Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

Knowing someone believes in you gives you energy and confidence in the midst of this exhausting swirl we’re all in. Who’s in your corner?
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We’re only into February, and I’m already hearing from advisors who are fatigued, mentioning they feel like Christmas simply blended into the New Year. And now, they’re feeling like this is just a 14-month year, a continuation from 2023. They report their clients are feeling exactly the same way. On top of that add being in another crazy election cycle. Understandably, people are tired.

As an advisor in the midst of this fatiguing time, you need to be advising with clarity of mind and with energy, to boot. So you need to ensure you have a way to recharge. Having other people you can converse and download with, who are going to be positive and bring more insight into your life is key for your own well-being. You need great, helpful people in your corner to help you lift above this malaise that’s affecting so many people.

In 1988, when I was getting ready to go out onto pool deck for my Olympic final, it was an incredibly nerve-wracking time. You know there’s nowhere else to go. In 5 minutes, you know you’re going to really hurt. There are 12,000 people watching you and making a heck of a racket. You know, it’s come down to this final moment, and you’re incredibly nervous.

Fom behind me, up walked Artie Shaw. Artie Shaw was a New Zealander, from my home swimming club, and he was a FINA (the world governing body for aquatic sports) official. He tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I just wanted to let you know I’ve requested that I present the medals for the men’s 200-meters backstroke.” He started walking off then turned around and looked back at me and said, “I’ll see you in 5 minutes!”

I can’t fully relate the power of that touch in that moment. In the face of an electric atmosphere, the swirl of emotion in the air, and a deafening racket, to have a respected friend let me know he believed in me was incredibly comforting and motivating. His short comment told me, “You’re going to do great! You’re ready for this moment!”

[Pool deck at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.]

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Olympic victory ceremony for the men’s 200-meter backstroke. The medals will be presented by IOC Member Vitaly Smirnov, Soviet Union, accompanied by Vice President of FINA DL Artie Shaw, New Zealand… The bronze medalist, from New Zealand, Paul Kingsman…”

You need to have go-to people in your corner with whom you can transparently share how you’re feeling. You need people who you are confident will listen and hopefully give you some encouragement and advice to keep you postitive, who will help you stay physically up and mentally sharp to focus on what you need to be doing.

Who’s in your corner supporting you? It might be a great office manager. It might be another financial advisor who’s ten years ahead of you. You need to find someone to do this!

So, to make sure you have someone in your corner,

1. Think about what you need. Understand your challenges, where you struggle to get over certain obstacles, when you start getting weary. Identify exactly what’s going on and where you most need support and encouragement.


2. Consider who you want. Don’t just reach out to the person next to you by default. Also, it’s super important that you block yourself off from listening negative conversations of other people in your office. Many offices have these types of people, and you need to isolate yourself from them.


3. Set an appointment. Let this person see you’re looking to for support see that you’re serious about this time you’re going to spend with them; this is a high-value time. Let them see that you appreciate them and that they enable you to, hopefully, come away uplifted, but at a minimum, to have exhaled with someone you trust.

Find this supportive person who you can have in your corner, work with them, and come away from those meetings feeling way more confident about what you do as an advisor.

I look forward to bringing you another Distraction-Proof Advisor Idea next week.