Jungles of Beverly Hills. 🌴

A few years ago, I belonged to a small group of advisors where we shared our experiences.

We brought in a consultant to help us better understand the psychology of the people we work with.

During one session, an older male advisor shared that a client of his simply couldn't make a decision on life insurance.

He then added that his wife also had a notoriously hard time making decisions.

I recently found myself wondering: Why is this the case?

While listening to "Mindset That Unlocks Your Full Potential" by performance coach Dr. Gio Valiante, I couldn't help but reflect on my own childhood growing up with a single mom in Beverly Hills.

She often played the victim. She blamed everyone else for how her life turned out, convinced that everyone was lying to her.

The impact this had on me was profound.

Because she was often disengaged, if something needed to get done, I had to pitch in — otherwise, it simply wouldn't happen.

I didn't like being trapped in that cage.

I wanted freedom.

So, I took control.

I developed agency.

I booked my own orthodontist and dentist appointments.

I rode my bike to those appointments because it made me feel free.

Later, when I could drive, I was actually annoyed that I had to rely on my mother to drive me home after gum surgery.

(Photo 1: Me in HS at Beverly Hills High School patio)

(Photo 2: Our yearbook cover was It's a jungle)

Little did I know the lessons being forged.

It was overcoming these small, everyday obstacles that got me very used to making decisions.

It truly was survival of the fittest growing up in the jungles of Beverly Hills.

Here is one of the most important lessons I learned:

I can do things on my own.

Here is the truth about decision-making:

❌ If you are not used to making a lot of decisions, it is hard to make them.

❌ If you outsource your decision-making to others, it is hard to make them.

People are often paralyzed by the fear of failure.

To overcome this, we have to start small. Make small steps.

Make small decisions.

Stack up those small wins to build confidence in your decision-making process.

Decision-making is a muscle and helps you in the jungle of life.

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

Disclosures: Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. The information contained herein should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed.

This commentary offers generalized research, not personalized investment advice. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment services or performance. Nothing in this commentary should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future investment returns. All investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with an investment & tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Wealth Engagement LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.