I have been talking with many people in recent weeks, given what has been termed “the new reality” of unprecedented changes and challenges in the last few years, both in industry and the greater geo-political, economic world.

I typically ask a question like “So what do you think you now most need to understand and to do, given what you now know, with all these changes?”

In addition to macro-changes, many individuals, families and communities are also experiencing great personal transitions, requiring a direct response.

I suggest that this may call for a fresh clarification of vision, values and priorities, if you will, based upon what you now think matters most to you.

Given our best reflective wisdom, I have also been thinking about major life lessons that I have learned from very special people and mentors over the years. I have also been discussing what I concluded that they most have to offer. Without sharing who they are, I do want to offer a few Take Aways.

Given that some of these teachers are very well known, I invite you to write me and tell me who you think they are. I have referred to and/or cited from them multiple times over the years. Also, please share your timeless lessons.

While part of me thinks that this is mostly common sense, I’ve also noticed that I need to keep reminding myself, as well as help others. So here we go.

• To be exposed to thoughts that I never would have been exposed to otherwise. To challenge my thinking and to stretch myself further.
• To do something every day that I would normally be afraid to do – to live a bold and an adventurous life.
• Though you may know a lot about finances, be very balanced in your life with all that and focus on doing the most with what you do have.
• Be nurtured, be a true friend and truly be yourself with people.
• Be extremely creative and fully express your individual self with everyone and put that out in the world, every day. Get to really know people as individuals and use that as a basis to really touch people.
• Learn how to love and how to be loved.
• Work to be and do your highest, while you are here, financially, emotionally and spiritually.
• Live and work to be of high service to your clients and community.
• Maintain a very positive outlook, no matter how tough things get.
• Learn how to age gracefully and to have it all.
• You can read all the books in the world, but if you, as a person, don’t reach your hand out to help and to serve people, you are nothing.

That’s it for now. So, who would you say have been your most important influences, teachers, mentors, coaches and friends? And what have you received from them and integrated into your life and work, over the years?

I, for one, would be very curious to know. And I may pass that on.

I hope that this has served you as an additional source of perspective and inspiration. Til the next time, with sincere and deep appreciation,