In 1992 I lived in Japan for a year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student.
So many adults and fellow students around me smoked cigarettes that it felt like everyone in Japan smoked.
That was a cultural shock to me because around me in Australia few people smoked and it felt most believed smoking to be unhealthy. “Why was ‘everyone’ in Japan smoking?”, I wondered.
After 20 years in financial services, I’ve noticed a common explanation offered by people for their financial decisions is “that’s what everyone else is doing“. That can especially be the case at times of increased uncertainty like we have now because it brings us comfort.
Is what everyone else is doing healthy?
Is what they are doing right for you?
Everyone else is out of breath and has smoker’s cough
The statistics reveal what I’ve observed professionally, that many Aussies are financially stressed and miss out on important lifestyle goals because they’re financially unfit.
Though they usually don’t admit that to people around them, so you may not realise it.
If you want to be financially healthy and afford the experiences that really matter to you, you’ll need to be brave enough to turn away from what ‘everyone’ else around you may be doing.
Initially, it’s not easy to stand apart from your crowd, but it is worth it.
You can do it! I believe in you!
P.S. If you need guidance and support as you embark on your own path, just ask. I’ve got your back.