October 2023
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An Audience of Zero
In the captivating world of glittering success stories, it's easy to overlook the humble beginnings. Every master was once a beginner, and every superstar had moments of doubt, navigating the vast sea of obscurity with no goal other than doing the work. But what does it genuinely take to start something new, and what are the unseen struggles that mark this journey?
Take, for instance, Tiger Woods. Today, he stands as one of the most renowned golfers in history. The best ever, it could be argued. Yet, like all of us, he started with an audience of zero. While he showed talent as a child, he had to practice countless hours, fine-tuning his swing, mastering the course, and absorbing the defeats long before he garnered an audience or payment.
Similarly, when Lewis Capaldi, the now iconic Scottish singer-songwriter and musician, embarked on his musical journey, he wasn’t immediately selling out stadiums or topping the charts. He started playing to empty rooms and blank stares, faced rejections from multiple record labels, and grappled with the daunting fear of never making it big, but he still showed up and played to an audience of zero.
This journey is universal. Starting anything new, whether a business, a hobby, or a dream, always begins at the base of the mountain. Not in front of a crowd, but an audience of zero. A paycheck of nil. More than the tangible rewards, the initial phases are packed with self-doubt, societal scepticism, and the looming question – "Is it worth it?"
It's essential to remember, however, that the value of new beginnings is not determined by immediate accolades or monetary gains. The true worth is found in the journey itself - the resilience built, the lessons learned, and the character forged.
The path from obscurity to the limelight is not linear. It's filled with twists, turns, ups, downs, and a series of firsts — the first time you play a note, the first time you swing a club, the first blog post you publish, or the first financial plan you present. Each 'first' is a brave step against the formidable audience of zero, fighting the resistance all the way.
While it might seem that certain people were destined for greatness, the reality is that they, too, faced the same challenges. The stark difference lies in their response to these challenges. They persisted, honed their craft, and remained true to their passion, even when immediate rewards seemed distant. This is what separates the pros from the amateurs.
In conclusion, every success story starts with the decision to try. Whether it's Tiger picking up his first golf club or Lewis penning down his initial lyrics, every legend began their journey with an audience of zero, facing the same fears and uncertainties we all confront. So, the next time you stand on the brink of starting something new, remember that you're in good company. Embrace the journey, value the lessons, and know that the path you're treading has been walked by many legends before. It's not about how you start but how you persevere and where you end up. Enjoy the journey; the destination does not exist.
📰 Articles & Blogs
How to Uncover Your Clients’ Definition of Value [7 minutes]. The key to delivering exceptional client value.
Always Call Your Clients Before They Call You [4 minutes]. The importance of proactive client communication.
Scared To Spend: Overcoming The Retirement Cycle Of Fear [5 minutes]. Do your clients struggle to embrace a rich and purpose-filled phase of life in retirement?
What’s behind the financial planning renaissance? [8 minutes]. A shift towards understanding, empathy, and communication.
Why Luck Isn’t Real [5 minutes]. An interesting perspective on luck.
Good Enough Is Just Fine [4 minutes]. The liberating approach of embracing imperfection.
🎧 Podcasts
Balancing Candor and Compassion in Client Communications [60 minutes]. The art of balancing being warm and welcoming with a great deal of candour.
TRAP: Taking THAT Fork In The Road [84 minutes]. The Trap Pack discuss the decision to start your own firm.
📚 Book Recommendations
Same as Ever: Timeless Lessons on Risk, Opportunity and Living a Good Life by Morgan Housel. The second book by one of the greatest financial writers of our time.
🍿 Videos
👏 Encore
Consumers with CFPs live better lives, study finds [3 minutes]
Why Prospects Don’t Move Forward [3 minutes]
Are Social Media Influencers Out Influencing Financial Advisors? [4 minutes]
How to Follow Up with a Ghost [4 minutes]
