“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.”
Chinese Proverb
Change and transformation can cause two reactions in us, either we will try to stop or resist the change, or we will see how we can use it for our advantage and growth. What’s certain is that what we are doing, and how we are doing it, will change.
However, our motivation, our why, can remain the same. When we remember why we have invested a certain way, whether it be an investment of time, money or skills, it’s where we can draw strength, innovation, courage and resilience for the changed behaviours and strategies needed for growth.
As we’ve always believed, working with money is about so much more than the money itself – it’s about what the money means to us, which is intrinsically linked to our personal beliefs and life strategies.
Effective investing, like life, is almost like trying to swing a yoyo whilst walking up a flight of stairs. There are many ups and downs that don’t always reflect the direction of our more significant journey.
This is why it’s so essential for us to keep talking about our motivations for our choices. It’s easy to get distracted by momentous world events that blow hefty squalls of change. If we’re trained and alert (or working with experts), we can see those gusts coming along the water before they hit us on the water.
In the case of the Chinese proverb above, if we keep an eye on trends and patterns, we will know exactly where to build our windmills and how to position them for maximum effect.
As we think of other events, like Human Rights Day, a powerful holiday around the world, it’s all about remembering why there was a stand to secure and ensure the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom for all. And, even this journey is like a yoyo with ups and downs where we don’t always get it right, but if we can remember why we’re trying to bring about change – we can all grow.
This inspires personal choice and encourages critical thinking. As Voltaire has said, “Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too.”
When it comes to living in your wealthspace, it’s important for you to know what your WHY is. It’s important to revisit it and know that whilst many things can change along the way, your personal motivations and inclinations will allow you to be effective, reflective, enquiring and transformative.