by Eldari Visser
I want you to hear David Attenborough’s voice* in your head. Smooth, soft and slowly describing a lioness making her way towards her prey. It goes like this, “she knows that she has this one opportunity today.…..slowly she makes her way forward using the long yellow grasslands to be her cover. The grass is her best support system. As it sways in the wind she catches a glimpse of the gazelle.….the grass protects her from being seen… here she will stay until the moment comes to charge.” Can you imagine this scene? Long, wavy, thick grass is her necessary tool for a day’s work.
Here is another thought for you. I have visited animal petting farms often and, of course, all the kids run to the animal yard. Have you watched a little billy goat trying to reach the green grass on the outside of the fence? There can be a barrel full of the best fodder just behind him BUT that bit of grass is just so tempting!
Stay with me here ... have you spent an afternoon on the most amazing green grass for a family picnic? Happy times, bliss, and you wished it could last forever. The calmness that space brings is sought out by families all over the world every weekend. Can I call this a ‘safe’ space, just for a while?
This is what I want to bring over to you - every type of grass can describe the state of your financial mindset that influences the financial decisions you make daily.
Let me explain!
The grass is greener on the other side. Ok, so you see the joke coming but many of us still look out for the other side opportunity with hope and many times due to fear. “I have to get to THAT side.” Everything in my finances and business will be different. That other investment, that other business opportunity, that other house in another city. It can also reflect that indeed it is better there. Before you decide, make sure you know what all the pros and cons are about the other side’s grass.
Understand how your “grass” can help today. Like the lioness she knew what her surrounding position looks like and according to that she could take a risk or had to abandon. If your finances are in a good grasslands situation use it but be wise whilst doing it. I have spent many days with clients and risky mindsets, which is not wrong, we love taking risks right? We have to make very sure that although it seems that you have abundance and can take risks, you don’t expose yourself to deliberate risk. Use what you have wisely. Invest in solid products, cover your own risk, cover your company, and don’t ever expose if you don’t have a grassland cover.
Sometimes the best is already within reach. That little goat had a massive barrel filled with the best feed, yet...one green piece on the other side made him stretch his neck, tongue and kept him busy for most of his day. Once he has it and he turns around, the barrel has been emptied by the rest. The one thing that he reached for did not sustain him. Take a look at what you have. What can you work with? What is already a possible barrel that can double up or even be used right this moment? We don’t always have to reach for everything we see. The time will come, so don’t be so desperate for success in wealth growth. Time is your very best barrel of grass.
Look for the safe spaces - the green spots. If your finances are not at a good spot, begin to cultivate your chosen picnic spots. Decide what you will need and think of the safety that will come with the knowledge that it will provide the best future for you, your family and your business. Should you invest today, or should you buy more stock? Should you create that emergency fund as quickly as possible? Take a good look at your financial situation. This is tough but worth it - to create a picnic spot is a matter of soil, seed, water and time.
Just as there are many types of grass, we are not the same and should try not to copy an idea, another person or product that we do not understand completely. PLUS, we all work with our finances totally differently. Habits differ. There are many grass varieties. Some can flourish in the shade, others need to be trimmed regularly, we should understand our strengths our weaknesses and even what “fertilizer” will create growth.
Don’t be afraid to get a landscaper in. For those of you who are still on our jungle hike with me… imagine that moment when you see the rolling hills of green grass. Yes! Time to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s session towards your financial success. Time to reflect on your progress with the guide and to strategize about the next day. You don’t have to be alone on your journey and the landscaper knows what will look best even if growth means trimming.
Hang in there. If you need help, I can get the landscaper you need.
*David Attenborough, narrator of OUR PLANET series.
Blessings
Eldari
Eldari Visser and her unique company, Picketfence Life, is providing access to information, advice and a powerful network of experts to help consumers find solutions to various serious issues. The company focuses mostly on easy blogs written by financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. It gives practical tips and help and is the expert on your side of the fence. --- You can contact or follow Eldari at www.picketfence.life | Facebook | Twitter | #Junglewealth series
More articles by Eldari...
