

Hood, who spent three seasons on Stoops staff as the special teams coordinator while also coaching outside linebackers (2017) and defensive backs (2018-19), announced his retirement from coaching on Jan. 1, completing a coaching career that spanned 37 years.

Im extremely pleased to have Dean Hood rejoin our staff, Stoops said. When he was here previously, I grew a deep respect for him not only as a coach on the field, but also for the way he guided and grew his players as young men. He will be a great asset to our overall program and to the personal development of our players.

In his new role, Hood will help prepare student-athletes for personal, academic and athletic development success through UKs 40 for 40 program and he will work alongside special assistant to the head coach Eddie Gran with NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and player branding as well as community service opportunities.

My family and I are excited to return to Big Blue Nation, Hood said. Being in the coaching profession we have lived in a lot of places, but when our kids are asked where are you from they say Lexington it definitely feels like home to our family.

We are so honored, once again, to be part of Coach Stoops program which is comprised of many wonderful people. Player development has been my passion and lifes work and I am ready to build relationships with our players and help them in multiple areas of their life. Coaching for 37 years has given me a unique perspective into the needs of student-athletes and coaches, who have an incredible demand on their time. Im looking forward to the journey.

During his previous stint at UK, Hood was an integral part of Max Duffy winning the Ray Guy Award for the nations best punter in 2019. He also coached in three bowl games, including two bowl wins with the Wildcats.

At Murray State, Hood led the Racers to back-to-back winning seasons in 2020 and 2021, marking just the third time the program had accomplished that feat since 1999-2000. When the 2020 season was pushed to early 2021, Hoods Racers produced one of the best turnarounds in the nation with a 5-2 record, MSUs first winning season since 2011 and the programs best Ohio Valley Conference record since 2005. Coach Hood was named the 2020 OVC Coach of the Year, becoming the fourth in Murray State history to be honored.

In 2023, Hood and the Racers began play in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the most competitive league at the FCS level. MSU defeated Presbyterian 41-10 (Sept. 2) for their 1,000th win and won their inaugural MVFC game over Indiana State, 30-28, on Sept. 30.

Hood spent the 2016 season as the assistant head coach, special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at Charlotte. Prior to that, he was the head coach at EKU (2008-15), leading the Colonels to two Ohio Valley Conference Championships, three FCS Playoff appearances and an overall record of 55-38 (.591). In 2008 he was named the OVC Coach of the Year and in 2011 he was the American Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year. He also was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, which goes to the best coach in FCS football, in both the 2008 and 2014 seasons.

With Hood at the helm, EKU produced nine All-Americans, one OVC Offensive Player of the Year, one OVC Defensive Player of the Year, one OVC Freshman of the Year and 26 first-team all-conference performers.

Before EKU, Hood spent seven years (2001-07) as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Wake Forest and his defensive units were known for creating turnovers and scoring touchdowns. The Demon Deacons forced 186 turnovers during his tenure, more than two per game. Hoods defenders earned All-ACC mention 14 times. That list included four NFL draft picks Calvin Pace, Montique Sharpe, Eric King and Josh Gattis.

In 2006, Hood helped the Demon Deacons win the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship for the first time since 1970 with an impressive 11-3 record (the most wins in school history). His defense ranked second in the conference, allowing just 15.4 points per game, while leading the league in interceptions with 22, second most in the nation. Against the run, Wake yielded just 105.8 yards per game, 21st nationally and the third lowest total in Wake Forest history. Wake Forest earned its first and only BCS Bowl bid, facing Louisville in the FedEx Orange Bowl.

Hoods first coaching stop was at Fairmont (W.Va.) State working with the defensive backs (1987-88). The 1988 team won the WVIAC championship and led the nation with 31 interceptions. He then spent time at Colgate (1989), Glenville (W.Va.) State (1990-93) and Ohio University (1999-2000).

He also had a previous five-year stint at EKU as the Colonels secondary coach (1994-96) and defensive coordinator/secondary coach (1997-98) under College Football Hall of Fame head coach Roy Kidd.

Hood, a native of Ashtabula, Ohio, earned his bachelors degree in biology from Ohio Wesleyan in 1986 and a masters degree in physical education from West Virginia in 1989.

At Ohio Wesleyan, he was a three-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection as a defensive back. He was elected captain two seasons and was a first-team All-American as a senior. In 2001, he was inducted into the OWU Athletic Hall of Fame.

He and his wife, Crystal, originally from Richmond, Kentucky, have four children two sons, Trey and Daven, and two daughters, Jada and Cordia.

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Former Murray State head coach Dean Hood returns to Kentucky as Director of Player Development - - Nation of Blue

This week marked the 15th year since the first block, the genesis block, was mined on the Bitcoin blockchain. For more than 10 of those years, industry stalwarts have pleaded with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve a U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), an instrument that's predicted to open the floodgates to a wave of institutional investment.

