March into April is a busy time for us at Insight – yet it is also one of the most rewarding. The value and amount of planning we normally implement at this time is staggering when I stop to think about it. Tax avoidance, family savings maximization, the calm and confidence we instill… it’s really a rewarding experience (and tiring) for our whole team, including our specialists.

Yet, in this experience I find myself doing the all-too-human thing of focusing on the one tiny thing I may not have done, versus appreciating the many little things that have worked out well.

Report Card

I’m sure everyone has had the experience of a report card review and the natural reaction we all have. Do we sit and celebrate all the A’s and B’s? Or even spend time on each proportionally? (For example, if you or your child gets 5 A’s and 1 C, do you spend 80+% of your time celebrating your success? Nooooooo).

What we tend to do is fester on the C and what we should or should not have done better. Further, we rarely reflect on where we were, and possibly note the progress we individually had, either.

Turning the Page

So as the snow melts, AGAIN, let’s all take more moments. In fact, let me challenge everyone… to take the next 30 days, and NOTICE, FOCUS ON, and CELEBRATE every little success you are a part of. I want you to OUTRAGEOUSLY point out something good when it happens. With a smile on your face, and glee in your emotion – celebrate! Further, I think you will find another ancillary benefit in that the noise of the world will become softer, and you might even see more positive things.

So let me start:

• I see our Irises are breaking through the last few layers of snow! Finally we have some color besides the drab grey all over. It’s refreshing to see that beautiful green shooting up from the ground… I’m already feeling warmer.
• I’m blessed with family and health. Seriously – we are blessed. Hold that thought for a moment…….longer….longer still. WE ARE HEALTHY! That’s so great… I am so thankful.
• My wife is doing well in earning her second career degree. OK – I agree, I didn’t think we’d spend money for education unless it was for our boys, yet Becky deserves this. It’s her passion, it fills her up, and that makes me feel good that we have this option in life.
• I exercised – 2 minutes more this week (really). I’m literally taking baby steps. New app on my phone, new routine. I just want to create a new habit, instead of my erratic cycle I seem to be in. The funny thing about not being in shape… what shape am I in then?
• Logan tied one of his shoes… on his own! Wooo Hooo! I’m willing to consider that his self-responsibility in tying his shoes will be great for him (and us as well). Further, Logan feeling good about himself is worth everything.

Give it a try yourself!