Choosing Simplicity
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Choice
Quote:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
-- Robert Frost
Thought:
Why does taking the difficult path make all the difference? Because on the easy path we don’t learn anything; we aren’t challenged, shaped, or sharpened. Therefore it offers us nothing in return for its ease, other than perceived comfort and complacency.
In contrast, taking the path less traveled is just plain difficult. Not only do we have to find our own way, because the path is not well defined, but the obstacles in front of us may appear insurmountable as well. The path less traveled makes everything within us insist that we turn back or wish that we had chosen differently. It creates uncertainty, which breeds fear.
However, if we can overcome those moments of uncertainty and maintain the steadfast vision that we had at the outset of our journey, the rewards will be much greater. It’s remarkable to see what can evolve amidst an environment of constant struggle and difficulty.
Action:
Take the path less traveled by, and watch how you adapt to it. You may be amazed at yourself. Don’t cut your journey short or aim for ease; that will only ensure that you won’t grow into the person you could become.
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About the Book
The purpose of this book is to try to help anyone maintain what I call “living on top of the mountain”: in a pure, contented, happy state of mind. I remember pockets in my life when I was so happy, but wondered why they were so f leeting. It was
like reaching the top of a mountain—but never being able to stay there. I found myself always sliding slowly backwards, or simply standing in the valley below, looking up and wondering what happened.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that the only way to stay near the top of the mountain is to constantly remind yourself—daily, weekly, monthly—of all of the things that are important to you. Without constant reminders we forget how we got to the top and revert back to our old ways. It isn’t even our fault, because it’s in our nature; it happens with or without our permission. We simply have to commit to combating it! I don’t know about you, but I want to live a fulfilled life, with happiness, health, and accomplishments for myself, my family and the betterment of others. I want to live on top of the mountain every single day of my life, and I’m willing to do what I can to try to accomplish that.
About the Author
Steven M. Ayer is a Managing Director and CIMA ® with Strata Wealth Management at Hightower Advisors. Steven has offices in both Harrison, NY and Mystic, CT. Strata Wealth Management, a wealth advisory practice, recently joined Hightower Advisors, having departed from one of the main Wall Street firms in February of 2010. Strata joined Hightower, which has now become the largest Registered Investment Advisor in the country because of its focus upon fiduciary responsibility and enhanced capabilities, both of which are superior to any other Wall Street firm or RIA. Steven has been in the financial industry for the last 16 years, having graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a major in Finance in 1994. Steven provides advice on many different financial matters surrounding one’s portfolio and financial life in his day job. Therefore, it has been a natural progression for him to release this set of principles that he uses to help him make better choices, not only at work, but in life in general. These Quotes, Thoughts, and Actions have been a true blessing to him. They have been instrumental in helping him overcome the many challenges of life along with those that accompany a financial advisory practitioner in the midst of one of the worst economic/market environments in the history of the United States.