Here is your Seven-Bullet Monday
1. A quote I am pondering:
"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse." - Jim Rhon.
Jim Rhon's words here challenge and caution us. If we truly want something, we will give it our all, pull every lever and knock on every door until it happens. On the other hand, if we give reasons why we can't do something, do we really want it that bad? So, if we really want it, let's drop the excuses and simply get it done!
2. A question I am asking myself:
What concerns me most about my future, and what am I doing about it?
I like to ask these questions of myself. If I see some undesirable destinations down the road, what must I do today to change my direction to get to a better destination?
3. A book I am reading:
Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World – Mo Gawdat
"Scary Smart" by Mo Gawdat is a thought-provoking book about the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans. With AI projected to be millions of times more intelligent than humans in the next decade, Gawdat challenges us to seek a blueprint for training AI so that we safeguard ourselves, loved ones, and the planet. Gawdat's expertise in technology makes him well-suited to explain the workings of AI and its implications for the future.
4. What I learnt this week
How some remarkable Inuit, Cree and Métis women are charting a way forward, that allows others to follow
It was National Indigenous People's Day on June 21, and I listened to a panel of First Nations women each paint vivid pictures of their challenges, trials and successes as they forged lives and careers. This was despite the odds stacked against them, given their origins. Their stories helped me understand the adversity and prejudices they had to overcome along the way. It was also moving to hear about the help and encouragement they received at different junctures in their lives and how those made a huge difference. The challenge is what we can do collectively to help individuals starting with similar disadvantages today.
5. The highlight of my week
I had two highlights this week
Enjoying a golfing weekend with my son, Ben
Ben and I had a lovely weekend on Vancouver Island, playing beautiful courses in and around Victoria. We managed to get in three rounds and didn't lose too many golf balls, and yes, Ben, you drive the ball further than me 😊. We also explored Victoria a little and enjoyed Father's Day together.
Wrapping up Making Money Work with students at Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd Secondary Schools
This week, I wrapped up the Making Money Work training for Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge Secondary Schools. The students were enthusiastic, watching the training videos and asking great questions in the weekly live sessions. It is rewarding to help better equip these young people with different tools to achieve financial success as they prepare to enter the workforce. It was great to add Chetwynd School to the mix this year, and I look forward to including more schools for the next school year. Here are the two graduation photos with the students boasting their finance books to continue learning.
6. Hugh-tips
When and when not to follow the crowd
While the general market consensus is often reliable, it's essential to recognize its limitations, especially when it is emotion-driven, like in strong bull or bear markets. It pays to be sceptical of both market euphoria and gloom and instead draw your own conclusions. When taking a contrarian approach, ensure you have researched enough and considered alternative perspectives. Diversifying your portfolio across investment types, industries, and geographies also mitigates risks associated with relying solely on consensus. By combining these strategies, you can make more informed choices, allowing you to outperform the market.
7. My challenge for you for this week
Reflect on the five people you spend the most time with and question if you aspire to their average.
In line with the saying, "You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with," we need to assess if our closest connections uplift, inspire, and align with our goals and values. The challenge is to surround ourselves with individuals who challenge and motivate us to become the best version of ourselves. In that light, we must intentionally build a circle that elevates our personal and professional growth.
Have a fantastic week.