FA Tactical Tip: Perseverance is a Team Sport
You never have to do life or business alone — not even if you’re a member of the introvert family (like me and thousands of financial advisors )!
I bet you recently saw the story of Diana Nyad, world record-holding long-distance swimmer.
I was working in the city (Manhattan) when she swam 28 miles around the island in 1975. Since then, I’ve read about her tries and fails. Now, 38 frig’n years later, on her 5th attempt, at age 62, she swam 110 miles between Cuba and Florida. Amazing!
Did you catch the 3 nuggets of advice Diana had for the world as she stood on the beach?
Yeah, life is a team effort for sure. Sometimes people know that they’re a part of your team — your friends, family, and those you pay to be part of your business team. But often, people don’t even know they’ve been on your team — but they sure made the difference! Former teachers that gave you “food for thought” or a kind word when you needed it. People you’ve met for just a few moments that gave you a lift. The stranger that gave you an ah-ha moment. Even the author whose article you’ve read or speaker whose talk helped you move ahead. They’ve all been part of your team.
I remember the 2nd grader who needed to practice for Holy Communion with 100 of her fellow classmates and she was very scared to be such a big, dark church. She didn’t want to go in. She just cried and cried. I was a 5th grader and found myself volunteering to walk beside her and then stay in church for the 8-10 afternoons of practice. I promised to go to church on her special day, to make sure she was ok, and I did. While I don’t remember her name, it could have been Patricia or Catherine, she helped me learn empathy.
I was on her team…and she was on mine.
We are never too old to chase our dreams. Just ask Dear Abby. Sometime in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s, I was sitting on the trading desk and read a profound Dear Abby column. Here it is.
Dear Abby:
I am a 36-year-old college dropout whose lifelong ambition was to be a physician. I have a very good job selling pharmaceutical supplies, but my heart is still in the practice of medicine. I do volunteer work at the local hospital on my time off, and people tell me I would have made a wonderful doctor.
If I go back to college and get my degree, then go to medical school, do my internship and finally get into the actual practice of medicine, it will take me seven years! But, Abby, in seven years I will be 43 years old. What do you think?
Unfulfilled in Philly
Dear Unfulfilled:
And how old will you be in seven years if you don’t go to medical school?
So don’t let age, medical conditions, car accidents, or even recessions keep you from reaching your dreams.
Ask for help from people you need on your Dream Team and watch for the ones that will inevitably appear. Above all, never give up on something you really believe in!
For more insights from Dear Abby, visit her website
Join The Conversation
Who’s on your team and why? Post a comment below.
©2013 Maria Marsala guides independent financial advisors to reach their 5-year business and personal goals in 24 months. She is a business coach, speaker, and a former Wall Street Trader. Named one of the Top 30 International Coaching Gurus in 2011, Maria has been recognized as a thought leader whose ideas have been published in Financial Planning Magazine, RIA Biz, Advisor Max, Dow Jones, The Street, Entrepreneur Magazine, and numerous books, trade journals, and magazines. She has authored four business-building workbooks including, Attracting Clients You Love Working With: 6 Steps to a Profitable Client Base. Did you find this article thought-provoking? Get more delivered directly to your inbox every two weeks by signing up here: www.CoachMaria.com
About The Author
An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. For 25 years, Maria streamlined Fortune 500 companies, nurtured non-profits, and discovered her niche—mentoring women CEOs and executives. Armed with corporate secrets and life coach credentials, Maria founded Elevating Your Business to help female financial professionals live better using her proprietary brand of consultative-coaching. Contact Maria today and take the first step toward freedom, full-fillment, and a sparkling quality of life! Contact me now!
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Hi Ritta,
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