Four Years and Counting

I earned my insurance license in March 0f 2002. It was the first official step in leaving my public relations career and joining my father in business at New York Life. It's been a fast four years. I've learned a few things about myself, and about others. Here's a few reflections looking back:

• I've learned that I need more self-discipline. I've always thought of myself as very disciplined. But when you are your own boss, that notion is challenged. I set my own hours. I schedule appointments. I try to balance all the balls of life in the air at the same time. I've decided I don't do this as well as I thought I might, and it's a constant challenge.
• I've learned that people are rude. Not all people, of course, but many. In my former working life, if a meeting was scheduled, everyone showed up. It was part of the job, part of life. Now, when I schedule a meeting with a client (or prospective client), theres a 35 percent chance that it won't take place. And, even more disappointing, it's not unusual that the one coming to meet me won't call ahead to say they're not coming -- they simply don't show up. I even have people who aren't at their own home when I come to visit.
• I've learned that very few people have well-defined financial goals, and fewer have a plan to achieve those goals. People are underinsured, even by their own standard, and don't (or can't) do anything about it. People invest in their 401k plans and don't know a single thing about what they're buying. People often don't know the most basic concepts surrounding insurance, investing, and taxation.
• People are really busy. This shouldn't be a surprise, I guess. Parents are running their children all over creation to every kind of activity. Many families don't have a single night where they are all together to play a game, read, or just talk.
• God provides. In my four years, we've had some pretty lean months. For example, in February 2006 my income will be less than $300 for the month. But during these four years, we have come out even financially. I'd rather be ahead, of course, but we haven't had to skip any meals, skip any bill payments, or make any truly difficult sacrifices. Do we recreate the way we want to? No. But who does?

If you're reading this and you are a client, I again express my appreciation for your business. If you're not my client, why not??? (Just kidding.) I'm looking forward to seeing what the next four years brings.