Gratitude and Reflection

Every holiday season comes with both joy and reflection. Getting together with friends and family reminds us of what truly matters. With the new year approaching, we often reflect on what we accomplished or ideas that were never followed through.

We promise ourselves that in the new year ahead we will do all the things we never got to do this year. We dream about taking vacations, buying a home, getting a better job, saving money and hoping to retire comfortably. The reality is life gets in the way.

The one thing we must do to have the best shot at reaching our goals and achieving our dreams is to have a plan in place. Look at the things you did and what you can do differently in the coming months to take action to reach your goals.

Remember to be grateful for all you did accomplish this year and think positively. Think about mistakes that were made and what you can learn from them. Mistakes are there to teach us lessons so we do not repeat them. Consider what kept you from doing the things you set out to do this year and what were some of the obstacles that held you back.

The thought process that goes into accomplishing your plan will make it successful or a failure. To begin making the changes you wish to see in the coming year, write a list of specific steps you can take towards the goal. If you have failed previously, then take what you learned from that so you can avoid making the same mistakes.

I always make an effort to remember my failures so I do not repeat them. For example, on a road trip driving through the mountains I came to an intersection and had to decide to turn left or right. I turned left and found the place we were going to.  My wife said, “How did you know to turn left?” I responded that several years ago I turned right at the intersection and was lost.

Everyone can be successful, but it takes work. You need to learn from someone that has accomplished what you are trying to do. Find a mentor, read books, attend seminars, etc. If you are trying to get your finances in order, direction for your retirement plan, or establishing an estate plan, reach out to the professionals who specialize in those areas.

At Tax Wealth & Financial Services, we provide tax and accounting services, financial consulting, retirement and estate planning, elder-care planning and tax resolution services. We take pride in calling ourselves Retirement Planning Specialists and aim to guide our clients in reaching their goals with a successful plan.