My parents had many failings.
I’m sure yours did too.
But when do we stop blaming our parents for the person we’ve become?
For some, this happens in their 20s.
They make it through the tumultuous teenage years and they achieve clarity.
For others, it doesn’t happen until the birth of their own children.
Frankly, others are still waiting.
They just refuse to realise that the failings of their parents haven’t made them the person they are today.
My parents gave me many gifts
My Dad gave me my entrepreneurial spirit.
He was charming, sociable and fun at a party.
He created his own business from scratch, and watching this script play out influenced me heavily to explore my own capabilities.
He wasn’t around all that much when I was a child because he always seemed to be working so hard.
Like many men of that era, he was emotionally distant and scared the heck out of me as a kid.
I’m absolutely certain this guided my decision to become a trader in the first place.
It’s not an uncommon story, I know.
It always interests me how often people are driven to success because they want to prove themselves to a parent.
Personally, I became determined to gain independence so I’d never have to rely on my father (or anyone for that matter) financially.
My resentment towards him fuelled my ambitions, so this too was a gift.
My mum gave me the gift of recognising opportunities.
Growing up with my three sisters, in our tiny little house, she gave us all such warmth and belief in our own abilities.
She was never a critic.
She believed we all could achieve anything we set our minds to.
What a huge advantage in this birth lottery - to have a parent who believes you.
I guarantee you’ll be a better property investor or share trader if you become willing to face the impact your parents have had on you
What gifts did your parents give to you?
Are you ready to release them from responsibility for who you've become as a person now?
Or, do you want to hang onto the past hurts and nurse them so they still have a hold over you?
My challenge to you this month is to think about your upbringing.
For some, this will be painful.
I do suggest that if you’re chasing away some demons you seek professional help.
Give some 'talk therapy' with a professional psychologist a go.
If you feel you can go it alone, then by all means do so.
But give yourself a chance really think about the gifts your parents have given you that you can use as an investor or trader.
And... do your best to release them from responsibility for your current struggles.
I’ll bet your life, your investing or trading will benefit from it.
