So I’m out shoveling the driveway a few days before Christmas. This wasn’t the fun, freshly fallen snow that you plow aside with an easy rhythm. This was the “I didn’t wake up to snow blow” snow that you drove over and is now cemented in place showing your exact tire tracks. As I hammered away wondering if my shovel would hold up, but making very little progress, I was reminded of a lesson I’ve learned in so many other areas of life. The angle of the shovel blade as it hit the ice was so much more important than me trying to prove how much of a man I was to the ice. Angle over force. Brains over brawn. Work smarter, not harder.
In the world of financial planning, so many people try and muscle their way to success by subscribing to the latest “get rich” craze. “You’re worth it! For only 3 payments of $99 you too can become a real estate investor living the passive income dream you’ve always wanted!” So many people want to skip the fundamental and boring parts of creating a solid financial foundation. These parts take time to develop. It takes time to chip away at debt, build up your savings, and consistently monitor your spending. All this work is done in the name of accumulating an amount of wealth that is meaningful to your future.
A new year is upon us and wide open for adventure. I am going to make it my mission to cut back on the force and focus on new angles. I hope you will do the same.
Happy New Year!