The Secrets to Success and Significance

Mary L. Duwe, CFP®, Master Coach

Frequently I speak with financial advisors who have worked for many years to achieve high levels of success. I never assume that their wealth or position of influence brings with it a feeling of significance. In fact, advisors often say to me, “All this effort…for what? I still feel like a cork bobbing in the ocean.”

According to Webster’s dictionary, success is the “accomplishment of the goals and objectives desired.” In contrast, the definition of significance is “filled with meaning and purpose.” Is it possible to have success and significance and not trade one for the other? Can you set goals and objectives that ultimately create a life experience with meaning and purpose?

Ask yourself this question: How would my definition of success change if I included significance? Would it still be defined only by numbers? How would you change personally if you included significance as part of your success story?

Many advisors spend most of their careers seeking success, only to find that what they were seeking was more than simply a list of accomplishments, awards, and designations. High-performing financial advisors need to make their mark. They want both success and significance.

I have listed the following 15 secrets for achieving success and significance:

• Be your authentic self.

• Find, follow, and foster joy.

• Let passion be the force that drives your life.

• Share your unique gifts and talents, no matter what they are.

• Design your contributions to life based on desire, not on what would, could, or should be.

• Allow that which is most important to you guide your life.

• Find your natural and comfortable place for giving and receiving.

• Solve problems, even if you did not cause them, at a higher level than they were created.

• Stop waiting––and start initiating.

• Stop trying to change behavior; instead change beliefs.

• Build a community of people who bring out your best.

•  Simplify your life by organizing it around priorities.

•  Intentionally set priorities to include those activities that satisfy and bring you joy.

•  Become a good steward of all that you have received.

•  Don’t be afraid of the daily challenges that come your way; instead, embrace them.

Approach your life and business with your own unique style, passion, and purpose. You may find yourself redefining what success is in order to make a real difference. If you want to ignite your life with the impact of success and significance, begin to define a new relationship with yourself, as well as your family, business, and community.

Mary L. Duwe, a veteran advisor, Certified Financial Planner®, and Master Coach, brings a depth of experience and desire to help advisors improve their lives and practices. She has practiced as a successful financial planner since 1984 and is licensed in securities, life insurance, and real estate. Mary has a BS in Psychology and received her coach training from CoachU. She continued her training with the Graduate School of Coaching, Legacy Learning (Franklin Covey Coaching) and has completed the Emotional Competence Inventory Accreditation (EIC). As an experienced Emotional Intelligence Development Coach, Mary works with advisors to reorient their lives and their businesses for greater success, meaning, and fulfillment. Mary is the master coach for Mitch Anthony’s Institute of Financial Life Planning. She prepares financial advisors to deepen their client relationships and coaches the process of Financial Life Planning. According to Mary, “The right conversation will make all the difference.” Contact Mary at mary@maryduwe.com or mary@mitchanthony.com. Phone: 715-693-8002.

© 2007 Mary Duwe