One of the distinct joys of serving as a Certified Financial Planner® is the opportunity to explore goals, dreams and experiences with diverse groups of people — as well as designing specific strategies and investment plans that align with those ambitions. It is the dream part that struck me most recently. Dreams can form a foundation for future financial — and life — success. Attitude, discipline and perseverance are necessary ingredients as well!
Listening to friends and clients in the second, third, fourth — and more — “acts” of their professional lives can be fascinating and beyond inspirational. It also can keep us positive in the midst of our own situations in life. Suggestion, especially to those in their 20’s and 30’s and really, anyone: invite a successful neighbor, grandparent or quietly famous person (or a good friend’s successful neighbor or grandparent) for a cup of coffee and experience the inspiration firsthand. Business owners are especially valuable storytellers.
Recently I was wowed by a person I’ve known for more than 24 years who is well into at least his fourth “act” in life, while still running a business that was his second craft started over 40 years ago. He no longer needs to work; he simply chooses to. He said that he is about to come back “better than ever before”. This amidst already being fabulously successful in multiple, more recent new endeavors! He looks and acts like he’s in his 40’s…but is more than a couple decades older.
“Better than ever before.”
What does that even mean? For him, it means not having to work but choosing to work, while on the side perfecting an old talent. He is able to comfortably perfect this old talent at a high level — while drawing energy from a growing and close-knit family.
How does a person achieve this level in life? Here is where financial planning piece meets “better than ever before”:
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- Strategy
- Discipline
- Patience
- Time
- A level of risk tolerance
- A specialist or team of specialists to monitor risk and guide the plan
- A spirit of adventure.
“Better than ever before” does not happen overnight; it is a process. A combination of setbacks (a.k.a. learning experiences), time and eventual compounded wins can work together to create lasting success and enjoyment. Also, “better than ever before” is not achieved alone. Family, advisers and associates can make the journey longer-lasting and far more enjoyable.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, tax, legal or accounting advice.