As a 26-year-old paraplanner and aspiring adviser, the financial services world can feel all encompassing.
But can we have our eyes on more than one prize?
This challenge is a daily reality for me, as I navigate my career at Progeny while balancing international competition in Irish Dance and working towards becoming a qualified personal trainer.
Balancing multiple responsibilities can often feel like spinning several plates at once – a relatable feeling for many, I’m sure.
While I’m at the early stages of my financial career, in the world of dance I fit within the ‘senior’ age category and am nearing retirement.
In reality, I feel I’ve only just reached peak athletic performance and it’s a sad realisation that – after 24 years – this door must soon close.
As a key role model in my life often reminds me, the mission is ‘to change the world, one world at a time’
Dancing might seem a world away from advice but both are actually about taking a long-term view and trusting the process.
We encourage clients not to get unsettled by short-term market movements but to look at the bigger picture. Similarly, when it comes to training for the World Championships, you can’t afford to get derailed by poor results at smaller competitions. You must focus on the long-term goal and have confidence in your approach.
Having recently achieved my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, I’ve learned that managing a diverse range of goals requires more than just ambition. It demands meticulous time management, a robust support system and an unwavering commitment to yourself.
If I could give one piece of advice to those striving to ‘achieve it all’, it would be to embrace flexibility.
It demands meticulous time management, a robust support system and an unwavering commitment to yourself
Life is unpredictable and adjustments to the schedule are sometimes necessary. That’s okay. Even if that adjustment is to spend the day with loved ones or to simply switch off. I’ve learnt to not stress over these minor changes but to focus on the bigger picture. This allows you to handle unexpected challenges without compromising your goals.
Cards on the table – it’s hard. Early mornings, late nights, weekends working. It’s tiring. Hell, it can even be lonely at times. There’s no doubt about that. But there’s power in being a lone wolf and will it be worth it? You bet!
I’m looking forward to the road ahead and to keeping you updated on my journey from paraplanner to chartered financial planner. More importantly, I’m excited to be working towards a position where I can make more of a difference and have a positive impact on people’s lives, particularly when it comes to helping them realise their financial and personal goals.
As a key role model in my life often reminds me, the mission is ‘to change the world, one world at a time’. I love the fact I have multiple strings to my bow and believe it will make me a more rounded adviser when the time comes.
Alannah Kinsella is a paraplanner at Progeny
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