The Plan Is There for the Hard Days

photo credit: Getty images for unsplash

“I give myself good advice, but very seldom follow it.”

                                                                               — Alice in Wonderland

Alice speaks these profound words as she explores Wonderland.  How often do you find yourself living out this phrase?  “I’m going to eat better”, “exercise more”, “read more”, “spend time with family”, “save more”, “spend less”—but are we successful in following our own advice?

Challenges, unknowns, and disruptions make determining outcomes difficult, if not impossible, during unusual economic periods.  In these times, it can be harder to follow the good advice we give ourselves. Under tension, it feels more difficult to take one step at a time, be patient, control what you can control, and follow the plan—all advice we may give ourselves but not follow.

As we walk through times of economic uncertainty, we see volatile market news consume many people’s lives and time, regardless of how well they have prepared, planned, and promised they would not let fear dictate their reaction in the next challenging situation.

Mother Theresa said, “We fear the future because we are wasting the today.” Uncertainty tends to amplify this.

We encourage you to embrace today.  Take one step at a time, following an established plan that helps meet your goals over time.  Work with others who understand you and help you establish and follow a sound strategy.  When do you cut back or sell?  When do you add or buy?  What should you own?

In the evening as you reflect on your day, consider the choices you feel best about. Were those moments directed by fear of what could happen outside of your control, or guided by confidence in your own advice to do the good that you can?

To discuss how to stick to your plan, contact Randy Fairfax at 440-808-1500.

Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the conviction that companies and individuals could be better served with integrity, impartiality, and stewardship. Today, Highland is 100% owned by a team of owner-associates galvanized around this promise: As your Investor Advocates®, we are Client First. Every Opportunity. Every Interaction.

Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to make an offer of solicitation for the sale or purchase of specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.