Good morning, merry Christmas, happy New Year, and of course … happy Monday! 😊 I hope you had a wonderful, joyous Christmas!
“Expecting the world to treat you fairly just because you’re a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to charge you because you’re a vegetarian.”
Dennis Wholey, TV host*
I am constantly learning, one of my objectives in life is to be a lifelong learner. Almost every single day I am doing something to learn … reading books, listening to podcasts, attending conferences, studying resources, etc.
Feel free to reach out to me individually if you would be interested in me sharing some of my favorite resources I discovered this year … I’ve come across some really good stuff.
I am currently reading the book “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John Maxwell. I have greatly enjoyed this book thus far and am currently in chapter 8 “The Law of Pain.”
John says: “Here’s what I know about bad experiences: 1) everyone has them 2) no one likes them 3) few people make bad experiences positive experiences.” He goes on to say “Life is filled with ups and downs. The problem is that what most of us want is ups and ups. That’s not possible. Life’s difficulties do not allow us to stay the same. They move us. The question is, in which direction will we be moved; forward or backward?”*
Wow! I thought that was exceptionally insightful (and true).
2022 has been a painful investment year. Aggressive portfolios, conservative portfolios, active funds, passive funds, stocks, bonds … almost everything has been down this year. Just like you, I wish it was up, up, up all the time, but that’s not what 2022 had in store for us. The question is do we use this year to move forward or backward?
I am committed to moving forward.
I constantly tell my children: “When given the choice between what is easy and what is right, we must always choose what is right.” This is not a popular message in today’s society … and it most certainly is not popular with my kids 😉 but I stand by that philosophy!
I am as convinced as ever that sticking to our strategy, riding out the waves, and being patience is the right thing to do, even though I know it has not been easy or fun this year. I wholeheartedly believe it will pay off.
My friends, as we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023, I just want to say thank you. I am as resolved as ever to let the financial plan guide our decisions, not short-term market movements. I am so appreciative of the trust you have placed in our team, and I look forward to an amazing year ahead!
Happy New Year!
*Quotes taken from chapter 8, pages 124-126 of John Maxwell book “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”