Embracing the Power of Thankfulness: A Path to Personal and Professional Fulfillment
Anyone who knows me well understands that I am a staunch believer in the power of thankfulness. There's a fundamental truth I hold dear: you don’t receive unless you give. This philosophy was beautifully reinforced recently when our office received a heartfelt card expressing gratitude. One line from the card stood out to me: “Thank you for helping me get to the promised land.”
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of what we strive to achieve in our work. We are not always successful in guiding everyone to their "promised land," as various assets, conditions, and obstacles can influence their journey. Sometimes, people may not appreciate the tough conversations we have about their financial situation and the potential paths ahead. However, it’s truly rewarding when we receive thanks for a job well done.
The Importance of Gratitude
Gratitude is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It’s not just about feeling thankful; it’s about expressing that gratitude and recognizing those who have positively impacted our lives. So, let me ask you: who are YOU thankful for?
The Power of Shared Ideas
Recently, I attended a financial Mastermind event with an exclusive group of individuals in Denver, CO. This annual event is a highlight for me because it fosters an environment of free idea exchange. There are no competitors in the room. We come from different companies, different firms, and even different philosophies, but we all recognize the value of learning from one another.
This year's meeting left me feeling incredibly thankful. It’s common for participants to reach out for additional ideas or input in the weeks following the event. For instance, I have a Zoom meeting at noon today with a colleague from Nashville, TN, to exchange ideas. Our office will be sharing insights with them as they seek to enhance their workflows and serve their community and clients more holistically, which aligns with our own aspirations.
A Philosophy of Sharing
Why do we engage in this exchange of ideas? We understand that we cannot serve every single person in the United States from our office alone. However, we strive to serve as many as possible by sharing our knowledge and strategies. We reject the notion of hoarding our ideas out of fear of competition. Instead, we believe in empowering others to succeed.
When advisors reach out to me after reading my book, Investments Don’t Hug, I encourage them to use my words, analogies, and information to do good for others. All I ask is that they take what I’ve created and make a positive impact on someone else’s life.
A Challenge to Do Good
Today, I challenge you to do good for someone else. Become a mentor and help others avoid the hard work you endured years or decades ago. When you do good, you will receive gratitude and thankfulness, which can bring joy and fulfillment in the moment and throughout your life.
Whether you’re working or retired, continue to improve others’ lives. Ask yourself: what am I doing to make other lives better? Live a life of gratitude and thankfulness. Reflect on this question: Am I living my life today in a way that would inspire someone to express their thankfulness to me? If not, perhaps it’s time for a conversation with the person in the mirror.
Embrace the power of thankfulness, and let it guide you to a more fulfilling life.
