"I Dream My Painting and Then I Paint My Dream": A Financial Advisor's Reflection on Turning Dreams Into Reality

Vincent van Gogh's timeless words, "I dream my painting and then paint my dream," evoke a sense of creativity, ambition, and deliberate action. They remind us that no masterpiece, whether on a canvas or in life, happens by accident. Every stroke, every colour choice, and every detail is intentional, crafted with vision and determination. These words resonate deeply with me on both a personal and professional level, especially as I reflect on the life of my mother.

My mother was a hairdresser by trade and a part-time painter by passion. However, it was in one of the most challenging times of her life, when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given just six weeks to live, that she truly embodied the essence of van Gogh’s quote. Instead of succumbing to fear, she tackled her diagnosis with fierce determination, one of her outlets being painting. Each day, despite the physical and emotional toll of her illness, she would stand in front of a blank canvas and create something new, something beautiful. Her ability to paint during this harrowing time wasn't just about art—it was about hope, resilience, and the belief that every day is a new canvas, waiting for us to decide how it will be filled.

This personal experience taught me a profound lesson that I carry with me in business and in life: despite our circumstances, despite the challenges we face, every day is a new blank canvas. Whether we're advising clients on their financial future or leading a business, we have the power to decide how our canvas will look at the end of the day. But this requires intentionality, planning, and the courage to take the first stroke.

5 Steps to Decide Your Goals and Paint Your Dream

1. Envision Your Dream: Every great accomplishment starts with a vision. As financial advisors and business owners, ask yourself: What is your dream? Is it to create financial security for your clients, build a legacy, or perhaps find a work-life balance that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally? Before you can paint, you need to dream. Take the time to get clear on your vision.

2. Set Your Goals: Once you’ve envisioned your dream, it’s time to translate that vision into actionable goals. What do you need to achieve this year? This quarter? This week? Break your dream down into tangible steps that you can take today. Just like my mother’s paintings, each day’s progress contributes to the larger masterpiece.

3. Take Action, One Stroke at a Time A painting doesn’t come to life with one grand gesture—it’s the result of thousands of small, deliberate strokes. Likewise, in business and in life, success is built step by step. What small action can you take today to move closer to your dream? Whether it's a phone call, a meeting, or a strategy session, every stroke counts.

4. Adapt and Adjust: Just like an artist sometimes adjusts their painting as they go along, we must also be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Markets shift, client needs evolve, and personal challenges arise. Don’t be afraid to step back, reassess, and make necessary changes. What matters is that you keep painting.

5. Celebrate the Journey: My mother’s paintings were not just about the final product—they were about the joy of creating, the sense of purpose that came with each new canvas. In business, it’s easy to focus solely on results, but it’s equally important to find fulfillment in the journey. Celebrate your progress, learn from your setbacks, and appreciate the process of building your dream.

 What Are You Going to Paint?

Every day, you stand in front of a blank canvas. You have the power to decide what that canvas will look like by the end of the day. The question is: What are you going to paint?

 As financial advisors and business owners, we hold the brush not just for ourselves but for the clients and communities we serve. Our decisions, our actions, our visions all play a role in shaping the financial landscapes of others. So, let’s make sure that what we paint is not only a reflection of our dreams but a source of inspiration and value for those around us.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own blank canvas. What dream will you paint into reality? Just as my mother found solace and strength in her art, you too can create something extraordinary—even amidst the most daunting challenges.

With each new day comes a fresh start, and with each new start, the opportunity to dream, to create, and to thrive.