Take a moment to consider who is in your front row

In a recent episode of my weekly Success Wave podcast, I interviewed nationally recognized Clinical Psychologist Dr. Lori Stevic-Rust.

During the course of this captivating interview, Dr. Lori mentioned that her beloved grandmother was always seated in the front row at all the important events in Dr. Lori’s life.

Her grandmother was a great supporter and advisor and lived an incredibly full life, to the age of 105.

Dr. Lori’s comment about her grandmother, being in the front row, should get us all thinking about who is in our “front row,” cheering us on and providing good personal/career advice throughout our life journey.

Perhaps those seated in your “front row” might also be considered your own Board of Advisors for your personal and professional success. You may already have some of these “Board” members in place without realizing it:

• Health and wellness — Your doctor and dentist are already part of your “Advisory” team. They represent the medical expertise of your “Board” and play a critical role in your lifelong success.

In addition, identifying individuals with expertise in diet, stress management and fitness can also complement your health and wellness team.

• Legal affairs — Utilizing a trusted attorney is essential for ensuring that you have all the legal documents that will protect your assets as well as provide guidance to your loved ones in the event of your death or disability.

An attorney also provides great advice on many of the legal documents you are asked to sign along your life’s journey, like major purchases, employment agreements, and miscellaneous types of contracts.

• Money matters — Having a qualified financial planner provide guidance on how to manage and invest your hard-earned dollars can be very important in these volatile economic times and market conditions.

From prudent budgeting to retirement planning, good financial planners can make a world of difference on how well your money can work for you and your family. They can help you establish a game plan for wealth accumulation and quickly decipher the right investment choices given your risk tolerance and life situation.

• Taxing situation — Tax forms and tax planning seem to get more complicated each year. Making sure that your tax returns are accurate and complete may dictate using an outside professional depending upon your circumstances.

In addition, utilizing outside counsel to assist in the best approach to tax strategies throughout the year can save you a ton of money.

• Risk management — Whether it is your auto, home and/or possessions, utilizing a licensed professional to assist with assessing your risks and potential liabilities is critical to protect all that you have worked so hard to own.

In addition, understanding your needs and coverage levels for health, life, disability and/ or long-term care insurance ensures you have the right protection for your life situation.

• Career — Typical careers span an average of 40 to 45 years. That is a heck of a lot of

time, so you might as well know, believe and love what you are doing.

Some people struggle identifying a great job and then securing the position. For those who are challenged with finding that

perfect job, using a “Career coach” might be the answer. They can provide an objective assessment of your skill sets, experience and interests and be of great help with you working towards career happiness.

• Family — Don’t overlook the best individuals around who are already a part of your personal

Board — your family.

They care about you, are good listeners and have your best interest at heart. And, your significant other will most likely need to be involved in understanding the assistance and information you receive from your other personal board members.

Emulating a business model by securing a credible

and knowledgeable board of advisors for yourself can be an incredibly smart move that will pay dividends in the short and long term.

So, consider taking a few moments to think about your personal board of advisors.

Do you have the right people in place and are they doing a great job

for you? Having the right team in place can make a world of difference on how successful you can be in and outside of work. Taking on life alone is a tough road, so consider having the right team of experts to help you with the journey.

As you perform on the stage of life, you will be confident, that like

Dr. Lori with her grandmother, you will have people you know, trust and love cheering you from your own front row.