Are the connections you’re making simply keeping you in the same place—doing nothing every single day with no growth? Or are you making decisions that move you ahead, move you up, and move you onward?
I believe that if you’re not moving forward, you are actually going backwards… and you don’t even realize it.
What do I mean by that? This is exactly what I mean.
On a regular basis, I make it a point to write the check and go expand my mind, expand my horizon, and expand the opportunities—not only for myself to think bigger and better things, but so I can bring those things to the table when I sit down with clients and friends. I want the tools, the wherewithal, and the knowledge to help them expand their minds and move forward too.
A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to do exactly that in Franklin, Tennessee. I attended a summit on what some might call a “boring” topic—life insurance—for two and a half days. But the things I learned about using that product in new and different ways are tools I’m able to use every single day with clients to make their lives better.
That summit was put on by a good friend of mine, Caleb Williams, who wrote the book The And Asset. I’ve always believed in the power of “and” over “or,” and Caleb’s work beautifully reinforces that idea. While I was there, I also connected with a friend from Canada. Even though their rules and regulations are different, it was incredibly insightful—many of the same products and services exist in very similar forms to what we have here in the United States.
I also got together with my good friend Michael Baker, who brought his most recent book – Financial Blindspots. It was so meaningful that he personalized it for me:
“To Mark, Thank you for all the years of friendship and inspiration. Much love, Mike.”
Later, I had the chance to see another good friend—Todd Langford from Mount Enterprise, Texas. Todd created The Truth Concepts Financial Calculators years ago, and this good man (a heck of a good guy, really) recently released his book Conscientious Calculations. Because when it gets down to it, it gets down to the calculations. It’s a great book with wonderful material. He even showed up with my copy already personalized:
“Mark, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge in wine (that’s me), finance and life. Todd Langford”
After that meeting, I headed to Chicago for yet another gathering—this time with the Strategic Coach program, which I’ve participated in, quarterly for about the last 18 years. The originator of that program is Dan Sullivan, and his latest book is The Greater Game.
Why am I telling you about all these books, all these people I know, and all these places I go?
Because I do it for myself—so I can learn more, expand my mind more, and grow. But it’s also so you can reap the benefits. So, you can understand different strategies and different ideas that help make your life better.
Again, if we’re not moving forward, then you’re not growing. And if you’re not growing, we are not doing our job.
These trips and conversations aren’t just nice experiences—they’re intentional investments in staying sharp, curious, and useful to the people who trust me with their financial lives. Every connection, every book, every summit reminds me that growth is rarely comfortable, but it is always worthwhile. The people I spend time with challenge me to think differently, and that fresh perspective finds its way into the conversations I have with clients every week.
If this message resonates with you—if you’re feeling the tug to move onward instead of drifting backward—I’d love for our team to work with you.
It’s time to schedule your Financialoscopy®.
Let’s sit down, expand what’s possible together, and create a clear path forward.