A standing joke in my household is that I always want to shake things up while my partner states regularly “I fear change!”
Going out, he would be happy always frequenting the same restaurant. I have favorites I revisit, but often seek something new. This extends to nearly all areas of our lives. He follows the “if it ain’t broke…” adage while I get antsy and long for new experiences. Objectively, I see there is value in both of these viewpoints.
A Time for Change
I am a strong advocate for change because I enjoy new experiences and exposures. I see danger in complacency. Societally, complacency is easy if you have power and privilege. But, I firmly believe in the responsibility of the provileged to advocate on behalf of the less privileged. On a personal level, change is what keeps our brains sharp.
A Place for Consistancy
On the flip side, my partner’s love of consistency also has merit. Our bodies and minds need rest and comfort as well as growth and challenge. It is much easier to relax in a familiar environment. When we experience feelings of safety, security and belonging, we can let our minds wander and get in touch with our bodies. Being in a constant state of flux can lead to unregulated nervous systems.
A Time and Place for Both
Walking a new route, helps prompt new ideas and different viewpoints. Familiar paths provide capacity to look inward without the distraction of external stimuli.
Change and Consistancy in Financial Planning
Financial planning involves both stability and change. To create a financial plan we must have a grasp of our typical finances. It is impossible to create a meaningful plan with no idea as to ones income or expenses. An early steps in financial planning involves gathering current data to create an accurate baseline.
Financial plans, however, are not static documents. We, financial planners, frequently tell people to give us a call if they have any major life changes so we can adjust their plan. Nothing ever goes exactly as anticipated and we need to help clients to prepare for multiple possibilities.
Financial planning, like most of life, tends to be cyclical. There are periods of growth and change and periods of stability and rest. There is room for both change and continuity in planning and in our household.