Busted Ugg ‒ Life Will Always Expose Lack
- Brainz Magazine
- Nov 10, 2022
- 3 min read
Written by: Ryan Daniels, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
We all have life experiences, unique skill sets, and a desire to feel like we are in control of life. However, we always have something new we can learn no matter how seasoned we are in a particular topic. This is why even professional athletes at the peak of their careers have coaches to help continue to refine their skills and bring awareness to the small details that will elevate them to the next level.
Stay Open-Minded
I recently took my oldest daughter to an event to learn about orienteering and how to use a compass. As an Eagle Scout and Army Veteran, I have 25+ years of land navigation experience and feel confident in my abilities. I could have easily taught her how to use a compass but participating in these types of events provides an opportunity to learn from others. I believe the class was taught well and most importantly she had fun. However, not everyone seemed to approach the class as open-minded.
Collaboration
As our group set off into the woods to put into practice the skills taught in the class, personalities were quickly revealed. A few of the parents admitted they were pretty much clueless and engaged in the group discussion to plan the route to the first point. Another parent, however, wasn’t as willing to collaborate and instead was posturing to lead – but not necessarily in the right direction.
While it would have been easy to compare credentials and lead the group through the course, experience is one of the best teachers. As we continued to collaborate and use what we learned in the class, the overzealous mom and kids dressed in coordinated flannel outfits and furry Ugg boots set off ahead insisting they were on the correct bearing to the first point.
Life Exposes Lack
After we found the first point, the coordinated Carter’s clad mom and kids pushed ahead but always were a little off course. Visibly frustrated that her navigation was like a confused GPS continuing to re-route, her pace quickened. Given the terrain was rocky and wet from the previous day’s rain, her furry Uggs eventually surrendered and the soul busted loose from the boot. I couldn’t help but think of how that was a great metaphor for the day.
Throughout life, if you don’t stay humble and look for opportunities to learn along the way, eventually you’ll be busted like the boot and exposed to what you’re lacking – experience, skill, knowledge, etc. When it comes to finances, everyone has varying degrees of experience, knowledge and confidence. They also can continue to learn and grow. If you feel your stuck financially or the path seems a little rocky, learn how to get on a path to success with “3 Steps to Unlock Your Financial Blocks”
The Road to Success
You don’t have to be like Warren Buffet and read financial reports for hours a day or be a professional financial advisor to make a plan for financial success. The key is to stay open-minded to information and as your experience and knowledge grow you will have more confidence in financial decisions. So, whether you are navigating your way through the woods or trying to plot the points along the way to retirement, stay receptive to information that can help you find your way.
Ryan Daniels, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ryan Daniels is a licensed financial advisor and owner of RFinances. As a U.S. Army Veteran, Ryan and his team continue to serve by partnering with businesses, churches, and community groups to host workshops to teach people the basics of money. They also provide 1 on 1 financial coaching to help people build a simple-to-follow financial plan that fits their life. Ryan is the author of "Money Basics and Fundamentals (Build A Plan That Fits Your Life!)" and host of the "Say Hi to Money" podcast.
