Driving into work this morning I passed a sign that profoundly resonated within me.
Introspective, instructive and empowering in a single statement.
It also reminded me of another sign I read in 2014 “Be Better, Not Bigger”.
Looking back in the revision mirror of life, this sign has not only changed my life for the better, it has become my business and life philosophy.
And doing so has allowed me to make faster decisions, keep moving forward in times of struggle and let go of what I can’t control. And to and focus on that which is within my control.
Ever since I became a financial planner in 1999 the industry has been in a state of flux and change.
I’m sure the industry was in this same state of flux before me and it will continue to be so, long after I have left too.
Why? Because money is more than a physical currency, it is a expression of our emotions, aspirations, fears and more, and as long as we believe it is a scarce resource, those who value it over others will act in a self-interested way.
Anyways, these personal views on money are another topic of discussion for another time.
Back to the sign I saw this morning having profound resonance with me.
The sign read “FIT BY U”
Three simple words, with incredible hidden power.
Over the last year and a half I have let myself go physically. I’ve probably put on 10kg. I’m more cynical, short tempered and less motivated. Previously I might have had a wine or beer over a meal on Friday night or the weekend. Now I find found myself having a glass of wine every other night.
I’ve been exercising less and my intake of take away, has increased. Obviously this has had detrimental effect. Physically, mentally, emotionally as well as being a negative energy on the relationship I have with myself and others.
The victim in me would point too facts and external events as justifiable reasoning for my current state i.e. insane levels of new business regulation for financial planners (I know of over a dozen suicides); corona virus, exams, public sentiment etc. is the reason for this state of funk
However the truth is, listening more to the noise that is outside of my control and listening less to myself which was silently had gradually undermined my inner self-confidence.
The sign read “FIT BY U” Fitter Faster Stronger.
Firstly the message is the obvious. The outcome or benefit that we will or can attain by buying what they are selling i.e. the promise.
However what resonated most deeply within me was the “You” in the message.
No one else will get fit for you. “You” must do it for yourself. It is “You” alone who must do the work and “You” who reaps the benefits. Others may benefit via association however it’s “You” who receives the greatest return on your investment in yourself.
The universal truth is that ownership will always be present at the crossroad of all our life’s choices and decisions.
The level ownership we attach to our choices being apportioned to the success we will experience as a result.
Simple yes. Easy no.
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