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Thriving in turbulent times: five truths every financial planner should know

When the world feels volatile, uncertain, and chaotic… what do you do?

How do you be the reassuring and steady presence your clients need you to be in turbulent times?

I’ve come to see that challenging times are an invitation — a call to look inward, not outward.

When we search for security, peace, or well-being “out there”, we’re looking in the wrong place.

The following five truths help financial planners feel optimistic and confident under any external conditions because they point to where the power really is.

1. You will never win a fight with reality

A while back, whilst on holiday walking the cliff tops in Fowey, Cornwall, a man told us his son was part of the crew sailing a 150-foot schooner from Amsterdam.

The wind that day was fierce and blowing directly against the schooner. It was fascinating to watch it work with the wind — tacking, adjusting, responding — until it finally reached the calm waters of the estuary.

Sailing is about working with the conditions as they are, not as you wish them to be.

Life is no different. Even if everything lines up the way you want, it will only ever be temporary.

It’s far easier — and far more peaceful — to partner with life as it is.

2. The truth about fear

A common trap is believing that certain situations are inherently scary.

But the truth is this:

Fear doesn’t come from circumstances — we project fear onto our circumstances.

No situation has the built-in ability to make you feel afraid. Fear is a state of mind. And because it can be so intense, it can absolutely feel real.

This doesn’t mean you’ll never feel fear, or that you should try not to feel it.

It simply means that understanding how your mind works frees you from the passive, “victim of circumstance” mindset. You stop being at the mercy of what’s happening outside you.

3. Problems are made of thought

Just as with fear, it’s easy to imagine we’re like a camera — looking out at a fixed, objective reality.

When what we see looks like a problem, we naturally feel discouraged, stressed, or tense.

Yet one of the greatest minds in history, Albert Einstein, said:

“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”

Problems only appear as problems because of the state of mind we’re in. From a clearer state of mind, the same situation can look entirely different — and solutions often reveal themselves without effort.

4. This moment matters

A friend once gave me a small card that said, “This moment matters.” It’s been on my computer monitor ever since.

And yet I can still catch myself imagining that tomorrow will be better than today. But that is low-quality thinking.

Dr David Hawkins, author of ‘Letting Go’, wrote:

“If one is not happy with present circumstances, the chances are that happiness will still be elusive when conditions change to one’s current desire.”

This moment matters because it’s all we ever truly have.

Everything else is imagined.

5. Thoughts change. You don’t.

Your thoughts are constantly changing. They come and go — that’s simply the nature of the mind.

If we identify with our ever-shifting thoughts, life becomes a roller-coaster. As it does for many people.

But there is a deeper part of you — call it essence, awareness, soul, or simply “being” — that is quiet, still, and unchanging. It carries innate feelings of peace, clarity, and love.

Michael A. Singer, author of ‘The Untethered Soul’, wrote:

“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing you are not the voice of the mind — you are the one who hears it.”

Recognising this is profoundly liberating.

Why these five truths matter

First, they help you realise that you already have everything you need to thrive under any conditions. You are not dependent on external stability.

Second, they help you help your clients. Many of them have worries and anxieties, especially around money.

When you are the calming influence in their lives, you help them experience a better quality of life now — even in the most challenging conditions.

PS. Why is client well-being at the core of financial planning? Click here to find out.

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John Dashfield spent 14 years as a self-employed adviser. Since 2006 he has been a coach, mentor and author helping advisers create transformations in their business and personal lives.

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SEARCH BLOG

RECENT POSTS

BLOG CATEGORIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Dashfield spent 14 years as a self-employed adviser. Since 2006 he has been a coach, mentor and author helping advisers create transformations in their business and personal lives.

Get your FREE copy of the
'Magical Client Meetings Every Time!' report
and exclusive content

Just pop in your name and email below for immediate download

Your information is not shared or sold to anyone else.