Don't ever stop striving for success

Have you ever noticed how we encourage, support and tell others to “go for it,” yet we let fear hold us back and never take the advice we so freely give out?

Why is it that we often don't apply the same encouragement to our own situations? Or do we just have trouble “practicing what we preach?”

By the time you reach your mid-50s, you probably have suffered at some point over personal, financial or career challenges. Have you ever noticed how you can see the problem, or more importantly the solution, for others due to your own life experiences, but often can't recognize it for yourself?

Our own personal or perceived insecurities about how to address difficult decisions may cause many Canadians today to sell themselves short.

I know life is expensive and there are a lot of demands on your wallet. However, to become debt-free and wealthy, the solution is simple: Set a goal, make a plan, work your plan, reassess your outcome, and have the courage to make the necessary changes to achieve your goal.

I meet people all the time who amaze me because of how they have overcome hardships, started a business (and maybe failed more than once) and then found success. I have helped clients who have lost everything after a divorce or career failure and have seen their unwavering desire to get back on top and be successful again. I have clients in their 70s who have saved too much money to spend in retirement, who never made a large income during their working careers but simply saved consistently and lived below their means.

In contrast, I also have tried to help many people who look like they have it all on the outside with fancy cars, expensive homes and clothing, yet underneath it all, they carry overwhelming debt and are facing a negative net worth.

Money is emotional. To save for retirement, you can either make excuses why you don't, or you can find a way to make life changes and sacrifices to ensure your independence and security as you age. Remember that true success isn't measured by material things you have purchased, but instead should be defined by what you have overcome in your life.

It's about how many times you got back up after being knocked down and how you never stop trying to accomplish the things that other people said you could never do. Take back your inner power and control. Refuse to settle for less and make sure you retire debt-free and wealthy!