So far, the SEC has rejected every application, but that may be about to change. Analysts are predicting that at least one of the more than a dozen current proposals will be approved as early as Friday.

Opinions on what will happen in the crypto market if approval is granted are mixed.

Gabor Gurbacs, the director of digital assets strategy at VanEck, said that while a spot ETF will create "trillions in value" over the long term, people tend to "overestimate the initial impact of U.S. Bitcoin ETFs," and initial flows will equal only "a few hundred million of (mostly recycled) money."

Other analysts say approval will require ETF issuers to purchase tens of billions dollars of bitcoin to satisfy the institutional demand, leading to a radical shift in the supply and demand dynamics. Some analysts even predict a "supply shock" after exchange balances fell to a five-year low in October. A lack of bitcoin on exchanges suggests holders are storing it in their personal wallets, a sign they're less inclined to sell.

Analysis of flows into the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD), the first spot gold ETF in the U.S., which debuted in 2004, is informative. GLD amassed $1.9 billion in inflation-adjusted terms in its first four weeks, with the tally rising to $4.8 billion by the end of the first year, according to crypto exchange Coinbase. The ETF currently has $57.37 billion in total assets.

Going back further in time, Invesco's QQQ, an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq-100 index of some of the world's most innovative companies, was launched in March 1999, a year before the dotcom bubble burst. The fund saw inflows of $847 million ($1.6 billion in today's dollars) in the first 30 days.

And closer to home, the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), based on bitcoin futures, amassed around $1.5 billion in inflation-adjusted terms in the 30 days after its introduction in October 2021, when sentiment across crypto asset classes was uber bullish. As of Thursday, the fund held $1.65 billion in total assets.

BITO, which invests in regulated CME futures rather than actual cryptocurrency, is exposed to rollover costs. The fund has, nevertheless, closely tracked bitcoin's spot price since inception and been a viable option for people looking for exposure to bitcoin without the ownership and storage hassles.

Another consideration is the global economy, with elevated risk-free interest rates worldwide and worsening household finances. That macroeconomic environment plays against a scenario of strong mainstream uptake for spot ETFs.

Bitcoin has rallied 61% since early October, largely on expectations the SEC will approve one or more of the spot ETF applications. That's prompted several analysts to forecast a sell-the-news-led pullback once the ETFs go live. They say the price will drop as investors who'd benefited from the run-up sell to lock in their profits once the news is confirmed.

Consider the debut of CME bitcoin futures in December 2017, Coinbase's listing on Nasdaq in mid-April 2021, and the debut of several futures ETFs, including BITO. On those occasions, bitcoin had been rallying only to crash in the weeks after the events.

For instance, bitcoin surged 15% in the three days before the SEC approved the first futures ETFs. A month later it hit a record high $69,000 and then crashed into a bear market that lasted for more than a year.

CryptoQuant suggested last week that bitcoin could slump to as low as $32,000 because the amount of unrealized profits in the market is at a level that historically precedes a so-called price correction, often considered a drop of 10% in crypto markets. Bitcoin rallied 160% last year and has gained almost 4% this month.

CryptoQuant is not alone in predicting a decline. QCP Capital, a Singapore-based crypto trading firm, said on Telegram last month that initial demand for the ETFs could be lower than expected, setting the stage for a classic sell-the-news scenario.

Investors concerned about a replay of what followed the launches of CME futures and ProShares' BITO may want to note that both came when the market, having rallied by several hundred percent in 12 months, looked ripe for a correction.

This time round, the expected spot ETF launch comes ahead of the Bitcoin blockchain's quadrennial mining-reward halving, which has previously marked the beginning of meteoric price rallies. It also follows this week's brief price slide to $41,000 in a sell-off that liquidated $400 million in leverage bets and wiped out $2 billion in futures open interest.

The difference between earlier sell-the-news events and this one is that a spot bitcoin ETF involves actual bitcoin, removing supply from the market. The CME's launch of futures prompted price declines because it allowed traders to synthetically short the cryptocurrency following a ferocious bull market that was led by 2017's unsustainable ICO mania.

Another aspect of a spot bitcoin ETF is that institutional investors such as the typically conservative pension funds and insurance funds will gain a way to add exposure to native bitcoin, as opposed to an ETF derivative or bitcoin proxy shares like Coinbase (COIN) or MicroStrategy (MSTR).

There are currently 35 gold ETFs in the U.S., with total assets under management standing at $118.70 billion. A recent report by financial services firm NYDIG drew parallels between them and a potential bitcoin ETF.

"Given Bitcoins roughly 3.6 times higher volatility compared to gold, investors would need approximately 3.6 times less Bitcoin than dollar-denominated gold to achieve an equivalent level of risk exposure," the report said. "This would still translate to an additional demand of nearly $30 billion for a Bitcoin ETF."

UPDATE (Jan. 5, 14:05 UTC): Adds bullet points at top of the story.

