“There will be haters, there will be doubters, there will be non-believers, and then there will be you proving them wrong.” This powerful quote by Jennifer Van Allen resonates deeply with me, both as a professional and someone who has lived the ups and downs of life as an expat.
It speaks to the resilience and determination that are necessary to succeed in the face of adversity and scepticism.
It’s really important, because none of us know what tomorrow will bring. It could bring failure, but it could also bring epic success. If we’re willing to think the colly-wobbles worst, it’s only fair to also think the absolute best!
At the heart of proving the doubters (and self-doubt!) wrong lies the concept of self-leadership. As Peter F. Drucker eloquently states in his book “Managing Oneself,” the foundation of effective self-leadership is self-awareness and self-knowledge. It’s about developing a deep understanding of your strengths, values, and unique traits, and using that understanding to guide your decisions and actions.
When it comes to international, integrated financial planning, self-leadership is particularly valuable. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the noise of the market, the opinions of others, or the latest investment trends. But true financial success comes from having the courage to chart your own course, based on your individual goals, risk tolerance, and life circumstances.
Developing this level of self-awareness and self-knowledge is no doddle. It requires a commitment to honest self-reflection and a willingness to confront hard truths about ourselves. One powerful tool for cultivating this self-awareness is reflective journaling.
By regularly taking the time to write down our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, we can gain valuable insights into our own patterns of thinking and behaviour, rather than allowing ourselves to be swept away by past patterns in the markets.
Another key aspect of self-leadership is tracking our results and comparing them to our expectations (not those of others!). This can be challenging, as it requires a high degree of objectivity and the ability to separate reality from our own perceptions. But by consistently monitoring our progress and adjusting our strategies accordingly, we can gradually hone our ability to make accurate predictions and healthy decisions.
At Northern Cross Wealth Management, we understand the power of self-leadership in achieving financial success. We work closely with our clients to help them develop a deep understanding of their own financial strengths, values, and goals.
We also recognise the unique challenges of managing finances as an expat. From managing cross-border tax implications to leveraging currency fluctuations, the expat financial landscape can be exceedingly complex and overwhelming. But with the right tools, strategies, and support, it’s possible to thrive while living abroad.
So, if you’re an expat looking to take control of your financial future and prove the doubters wrong, we’re here to help.
Remember, the path to financial success is rarely a straight line. There will be setbacks, challenges, and plenty of doubters along the way. But with a strong foundation of self-leadership, a commitment to continuous learning and growth, and a trusted financial partner by your side, you have everything you need to prove them wrong and achieve the financial future you deserve.
(But we can’t predict who will win the footie.)