Every day’s a school day

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re not being stretched; that things are just a bit too routine? Do you want to try or do something new – without a total overhaul – but aren’t quite sure what? I know that feeling well.

When I start to feel like that, I often push myself to introduce a small point of difference into my life. Sometimes, it’s as simple as walking on the different side of the road when I walk home from the station. This simple shift helps the day-to-day feel less like I’m on a treadmill. Sometimes, I want something a bit more challenging, like reviewing governance and risk procedures. This helps to practice my ability (or inability) to concentrate!

But the one thing that really helps pull me out of that zone is people. I find it really helpful to have the right people to talk to about work matters. I am fortunate that I have mentors that I can speak to. I find their advice invaluable. I also have fellow peers to talk to.

And as a financial professional, I really do benefit from being a member of a best practice group. Once a month, I meet with fellow professionals who either run their own business or are decision makers in a wealth management firm.

What do we do? We discuss best practice, of course. But we also share ideas that have helped our businesses grow. We discuss business issues that we have faced and in dealing with these issues, what we have learned from them. We listen to others who have their own challenges, both personally as well as professionally. We do all of this under Chatham House rules.

I like the fact that I can test my knowledge and technical abilities. I also know that there is supportive group of people, some now being friends, who can help me. It’s no good being a committee of one.

This approach also keeps me in check. It stops me from becoming a know it all – or as a good friend and client of mine would say: “Don’t get too lemon dash (flash) Kunle”. I would rather learn more and help more people than be a know it all and tell no one what I know.

So, if you’re looking to change things up a bit, to inject some spark and interest into your everyday, take a look at the people around you. There’s a wealth of resource waiting. You just need to ask.