Planning for Your Future: Taking Responsibility for Your Financial Well-Being

Many of us struggle to plan for the long-term future. When the time comes, and we find ourselves losing the lifestyle we’ve grown accustomed to, we often blame others or external circumstances. Many believe they’ll achieve financial security through land, property, pension schemes, and savings.

But let’s pause for a moment. Did I mention Kenya? Surely, property prices will never go down—will they? Yet, we hear about realities in other parts of the world: recessions, property price bubbles, and crashes. If these issues arise, who are we likely to blame for not achieving the future we envisioned—others or ourselves?

In Kenya, a common excuse is, “Hey, sorry I’m late; it’s the traffic!” This reflects how people often distort their perceptions, attributing their circumstances to outside influences. As a result, they experience feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration—emotions driven by external causes over which they believe they have no control. They place the responsibility for their state outside of themselves.

So, will your current assets and resources—property, savings, and pensions—truly provide you with peace of mind, comfort, and the lifestyle you dream of in the future? Are you certain? If not, who will you hold accountable?

Many (but certainly not you) will shift the blame onto someone else. Unfortunately, they are mistaken! They need to take responsibility for their futures.

This concept ties into the principle of Cause and Effect.

Consider this: when a client tells us they’re on short-term contracts or too busy to engage, they are positioning themselves at the effect end of the spectrum. They’re placing the cause of their situation outside themselves, allowing emotional reasoning to drive their behavior. If that client could shift their thinking and recognize that future financial support could help them during times of uncertainty—like being on short-term contracts—they would change their behavior and mindset. They would take the initiative to plan for their future, placing themselves at the cause side of the spectrum, where we all need to be.

Planning for the future doesn’t have to be a daunting decision; we just need to make it and take ownership of that decision!

Let’s consider the bigger picture. What is your lifestyle like now? Do you want to maintain that lifestyle when retirement arrives? What does the future hold for your children or grandchildren? Will they have the financial support to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to provide?

Each event is perceived differently, as we each create our interpretations. For instance, when you plan to meet a lifestyle consultant, you may run that event through the filters of your mind. You could delete important information, missing out on valuable advice due to preconceived notions. Alternatively, you might distort the information based on misconceptions about the advisor’s role. You may generalize and assume what that particular advisor offers.

These are serious yet necessary questions. Once you filter the information, you form your own “thought,” which leads to emotions that influence your body language and, ultimately, your behavior toward that consultant and your decision.

Understanding how the mind works can empower you. By shifting your emotional state, you can change your behavior. If you adjust your emotional reasoning, your perspective on planning for the future will also change.

At LSM Africa, we prioritize helping people secure their families’ financial futures. We do this not only through sound financial advice but also by considering each person’s values, goals, and beliefs to design the best path forward. Every individual is unique! While money is a necessary commodity now and will likely be even more crucial in the future, will you want to be overwhelmed when it comes time to pay your children’s school fees?

Ask yourself these four questions:

• What will I gain if I call LSM Africa?
• What will I miss out on if I call LSM Africa?
• What will I lose if I call LSM Africa?
• What won’t I lose if I don’t call LSM Africa?

Once you have your answers—or even if you’re unsure—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re ready to assist you.

I believe everyone deserves to be successful, happy, and fulfilled in all aspects of life. Allow me to show you how to thrive, embrace life, laugh often, and love passionately!

Looking forward to connecting soon!

Best regards,
Les Symons
Les Symons is one of Africa’s most sought-after personal development coaches. His passion for empowering individuals to take control of their lives has transformed lives worldwide, earning him a reputation for sincere, valuable, and respected guidance. His company, LSM Coach, provides corporate communications training and is a subsidiary of LSM Group—a consultancy firm that helps professionals plan for their families’ futures.

Lifestyle Management, Office D6 (2nd floor), Riara Centre, Riara Road, P.O. Box 777-00606, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel:
+254 (4) 777777333
Email: info@lsmplan.com