This past summer, while I was attending a professional training seminar, the speaker mentioned a quote from Michelangelo and his creation of the famous David statue. Michelangelo was asked how he came up with this masterpiece, and his response was, “I created a vision of David in my mind and simply carved away everything that was not David.” Especially as we welcome 2024, this mindset is incredibly applicable to each of us as we continue to shape our lives.
I believe that life is a journey of continual refinement and self-discovery — a journey that promises your own masterpiece.
And so, I ask you: what will you chip away at in your life’s sculpture?
Sculpting Your Life
For me, the focus is on taking deliberate steps to construct my life according to my aspirations. The new year offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the elements that no longer serve our vision and diligently carve them away.
Much like sculpting, life allows for a single chance to create our masterpiece. So, as we look at the block of marble representing you of 2024, let’s be intentional about how we chisel away at the marble. How will you sculpt your David this year? What will you carve away to reveal the true masterpiece within?
As I wrap up my 31st year in the legal profession, I find inspiration in Michelangelo’s philosophy. Creating a vision and then chiseling away everything that is not aligned with that vision resonates deeply with me. Looking forward to the next phase of my career, I am excited to continue evolving, learning, and, most importantly, helping more individuals along the way.
My vision is driven by my March to a Million commitment to positively impact one million families by September 30, 2030, and saving these families Two Hundred Billion dollars in unnecessary taxation, interest, market loss, and long-term care expenses. This vision led to the creation of the Wealth Solutions Network. A network of attorneys like the members who shared this newsletter with you share the same vision and commitment.
Each member is looking at the raw material that the practice of law provides and sculpting their masterpiece. Each member is putting their unique touches on best serving their community by providing integrated legal and financial planning services and solutions.
So, what does your vision of life look like? How are you balancing your life and work? How are you providing value to your clients? What do you need to carve away to create your masterpiece?
Changes for 2024
For example, when I looked forward to the increased demands on my time as a mentor and technical advisor to the WSN membership in 2024, I had to find more time in my already jam-packed schedule. I was confronted with the need to let go of a significant part of my identity. For the past 31 years, I served as a representative for numerous counties throughout Ohio in mental health hearings. This role was not just a source of revenue; it provided a sense of security and familiarity. However, as the demands on my time grow and new directions beckon, it’s time to bid farewell to this anchor.
Similarly, the evolution of my company demanded a symbolic carving away. Formerly known as DuPont Wealth Solutions, the company is undergoing a rebranding process and emerging as Advocate Wealth Solutions. The shift signifies a departure from a singular focus on me and embraces a collective approach. It’s a step toward acknowledging the contributions of our growing team across the country.
It is essential to be realistic about how much you can chip away as you create your masterpiece. The human brain is prone to overestimating how much it can accomplish in short periods while underestimating how much it can do over a more extended period.
Regardless of age, it is never too late to create your vision for the future and move forward with faith toward that vision.
The Importance of Coaching
For most of my career, I have been a student of professional development, and I have invested tens of thousands of dollars in coaching and mastermind groups. I have seen and experienced the truth of that statement.
Dan Sullivan, a leading coach to entrepreneurs through his Strategic Coach programs (of which I am a member), challenges his entrepreneurs to adopt a 25-year framework for their vision, focusing on just 1% improvement each quarter. He also challenges us to always look for a bigger future than our past.
As Dan approaches his 80th birthday in 2024, I will be approaching my 59th. I will have much more chipping away in the future as I look to complete my masterpiece. As I see it, I’m only halfway through my career. Some might question the math that places me working until I’m 90, but the truth is, I relish the prospect. Each year, I find myself working and improving and enjoying where I am.
My masterpiece is not complete; it’s a perpetual work in progress. Why not get started on yours today?
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