Have you ever found yourself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep because you’re worried about money? Well – you’re not alone.

The path to financial peace is rarely straight. It winds through hills and valleys of decisions, big and small, each with its own set of challenges and triumphs. It's easy to become ensnared in a thicket of self-doubt and harsh self-judgement when a decision doesn't yield the expected fruit, or when we compare our financial journey to others’.

But remember, "Comparison is the thief of joy," as Theodore Roosevelt wisely cautioned. Your financial path is uniquely yours, not to be measured against another’s.

At Succession Financial Planning, we understand that this internal dialogue can be as encouraging as it is self-critical. The art of self-validation in the context of financial choices is an often-overlooked aspect of financial wellbeing. It's about recognising that the most pivotal validation comes not from the external chorus of society but from the quiet whispers within us.

Self-validation is the soft glow of a lantern on our path, allowing us to see our reflections not as shadows of failure or inadequacy but as silhouettes of learning and growth. It is the gentle but firm reminder that, "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection," as Buddha once said. Embrace your financial decisions with compassion, understanding that each choice, whether ultimately right or wrong, was made with the knowledge and resources you had at the time.

Financial self-validation also means acknowledging your strengths and progress. It's affirming that every step taken, from paying off a small debt to saving for the future, is a victory in itself. Maya Angelou once said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." This is a powerful mantra for financial self-validation, encouraging us to learn from the past rather than live in it.

To cultivate a mindset of self-validation, start by reframing negative thoughts. When you find yourself caught in a storm of self-criticism after a financial setback, steer your thoughts towards what you have accomplished and what you've learned. As Jon Kabat-Zinn puts it, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Your financial mistakes are not failures; they're waves in the vast ocean of your fiscal experience, and learning to ride them with self-compassion is the essence of growth.

Additionally, validate your efforts, not just outcomes. Celebrate the process of saving, investing, or simply budgeting. Rejoice in the discipline it takes to set aside funds for an emergency, the foresight to plan for retirement, or the courage to invest in a dream. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts," Winston Churchill reminds us.

Through all of this, we learn to trust our judgement and feel secure in our financial decisions, even if others may disagree.

Steve Jobs put it succinctly: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." Trust that you know your financial goals and values better than anyone else and that each choice brings you closer to the life you envision.

At Succession Financial Planning, we believe in empowering our clients not only with expert financial advice but also with the tools to build a nurturing and validating internal dialogue. We are here to support your journey, to celebrate your financial choices, and to help you anchor in the serene waters of self-validation. Remember, the strongest foundation for your financial decisions is the one built on the bedrock of self-respect and self-belief.