A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

Last week, I received a call that really made me think. Amidst a discussion, a client mentioned, “my best wasn’t enough.” This confession about his personal and professional struggles stuck with me, especially since his subsequent actions actually led him to many successes.

This conversation occurred just as I returned from the exhilarating VisionServe Alliance 2024 Executive Leadership Conference, buzzing with the energy from the myriad of insightful exchanges with leaders in the blindness field. There, surrounded by pioneering thinkers, I caught a fresh breath of optimism, a stark contrast to the pessimism I was feeling about the future of Penny Forward before attending the conference.

Feeling Down or Distracted?

Reflecting on my pre-conference emotions, I realized I wasn’t as much down as I was distracted. Often, we confuse these feelings, attributing our lack of enthusiasm to negative emotions rather than acknowledging the myriad of thoughts pulling our attention away from our goals. The conference, bustling with fervor for empowering blind people to gain independence, served as a much-needed reminder of what Penny Forward stands for. It was an eye-opener—realizing that my distraction was a significant barrier, making me feel that I was not doing my best.

Your Best Is Enough—Really, It Is!

When my client lamented that his best was not enough, it dawned on me—many of us might feel this way at various points in our lives. But here’s a gentle reminder: your best is truly enough. Questioning whether you’re really giving your best is essential. Sometimes, we aren’t, and it’s not always intentional. Distractions are sneaky; they creep in and steal our focus, making us feel inadequate. Recognizing this is the first step towards recalibration.

Finding Your Focus

The crucial question then becomes, how do we refocus? During the conference, my method was engaging with new people and passionately discussing Penny Forward’s mission. For others, it might involve taking a break to meditate, journaling, chatting with friends, or consulting a therapist. The goal is to find what best helps you align your actions with your intentions. This alignment is where you’ll find that your best is not only enough; it’s transformative.

Penny Forward: Your Partner in Refocusing

And what about when life throws financial challenges your way? That’s where Penny Forward steps in. Our financial counseling services are designed to help you refocus on the essential steps toward achieving your financial goals. We are here to guide you around the obstacles, ensuring your path forward is clear and achievable.

Realizing the Power of Passion

Reflecting on my conference experience, the passion and curiosity of fellow attendees were contagious. Their enthusiasm for making a positive impact reminded me of the importance of community and shared goals. It was their energy that helped me rekindle my own, pushing me to spread the word about our mission with renewed vigor. This interaction was a pivotal moment, illustrating how external influences can help us find our internal compass.

Embracing Your Best

So, if you ever find yourself doubting, remember that your best—when truly focused—is enough to overcome the hurdles. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progression. It’s about embracing your current best and continuously striving to align it more closely with your goals.

Nurturing Growth

Allow yourself the space to grow by recognizing when distractions are pulling you away from your core objectives. Embrace every opportunity to recenter and connect with your true mission. Whether it’s a conference, a quiet moment of reflection, or a conversation that challenges your current perspective, each experience is a stepping stone to better understanding and harnessing your best self.

You Are Enough

Finally, as we journey through the complexities of life, both personal and professional, let’s remind ourselves and each other: our best is enough. It’s enough to learn, to grow, and to succeed. Let’s hold onto that, and push forward, not with the burden of doubt, but with the freedom of knowing we are doing all we can—and that is truly enough.

So, next time you think “my best isn’t enough,” take a moment to ask yourself if it’s your best that’s lacking, or if perhaps, you’ve simply been led astray by distractions. Realize that your best, with clear focus and passion, is not just sufficient—it’s your greatest strength.

Sincerely,
Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward