4 Ways Financial Coaching is Just Like Braces

"The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing."- Walt Disney

"I've got braces" is what my son Rashad changed his screen name to on his return from the Orthodontist. He was all excited to let his friends know of the change that had taken place. This change was the result of the work done by Dr. Barry Russell and his fine assistants including Joy earlier in the day. But it was only the start and he knew it as his face grimiest with pain and shock as they stretched and pulled and put yucky stuff in his mouth, all in preparation for the appliances.

As I watched, I realized that a lot of work goes into creating straight teeth and beautiful smiles. Not only is it work but also for Rashad the journey will take at least 22 months, a few oral surgeries and a lot of discipline. You see on the way to those straight and beautiful pearlies, he has to give up a lot of his favorite snack foods. His face showed the conce
as he was told that he would not be able to eat nuts (he and I enjoy shelling and eating walnuts and pecans), chocolate bars, popco
or white bread. He would also now have to brush his teeth not twice a day but for 3 minutes after each meal or snack. This meant his toothbrush was becoming his constant companion. He would also have to floss every night.

All of these changes could be overwhelming for anyone much less a teenager, but it's what is required to ensure the proper maintenance of the braces and teeth during this transition.

While having a picture perfect mouth and beautiful smile is certainly important, it pales in comparison to having a healthy financial future. So the question for you is "What are you willing to do in order to improve your financial well being?" Well here are four lessons that you can learn from Rashad's visit to Dr. Russell.

It's Personal

You see, of the thousands of patients that Dr. Russell has provided braces for; each case is different and requires different applications. They all start with a consultation and examination, which allows the doctor to determine their individual needs. While all may end up with braces, the appliances are working in different ways. Some may be pulling to the left, while others to the right and with different degree of force.

So it is with your financial condition, it's different from your spouse's, other relatives or friends. You have different goals, different spending habits, different saving habits, requiring that you make adjustment in ways that are different from them. Joy made Rashad's own mouth mold, took x-rays and photos so that the doctor was able to understand his unique situation and needs.

Your needs are different, so it's up to you to ensure that those needs are properly understood by you and some times you cannot do this evaluation by yourself.

Professional help is usually required.

While some persons maybe able to take control of their finances without help, most of us require some help. You are the best judge of your abilities but without a doubt, your results will improve significantly if you consider the services of a financial coach. One of the first questions most people ask when inquiring about our service is "how much does it cost?" My response is that the cost is not important; the critical thing is what value you put on help that will enable you to take control of your financial situation. Unless you understand the value and importance to you, it will always cost too much, but once you understand the value and the importance then the cost become insignificant. You know that braces aren't cheap but when the cost is weighted against the improvement in my son's disposition and confidence now and in later years, no amount is too much for me to pay.

It Takes A Pla

Once you know what you want and make up in your mind to have it then it becomes very easy for you to achieve your goal. Rashad wants his smile fixed therefore; he will do the work required. I'm sure it's the same for you. You will do what is required to achieve your financial freedom, but the problem in most cases is that you don't know what to do! That's why it's important to have a plan. Your plan will take into account your personal circumstances and goals and then map out a track for you to follow that will enable you to achieve your desired results. But achieving your goals would be very difficult to do without having a plan.

It Takes Time.

No matter what you want in life it will take some time. The good news is that time keeps marching on. Whether you use it to your advantage or not, time will pass. That's why it's important to get time on your side because it could be your greatest ally or your worst nightmare. Rashad's plan outlines his course of treatments for the next 22 months. He knows what he must do each and everyday to achieve his results and over time he will get there. What are you doing today to get to where you want to go?

What you may need is a coach. Through coaching, you get personalized attention and information on exactly the issues you are working on and how to integrate them into your overall plan. Coaching provides you with the support you need to succeed by having a partner who is standing on your side. Having a coach focuses your attention; it clarifies your goals and encourages you to aim higher. A coach will challenge you to eliminate the distractions and help you handle frustrations.

When it comes to accumulating wealth and gaining your financial independence, a coach is just like braces!

"When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live."- Greg Anderso

Copyright 2001 - 2009 - Glenn S. Ferguson