I’ve spent years pressuring myself to have everything mapped out before starting anything new. I wanted the perfect financial foundation before getting married, a library of parenting books before becoming a dad, and a flawless business plan before launching my firm. Even buying the right software felt like a prerequisite to taking on clients.
Experience has taught me that there is no perfect moment to begin. Delaying only makes the first step feel heavier. The fix is simple: just start, then adjust.
Stop waiting for perfect conditions. Point yourself toward your objective, pick the most achievable first step, and take it before hesitation sets in. Then, check your progress and pivot as needed.
Financial planning mirrors this reality. Carl Richards often says, “goals are just guesses.” No advisor has a crystal ball. None of us can predict what the market or your life will look like in 30 years.
A plan is a starting point. Advisors must be ready to course-correct when a storm appears. Our job is to help you stay the course when you hit pockets of turbulence.
I bring this same flexible approach to my own life. Perfection isn’t a requirement for progress. Define your objective, choose your next steps, and stay open to reassessment. You don’t need every answer on day one. Each step forward brings the insights you need to refine your approach.
Visual Credit: Liz Fosslien
The Blueprint
Getting moving without a full map requires embracing the unknown. You have to value adaptation over rigid preparation. Use these strategies to change your approach:
Accept the unknown. You cannot predict everything, so build the skill of reacting to shifts instead of trying to control them.
Take tiny steps. You do not need the full path to start walking. Early movement generates the momentum you need to solve problems as they appear.
Keep goals loose. Define your objectives but keep your methods flexible. Change often presents better opportunities than your original plan allowed.
Prioritize learning. Every bit of information you pick up makes your next decision better. Focus on what you learn as you move rather than sticking to a rigid process.
Value growth. Look at challenges as chances to level up. When you prioritize getting better over being perfect, you stop fearing mistakes.
Look back. Think about times you handled things without a clear guide. You have a track record of figuring it out, so lean on that history.
Stay grounded. Techniques like mindfulness help keep your focus on right now. You can take action easier when you aren't stuck worrying about future scenarios.
Ask for help. Find peers or mentors who have walked similar paths. Their perspective can often settle your nerves and sharpen your strategy.
Remember, the most important map is the one you create along the journey, not before it begins. Trust in your ability to learn and adapt, and you’ll find that you can navigate the future with confidence.
~Alex
