MY TWO CENTS:
The first part of last week found Kris (my wife) and me in Scottsdale, AZ at a conference. You’re probably thinking, “Tough life, Scott!” While I was in conference rooms for the better part of two and a half days, we certainly did get a chance to see the sun and experience a bit more warmth than is typical for Michigan in late February. Uncommonly cool weather and more clouds than I’ve ever experienced in Arizona kept us from getting the much-hoped-for winter tan, though.
I don’t typically use this media to share much in the way of economic data, financial planning, or investment perspectives. We had plenty of that content at the conference, and I walked away with lots of notes. We’re always happy to share our thoughts on those topics, but today’s edition of MTC will be more topically aligned with what you’ve come to expect as our reader.
One of our presenters at the conference spoke on the topic of limitless thinking. When I consider the idea of “limitless thinking,” it conjures up images in my mind of people like Christopher Columbus, the authors of the U.S. Constitution, the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and the like. It also brings to mind those folks who may not be so well known, but decided to overcome major life circumstances or challenges to bring substantial impact to their families or communities.
Here are the four pillars of limitless thinking that our speaker referenced:
- Set your intent – define your mission, commit to it, and take steps toward it.
- Shift your mindset – embrace a growth mindset versus a static mindset.
- Assert your confidence – choose to believe you either have, or will develop, the necessary skills and resources to achieve that to which you’ve set your mind to accomplish.
- Activate your community – engage that close-knit group around you to encourage you, empower you, and help you remain accountable.
One of the most impactful statements made during her presentation was this:
Move from “No, because…” to “Yes, when…”
When you simply say “No, because…” of this circumstance or that situation, you mind stops working on a solution. We’ve all been given the capacity to solve lots of issues if only we can remember and believe in our own God-given abilities.
When we embrace that truth, we can move forward by saying “Yes, when…” we learn a new thing, grow into a new skill set, build some experience, find those that believe in our idea, etc. This perspective allows our mind to stay open and working on the challenge ahead of us. It continues to work in the background seeking new ideas and new opportunities to bring to reality that thing to which we’ve committed ourselves. Powerful stuff!
In what area of your life, your family, your community, or your work or business do you need to shift your thinking to “Yes, when…”? I find it amazingly inspirational to get to see those we serve make that shift and accomplish the amazing things they do every day.
Thank you for that privilege, and make it a great week!
Scott Cousino, CFP®, CEPA®
President