As human beings, sometimes when we set goals for ourselves, we want to see results fast. But focusing on immediate results can get in the way of what we want to achieve in the long run. Think about the get-rich-quick schemes or what the equivalent would be for weight loss, for example. Focusing on the result may lead us to get impatient and do things to self-sabotage.
Instead, what if we shifted our focus to the little things we do everyday to get to those goals? In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about how he realized the results he was getting had less to do with the goals he set, but more with the systems he followed. Another thing he mentions is the fact that oftentimes we attach our happiness to a particular goal, so we don’t give ourselves permission to be happy until that’s achieved (i.e. I’ll be happy when I retire). By appreciating the process in addition to the end goal, we can prolong feelings of peace and happiness.
This made me think about what we do as financial planners. Even though a financial plan is goal-based, at One Wealth we strive to help you build the systems that will hopefully get you closer to achieving those milestones in the long term, while at the same time enjoying the process of getting there.
