I have competed athletically my whole life, so I was confident that coaching kids would be a simple endeavor. Wrong. I quickly learned there is much more to being a coach than a player. There is no shortage of what I have learned about myself and my players. Now after specifically coaching my daughter’s team for 4 years I truly love it.
Why I Love Coaching
First, I get to spend time with my daughter and get to know her friends! Coaches played important roles in my life and I love that I can build into their lives today and for the future. My legacy in their lives is happening now and also later.
Second, it forced me to learn and get better. I didn’t know how to coach well, so I had to get some formal training from US Soccer. Now coaching kids makes a lot more sense and I continue to learn more each training session and match.
Third, coaching is direct and honest, which I enjoy. Even a tough conversation is focused to be helpful. My players trust me in that I have their best interests at heart. And I trust that they will listen.
Lastly, the focus is on longer term. The ability to win a game today at the expense of correct strategy and skills is not worth it. My goal is to develop each player to reach their potential, be the best they can be.
The Sports Analogy
This discussion made me realize it really does compare well to my career. Financial planning and advising correctly are just like coaching. Both require passion, education, planning, direct conversations, trust and a long-term outlook.
It is a blessing to work with the families that I choose to advise or “coach”. They trust me as their go to guy. I get to know their families, hear their story- successes and failures, share in their dreams and discuss the possibilities that are ahead, God willing. I am passionate about this.
Education along with real life experience provides something powerful. Competence in what I know, the capabilities of my team and myself and sometimes more importantly, the limits of my expertise… and knowing the need to bring in the correct fellow “coach”, be it a CPA, Estate attorney, Charitable/trust advisor, etc.
Questions to ask yourself
Is your advisor passionate in their career, to learn about your life and see you succeed?
Are your advisors educated, experienced and practical in their approaches? Are they continuing to learn?
Does your advisor speak the language you understand and is willing to have that direct, honest conversation you may need (…not just what you want to hear)?
Do you have a long-term financial plan to help you be the best you can be and reach your goals?
To Your Financial Life Plan,
Luke Fields, CFP®
Any opinions are those of Luke Fields and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.