Focusing on Mission

December 27, 2024

"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." - Mahatma Gandhi

As 2024 comes to an end, I was inspired to write about the importance of focusing on mission.  I often say that August Wealth is a mission disguised as a financial company; I believe that is true.  Our objective is to help the families we serve have more joy, and one way to do that is to reduce stress, anxiety, and inefficiency when it comes to wealth.  

December is a time where August Wealth and many companies conduct annual reviews of their teams.  I ask my team every year to criticize me, my actions, my strengths and my weaknesses.  I used to get defensive as a younger man when I would hear criticism, but that is no longer the case.  Why?  Because my main goal is to get better at my mission.  My goal is not to hear praise about how I’m doing; it’s to understand how I might better achieve my goals and my mission despite my weaknesses.  How can I overcome my own imperfections and more effectively serve others?

This is how we get better, how we achieve more, and how we attain more joy. 

Staying on Mission: The Key to Achieving Your Goals

As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to get sidetracked from what's truly important. We all have goals and aspirations, but sometimes we lose sight of what we're working towards. That's why having a clear mission statement is essential.

At August Wealth, we believe that helping our clients achieve their mission is paramount. We want to empower them with the time and freedom to focus on what truly matters. But what does that mean, exactly?

For most of us, wealth is a means to an end. It gives us the freedom to pursue our passions, nurture our relationships, and make a positive impact on the world. But wealth can also be a source of stress and anxiety if not managed properly.

That's why we encourage our clients to define their mission and prioritize their goals. What do you want to achieve with your life? What kind of impact do you want to make? What kind of person do you want to become?

Your mission statement should be a guiding force in your life, helping you stay focused on what's truly important. It's not just about achieving wealth or success; it's about living a life that's true to who you are.

For the families we serve, if you have some time during the quiet of the holidays, please consider reflecting on your personal mission statement and sending it to us.

The Power of Positive Emotions

So, how do you stay on mission and achieve your goals? It all starts with cultivating positive emotions. Napoleon Hill, in his classic book "Think and Grow Rich," identifies seven positive emotions that can help drive success:

1. Desire: Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

2. Faith: Believing in yourself and your abilities.

3. Love: Nurturing positive relationships and connections with others.

4. Sex: Embracing your passion and creativity.

5. Enthusiasm: Approaching life with energy and excitement.

6. Romance: Finding joy and beauty in everyday experiences.

7. Hope: Maintaining a positive outlook, even in challenging times.

These emotions can be powerful drivers of success, but they can also be fleeting. That's why it's essential to cultivate them intentionally, through practices like meditation, reflection, and gratitude.

Avoid Distractions and Negative Emotions

Of course, staying positive and focused isn't always easy. Life is full of distractions and challenges that can derail us from our mission. That's why it's essential to be aware of the negative emotions that can hold us back:

1. Fear: Allowing anxiety and doubt to hold you back.

2. Jealousy: Comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate.

3. Hatred: Allowing negative emotions to consume you.

4. Revenge: Focusing on getting even rather than moving forward.

5. Greed: Prioritizing wealth and material possessions above all else.

6. Superstition: Allowing fear and uncertainty to guide your decisions.

7. Anger: Letting negative emotions control your actions.

These emotions can be toxic, causing us to lose sight of our mission and values. That's why it's essential to recognize them and take steps to manage them.

Additionally, consider carefully how much knowledge you try and consume.  There is an infinite number of podcasts, videos, courses, media, and experts to listen to.  Your brain only can only handle so much.  Allow your brain and body quiet and stillness so it can process the important parts of what you learn and use it for your mission.

Become a Leader

Develop your mission, formulate a plan, and execute ruthlessly.  Always learn from others but forget about the “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO).  Here are some key qualities to cultivate:

1. Unwavering courage: Standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity.

2. Self-control: Managing your emotions and actions, even in challenging situations.

3. A keen sense of justice: Making fair and compassionate decisions.

4. Definiteness of decision: Being clear and decisive in your decision-making.

5. Definiteness of plans: Having a clear vision and strategy for achieving your goals.

6. The habit of doing more than paid for: Going above and beyond to serve others.

7. A pleasing personality: Being approachable, empathetic, and supportive.

8. Sympathy and understanding: Being able to see things from other people's perspectives.

9. Mastery of detail: Being meticulous and thorough in your work.

10. Willingness to assume full responsibility: Taking ownership of your actions and decisions.

By cultivating these qualities, you could become a more effective leader, inspiring and motivating others in helping them achieve their goals.

Stay on Track

So, how do you stay on track and work to achieve your mission? Here are some final tips:

1. Establish your mission: Define what you want to achieve and prioritize your goals.

2. Enact a plan: Create a clear strategy for achieving your goals.

3. Take action: Start taking steps towards your goals, even if it's just a small step.

4. Revise and adjust: Be willing to adapt and adjust your plan as needed.

5. Surround yourself with support: Build a community of people who support and encourage you and avoid those people that detract from your life.

As Napoleon Hill says, "Every failure plants the seed of an equivalent success." So don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or failures. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Your mission is unique to you. It's not about comparing yourself to others or trying to achieve someone else's goals. It's about staying true to yourself and your values and using your unique talents and abilities to make a positive impact in the world.

Possibilities to consider for 2025; what might happen?

• AI will continue to change the world at a more rapid pace.

• Investment in AI outpaces human ability to adopt changes fast enough, and this will lead to disappointment in those investment narratives.

• President Trump’s tariff policies will not be as impactful as feared.  Bringing forward imports anticipating higher prices will not have been necessary.

• Inflation will fall further in 2025.  China will continue to increase overcapacity in the goods it produces to hit economic growth targets.

• Narratives and quantitative trading strategies that follow narratives push markets to extremes; eventually there will be an adjustment.  The two charts below show how narratives are an important determinant of a company’s stock price in the short term instead of a company’s ability to produce profits.  

• Companies which produce strong cash flow and trade at more reasonable prices will ultimately prove to be better investment opportunities.  

i Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and August Wealth Advisors are separate entities.

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