Are simple things easy? Based on my experience, for many people simple things are not necessarily easy. Let me give you one such experience. It is very interesting to note that experienced Chartered Accountants and other professionals praise our ‘Path to Prosperity’ program virtually saying they have learnt many new ideas. Quite honestly, in the program, we discuss only simple and basic ideas. The feedback has made me understand that majority of the people including some of the highly qualified professionals make mistakes in basic and simple aspects of life.
I tried to figure out the reason for many of us finding simple things not so easy to practice. One of the main reasons for this is such people grossly underestimate the power of simple and basic aspects of life. When this continues for some time, it becomes a habit and they find it more difficult practice those. To put it in a very simple language, it was easy but since it was not practiced for a long time, there is a mindset, which virtually makes such people think that ‘easy’ things are ‘difficult’. It is so interesting to note that many such people are experts in complex things but are very poor in the application of basics. For example, they know a lot about stock futures, options, currency derivatives etc. but they may not ‘pay themselves first’.
Again I asked myself the question,” How people can make simple things easy?” I got the following ‘simple’ ideas:
- At every start, begin with baby step. One of the reasons people postpone is because they feel there is a lot of work even in simple things. That is why in HappyMentor, we keep harping on ‘simple and easy’ approach. We need to understand that it is better to start and make course corrections rather than waiting for a ‘perfect’ start.
- We recommend having the guidance of a ‘Financial Mentor’ in addition to availing the services of a Financial Planner. In addition to your self-accountability, accountability to your Financial Mentor works magic in your compliance with your plan. In fact, the Financial Mentor will act as a mirror to realise your actions and in actions.
- Try to use simple language in your self-talk as well as when you talk to others. This is based on a simple logic that your subconscious understands simple language a lot better and will remind you to act.
- Associate with people who practice simple things consistently and that will make you act as per your plan. The power of association is indeed very powerful!
On the lighter side, I mentioned that even experienced Chartered Accountants have been appreciative of our ‘Path to Prosperity’ program. I am reminded of our Company Law teacher during my CA student days. He used to say at times, "This Section is so simple that even a Chartered Accountant cannot make any mistake." When a student objected saying, "It is highly derogatory." Pat came from the reply from the Law teacher, “It is meant to be so.” The entire class burst into laughter.
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