“You can run but you can’t hide, you can’t go far, no matter where you go, there you are.”
Naughty By Nature
In Romania they say, "A change in ruler is the joy of fools." We often tell ourselves that external changes, moving, leaving our current job or relationship, will result in the life improvements we desire. Not only is this not always true, but it is frequently untrue.
Quite often, what we think will be a liberating alteration, a new boss for example, turns out to be a case of coming out of the frying pan and into the fire. When we ask ourselves the question "How can things get any worse," life has a way of showing us.
We cannot know if the new ruler, president, supervisor, boss, or whomever, will be an improvement over the old one. We have no control over that. We do, however, have control over ourselves and that is where I believe we should focus our attention and energy.
Sometimes when I speak with folks about financial planning, they express a desire to accomplish certain goals. Saving for their children’s education, putting aside more for retirement, implementing protection strategies, or all of these things. I have never doubted their sincerity for a moment. Sadly, being earnest and following through are not the same.
My experience over the past quarter century has revealed that one of the impediments to their progress is the idea that there will be a “right time” to begin doing what they have articulated that they know they should be doing. After the holidays, in the new year, after tax day, after the summer, once I get my promotion, after the remodel, after the holidays, in the new year, after tax day, you get the idea.
The trouble with this mindset, as it relates to making progress on our goals, is that there will always be things coming up that can provide reasons to keep kicking the can down the road. And please believe me when I say that this is no scold or finger wag.
In my financial life, I am what my father would have called “squared away.” I practice what I preach.
In other areas though, I am guilty of procrastination. I sometimes put off jobs around the house because I know they will be tedious and boring. Also, I should get an eye exam because I need reading glasses. I have not yet scheduled one. So, I get it.
A simpler way of stating this is that we are all human. Acknowledging that fact does not mean we should not strive for self-improvement. I was speaking with a very disciplined friend of mine a few months back and he said “The only control that matters to me is self-control. And the only mastery that matters to me is self-mastery.” I think this is a good personal imperative.
Let us not wait for some vague, shapeless, abstract, or imaginary time in the future to do the things we know we should. We put things off and tell ourselves we will do them later. But we will likely feel the same way when later comes and we put worthy things off again. Eventually, we will run out of runway, and it will be too late to do the things we wanted to do or know that we should do.
We have the power to live our lives based on design, rather than by default. We do not have to wait for events, we can create them. We do not need to allow life to simply happen but can powerfully influence what will happen.
Procrastination can feel like a friend but is our bitter enemy. Do not wait to put your financial house in order. Commit to making progress by taking small steps. You and those you love will be glad you did.
If you would like assistance in formulating a financial plan that is right for you, and making progress toward your goals, call me at 732-844-3000. I am here to help.
Scott R. McGimpsey May 31st , 2024
This material was prepared by Scott McGimpsey and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor Scott McGimpsey is engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If such assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal, state, or municipal tax penalty. Moreover, a diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or assure protection against loss in a declining market. UNIFIED PLANNING GROUP is an independent firm.