Welcoming change?

Being ready for change is not an easy thing. When we have been doing something for so long we resist it and it causes a lot of fear and discomfort. I understand and it's totally normal. Taking steps towards positive change are always easier when you have someone guiding you that you trust. I hope to be that person for you and for many people in my life time.

I know that when you have had a bad experience with a professional anywhere from a financial advisor or a doctor you start to put walls up and distance yourself from advice or help. It's like not being caught at the end of a trust fall. It's something that stays with you. You may have heard it all before - "I promise/guarantee" etc. and then it wasn't followed through or held up.

Making positive assumptions is a start. Making sure that you feel your needs have been heard is the next step. Ask for what you need, that will allow you to feel secure. Do you want to take small steps? That is a request and it's about respect. Will your advisor give you the space to grow? A good advisor will push your limits but progressively. Stretching your comfort zone has to happen gradually and with great care. Too much discomfort will cause quick and immediate loss of trust and deterioration. Education is the biggest piece to the puzzle, it comes before personal emotions and opinions. It allows informed decisions to be made because when it comes to your money - emotions need to be set aside. Discuss emotional issues surrounding money first and then make a plan to work in such a way to get beyond them, because for the most part they are not factual and they can cause a significant decrease in your level of overall success.

I can't stress enough how important the relationship is with your advisor. I should really say "partnership". It's even longer than a marriage in some cases. You want to make sure they know everything about you. The good the bad and the ugly. It can get emotional. If they have a kleenex box in their office - you are on the right track.