Over the years, I’ve seen success come in two ways.

The first is by accident, a stroke of luck or circumstances aligning in their favor.
The second is by intentional planning—setting clear goals, taking consistent action, and adapting along the way.

While the accidental route can work, especially when a business is small, the intentional approach is much more likely to lead to sustainable success, especially as businesses grow.

I’ve also noticed that as goals are achieved, complacency and drift can creep in. But, as one of the most successful advisors I know often says: “There are only three states in your business: moving forward, staying the same, or moving backwards.” The most successful advisors are the ones who are always moving forward, consistently setting—and achieving—bigger goals.

This mindset of constant growth is something we focus on in Pareto Mastermind groups. Advisors join because they want a bigger future for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

One powerful focusing tool we use is called W5. It’s a framework Duncan MacPherson, of Pareto Systems, uses regularly in strategy sessions with Advisors. It’s a series of five questions designed to help advisors identify and create bigger and more exciting futures for themselves. If you’re feeling stagnant or unsure about what’s next, these questions can help reignite your passion:

  1. What am I grateful for?
  2. Where do I see myself in terms of family, business, fun, and finances?
  3. When would I like to achieve these things?
  4. Why are these goals important to me?
  5. What has to change for me to achieve these goals?

The key takeaway: Growth requires change. But the advisors who embrace it—who plan and work relentlessly toward their bigger future—are the ones who truly thrive.

If you’re ready to take your business and life to the next level, let’s connect. The future you want is waiting, and it starts with a plan.