Last month, I suggested this summer would be a good time to concentrate on being the best that we can be. We discussed the concept of “Getting it Right,” which I believe sets the tone for personal growth. But rarely do I come across, in the Financial Service Arena, people who have put together a definitive program for personal growth. Obviously no two people would necessarily have the same plan, but all programs should have some common themes.
It is always a good starting place to do a fair amount of self-reflection as you begin this process. What are your current strengths and weaknesses. What are the goals you want to achieve while maintaining your personal values? Set specific achievable goals but always try to decide in what time period you want to achieve these goals. It is often helpful to then break them down into smaller, actionable steps.
Commit to continuous learning. Read books, take courses, attend workshops etc. If you want to make others think you are a person of authority, then get a few designations, such as CFP, CFA, MBA etc.
Work with a coach or mentor. You will always be more successful if you have another pair of eye’s evaluation=ng your progress, giving you encouragement and holding you responsible for hitting deadlines.
Get healthy. Cultivate habits that support your well-being such as regular exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep. If you want to be at the top of your game being health contributes a lot.
Try new things! Personal growth often occurs when you are operating outside of your comfort zone. Remember failure is a learning opportunity.
Personal growth is a journey that requires persistence and patience. Be persistent and stay committed to your goals even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Results take time to measure.
Finally adapt and evolve. Be flexible and open to change. As you grow and evolve, your goals and priorities may shift, so be more than willing to adapt your personal goals accordingly.
Putting a personal growth plan together including at least some of the elements above may not solve all of your needs but it is a big step forward and will certainly let you have a more successful life than those who do not have such a plan.
As the summer progresses, I will discuss some specific goals that will be useful to you as a financial service professional, but a personal growth plan is a good place to start.
RJC
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