It’s the start of a new year. When many of us set goals or make resolutions designed to better ourselves, strengthen our families, grow or scale our financial advisory firms, or nurture personal interests.
We’re energized by the 52 weeks of fresh possibility that January brings each year. It’s a welcome chance to stretch, grow and test the limits we put on ourselves. But for others, the size of a goal, the lack of direction or the sheer number of blank pages in the calendar can feel daunting.
So, how do you foster the confidence to invest in the you of tomorrow? How do you find the gumption to grow and change? Try this nine-step game plan for leaving the safety of your comfort zone and building your tolerance for the unknown.
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Set specific and achievable goals
Know where you want to go and how you’ll measure success. Evaluating how you truly performed is tricky if your goal is simply “To grow my practice.” Detailed and specific objectives such as, “I’ll spend three hours a week marketing my firm with the intent of growing my client relationships by 15% in 2024,” give clear direction and motivation to move forward. Make sure your goals are reasonable and attainable with the right level of effort.
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Prepare for success
The world’s greatest athletes, performers, business minds and talents know there’s power in preparation. While rarely exciting, preparation is the cornerstone of growth and change and can jumpstart your success. Whether you’re a tenured independent financial advisor or just starting your career, what can you do today to put yourself in the best position to succeed tomorrow?
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Picture it
Visualization is an effective tool for getting where you want to go. Seeing yourself successfully navigate the ups and downs of personal growth can alleviate anxiety, ease doubts and make the unknown feel less intimidating.
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Step back, slingshot forward
Missteps can sting when we’re committed and passionate about accomplishing a goal or trying something new. But it’s only a setback if we don’t use these opportunities as a chance to learn and propel us forward. Start by assessing the situation and measuring performance. Then focus on what’s most important to stay disciplined, engaged and on the right track.
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Ask – the right people – for help
It takes courage to try something different – whether that’s exploring a new marketing strategy to grow your relationships, speaking to groups to showcase your enterprise or using new technology so you can spend less time on administrative tasks. Seek the advice and encouragement of partners, mentors, colleagues, and others who understand your dreams, what’s important to you, and will support and champion your changes.
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Challenge limiting thoughts
Imposter syndrome describes feelings of self-doubt when faced with an obstacle or trying something new. When these limiting thoughts creep in, identify them for what they are – just thoughts – and challenge their validity. Don’t let negative self-talk stop you from becoming the next best version of yourself.
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Reflect, learn, refine
Each time we step into the unknown, it’s like a laboratory teaching us what does and doesn’t work. As you pursue your goal, remember to pause, consider what you’ve discovered about yourself or the process, and how you can refine it. Taking time for learning and reflection will build your tolerance for the unknown.
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Give yourself a high-five
The road to change can be bumpy, so it’s important to celebrate the milestones you hit along the way. Recognizing progress reinforces that you’re up to the challenge, and it’s future fuel for those days when motivation may be hard to come by.
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Do it again
Once successfully – and confidently – outside your comfort zone, it’s time to put the game plan to work for a new goal. So, begin again. Make a habit of regularly trying new things so you continue to spark personal growth and shatter any limits you put on yourself.
This game plan for growth can help you step away from the familiar and elevate your relationships, enterprise, and personal development – in January or any other time of the year. As you increase your tolerance for the unknown and courage to move outside your comfort zone, you’ll see the days and weeks ahead as fresh opportunities to invest in your future self and to live the life you imagined.
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