Originally posted here:

If a Bitcoin ETF Is Approved, Heres What May Happen - CoinDesk

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated .

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, institutional digital assets exchange. Bullish group is majority owned by Block.one; both groups have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary, and an editorial committee, chaired by a former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal, is being formed to support journalistic integrity.

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VanEck to Donate 5% of BTC ETF Profits to Bitcoin Core Developers - CoinDesk

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated .

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, institutional digital assets exchange. Bullish group is majority owned by Block.one; both groups have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary, and an editorial committee, chaired by a former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal, is being formed to support journalistic integrity.

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Bitcoin ETF Fees Will Play Critical Role in the Race to Popularity - CoinDesk

In the evolving 'travelverse', where cutting-edge technology intersects with the timeless allure of exploration, the travel and hospitality industry stand at the cusp of a revolutionary shift. The integration of blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) promises to redefine the landscape of travel experiences, loyalty programs, and the very essence of cultural interactions.

This short article delves into the opportunities presented by these technologies, drawing inspiration from an article of mine: Revolutionizing the Travel and Hospitality Industry with Blockchain and NFTs, published on Hospitality Net on 16 March 2023.

The core of travel lies in authentic experiences and cultural interactions. Blockchain technology, with its inherent data immutability and programmability, offers a unique platform to enhance these experiences without detracting from their authenticity.

Smart contracts, a pivotal element of blockchain, enable the automatic execution of agreements, ensuring reliability and efficiency in travel arrangements. This technological advancement can streamline processes, particularly repetitive ones, benefiting travelers and operators alike. It opens doors for small-scale operators to promote unique, local experiences, thereby preserving the authenticity of cultural interactions in the digital age.

Smart contracts are set to be the backbone of secure transactions in the travel ecosystem. By automating the verification and execution of contracts, they ensure transparency and reduce the potential for fraud. This aspect is particularly beneficial in areas like expense reporting and compliance in business travel, where smart contracts can streamline processes and ensure adherence to company policies.

Room tokenization, emerging through the innovative use of NFTs, offers a transformative approach in the travel and hospitality sector. This concept involves the digital representation of hotel rooms or unique travel experiences as non-fungible tokens.

These tokens, distinct and non-replicable, can be traded, sold, or even collected, introducing a dynamic new element to the travel market. This not only provides travellers with unprecedented flexibility and choice but also opens up novel revenue opportunities for service providers. By tokenizing rooms and experiences, the industry can cater to a range of traveler preferences, from those seeking luxury accommodations to those desiring unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The role of NFTs extends beyond mere tokenization, playing a pivotal role in enhancing experiential tourism.

NFTs enable the sharing of a journey's narrative, encapsulating the essence of the places visited and the depth of connections made with destinations and cultures. This concept of "tokenization of emotions", as I"ve explored in my book "All about NFTs" by Hoepli publisher, allows for the representation of travel experiences as authentic, reputational values.

These tokens can be utilized for storytelling post-travel, adding value to the traveler's experience while simultaneously benefiting the destination and its operators. Through this innovative use of NFTs, the travel industry can create a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience, bridging the gap between physical travel and digital memorabilia.

Decentralization, a fundamental aspect of blockchain, can revolutionize loyalty programs in the travel industry. By removing intermediaries, blockchain enables a more direct and transparent relationship between service providers and customers.

This shift can lead to more personalized and flexible loyalty programs, where travellers have greater control over their rewards and experiences. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures a more equitable and inclusive system, where smaller operators can compete with larger entities, offering unique and localized rewards.

As blockchain becomes more integrated into the travel industry, several challenges emerge. Adoption requires a significant shift in current operational models, and the industry must be prepared for this transition.

Regulatory frameworks are still catching up with the rapid pace of technological advancements, posing a challenge in terms of compliance and standardization. Ensuring a seamless user experience is crucial, as travellers vary in their tech-savviness. The industry must strive to make these technologies accessible and user-friendly.

The adoption of decentralized technologies is not without risks. Issues such as data privacy, security vulnerabilities, and the digital divide must be addressed. To mitigate these challenges, the industry needs to invest in robust security protocols, ensure transparency in data usage, and provide adequate digital literacy training to both travellers and service providers.

In an increasingly digital world, maintaining the human element in travel is paramount. While technology can enhance efficiency and convenience, it should not replace personal connections and human interactions that form the essence of travel. The industry must find a balance, leveraging technology to enrich experiences while preserving the personal touch that makes travel meaningful.

The integration of blockchain and NFTs in the travel and hospitality industry offers a plethora of opportunities, from enhancing the authenticity of travel experiences to revolutionizing loyalty programs and ensuring secure transactions.

However, it is crucial to manage these technological advancements with a keen awareness of their potential challenges and a commitment to preserving the human essence of travel. By striking this balance, the industry can step confidently into a future where technology and tradition coexist harmoniously.

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Embracing the future of travel ... decentralization | By - Hospitality Net