Life is a continuum—an accumulation of experiences that shape how we view ourselves, our families, and our world. And, when we reflect on these experiences, we come to realize that our lives have been and will be permeated by change. Of course, the same is true for your clients as well. Therefore, it is […]
Financial & Life Goals
Reframe Your Goal Setting Process for Client Success & Satisfaction in 2019
Goals are targets—something to aim for. They give life direction and a sense of purpose. In addition, a structured goal setting process provides a framework for anticipating, planning, and preparing for the future. Despite these important benefits, many individuals are reluctant to set goals. Often this is because goal setting has been ineffective for them […]
When SMART Goals Are Not Always Wise
Many of us have been taught about setting goals through the use of the SMART acronym. The theory is that in order to be successful in our pursuits, our goals must be: Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Tangible However, for most financial planning clients, this goal setting template is rigid and uninspiring. It puts the concept […]
Purpose Drives Financial and Life Planning
Do your clients desire to be rich? The word “rich” can be defined as possessing great material wealth, and it can also be defined as that which is abundant, meaningful, and significant. Therefore, what kind of wealth do your clients desire the most? Do they want to experience a life of riches or a rich […]
Values-Based Financial and Life Planning
The strongest foundation for the financial plans you create will always be your clients’ heightened awareness of the nature, influence, and importance of their values. Therefore, in your discovery and data gathering activities, it is essential that you engage your clients in a process of thoughtful reflection to help them identify and clarify what is truly […]
Boomers and the Meaning of Life
In terms of adult development theory, turning 50 is typically a time in life when individuals rethink the direction their lives are taking, confront their own mortality, and dare to ask themselves, “Am I really happy?” However, what distinguishes Baby Boomers from previous generations is that they wear their mid-life angst on their sleeves. […]
The Power of Questions: Unlocking the Possibilities For Personal and Professional Growth
There is a lot of truth to the old saying, “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” Therefore, it is important to bedeliberate in planning for your personal and professional success. One of the easiest and most effective ways to shape your future is toask yourself powerful questions. In […]
When it Comes to Change, Your Client (and You!) Are of Two Minds
*Be sure to read the author’s note and special announcement at the end of this blog post! In the Happiness Hypothesis, psychologist Jonathan Haidt wrote that long ago he developed a metaphor to help him make sense of his often self-sabotaging behaviors: The image that I came up with for myself, as I marveled at […]
Defining the “Why” of Your Clients’ Goals
Failing to reach personal and financial goals can be both frustrating and disheartening for your clients. And, to make matters worse, they often realize that they are their own worst enemies when it comes to sabotaging their dreams. However, research has shown that your clients can dramatically increase their rate of success by first determining a meaningful and internally motivated “why” for each goal pursuit.