How many times do we hear this? Someone telling us how we should think, or how we should behave. I observe it frequently and it never ceases to amaze me how people believe they are qualified to give out advice.
Have an opinion, yes, but there seems to be an increasing propensity for people to overlay their experiences and their subsequent thoughts onto others, regardless of any understanding of how the person they are talking to thinks.
Perhaps this is increasingly obvious to me because of the influence of social media and the 24-hour news coverage. Maybe it’s because many, despite being more aware, are being more selective in what they read or listen to creating confirmation biases and a reinforcement of entrenched views.
In my role as a Financial Planner, I would never dream of telling someone how they should live their life or how they should spend their money. Naturally, I give advice and guidance but only once I’ve understood what fulfilment looks like for my client. It is not my job to be judge and jury about their lives.
If you wish to offer advice in any capacity, then surely, it’s prudent to ask thought-provoking questions in order to ascertain a better understanding of what makes that person tick.
Of course, you have to be genuinely interested for this to happen!
I say all this because it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘spin’ of life, easy to conform with what others expect, and easy to continue running on the treadmill of life without taking stock of what’s important to you.
So, my message is simple. Live the life you want. Take a step back. Spend time reflecting on what’s important to you and then set about making it happen. Don’t live life through other people’s lenses and don’t procrastinate. It’s your life, so live it but do so with confidence!
Best wishes,
Gary
Gary Neild B.Sc.Hons. DipIP PFA
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Risk warning
Please Note: This communication should not be read as giving specific advice regarding your personal circumstances. This would only be given following a detailed assessment of your individual needs. The value of investments may fall as well as rise; you may get back less than invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns.
