At some point in your life did you get an award for doing something so good that you were considered the best? If so, what was it? Who was there to see you get the award? Who gave you the award? Were you excited to receive the award? Was it unexpected or were you aware that there was a competition and the results were closely followed over a period of time? Whatever this event or award you received, it made you…you!
We’ve all probably been in a position at work to receive a bonus, an award, or certificate of some type for completing a project, class, or license. Did your co-workers or teammates applaud you and were happy for you? Or was it a case of some others felt they should have received the honor? Maybe just a tad jealous? I always took the attitude “if they can do it, so can I”! How did your family react? Was your spouse proud or excited for you? In your youth was there an older brother or sister who had also received the award in some earlier year and you were merely following in their footsteps? I know this was a case for me; my older brother received the National School Choral Award his senior year in high school and I received the same award in my senior year. Not to be outdone, my twin received the National School Band Award the same year.
As we got older and started our professional careers, often there were certificates we had to earn or job training we had to accomplish in order to keep our jobs. Or just maybe you put in the extra efforts so that you would win that promotion at work! In our office, we regularly must complete some 150 hours of testing and certifications each year in order to offer our clients a choice of any carrier products in our geographic market. We kid our spouses that they are not football widows but test widows every August when the certifications must be completed. We give up a lot of weekends in August every year to complete these accreditations.
Did you ever win a trip that was connected to getting an award? I’ve been fortunate enough to have won several over my career; in some cases, the trip took me to another part of the world where I might not have ever gotten to on my own. How many people get to go to Reykjavik Iceland? Wow! That was a surprise award trip!
Whatever your memory is of that special moment where you were recognized, it has probably stayed with you your entire life. It was that one moment that you were the best. And once a winner, you’ll always be a winner.
Speaking of awards, when is the last time you rewarded yourself by reviewing your retirement needs? Because as with all things, life changes.
Call us. We will help you get your plan on the winning track!