R.U.T. – A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

How do you know if you are in a R.U.T.? I like to define R.U.T. as Reinforcing Unrealistic Thoughts.

As Albert Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over in the same way and expecting different results.”

When we are in a R.U.T., we are on the same trajectory and yet we unrealistically think that we’ll eventually receive different results. So, what do you do when you’re in a R.U.T.?

When I find myself in a R.U.T., I usually turn to my “Talk to The Hand: Five A’s” method.

1. Become very AWARE.

Recognize the R.U.T. that you are in and acknowledge the reality.

2. ASSESS the situation. When I know I’m getting into a R.U.T., I often get bored and restless. I must ask myself, “Is this a R.U.T. or is it a necessary routine?”

3. ASK yourself what resources are available to get you out of your

Fielding Life’s Curve Balls

By Bill Crane

Though admittedly, I have led a somewhat blessed life and have so much to be grateful for each day, I was not unhappy to say goodbye to 2022.

We lost our mother and grandmother/great-grandmother, Lynn Crane, and witnessed other close friends and family suffer similar losses due to age and mortality, long Covid, or other ailments. The business had an incredible year, and I got to suffer through an interesting 15 minutes of fame, departing from a part-time gig that I really enjoyed. Health challenges came to many in my immediate circle, including my first-born daughter, Barclay Carson, as well as her twin Mighty Mites, and their household, which seemingly faced down nearly every viral infection that vaccinated toddlers might expect.

And yet, through almost all that, with only the occasional sighs of fatigue, Barclay soldiered on through it all with a smile and warm heart. She reminded me again, as I am sharing with you today, the great importance of attitude and gratitude in surmounting life’s numerous challenges.

We all have acquaintances, friends, and family who have real trouble fielding life’s curve balls. Some sink into despair, depression, addiction, and worse. It is also incumbent upon each of us to be there for them. Though some of the stigma is finally fading around issues of mental health, and there is actually a new 24-hour mental crisis prevention hotline, 9-8-8, many may still be overwhelmed by a sudden hostile turn of events.

I am speaking of the damage that can be wrought by an unexpected divorce, loss of a job, or sudden death of a partner or family member. Having attempted to be there for friends and family experiencing

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R.U.T. – perhaps an accountability partner or take a class. Whatever it may be, analyze the best option for you and see what is feasible for your situation.

4. ALIGN yourself with what you decide is best. Maybe this R.U.T. snuck up on you and came out of nowhere. When unpredictable things happen, it is important to realign yourself with what you’re trying to accomplish.

5. Take ACTION. After practicing the other four A’s, it is now time to put all that to work and pull yourself out of that R.U.T!

If you’ve been counting these five on your hand, you’ll notice your hand has opened up to show your palm. Take a look at your palm and notice that all your fingers are connected and held up so that you can function properly. With your palm wide open, there is one more A to add to the list: ACCOUNTABILITY. We all need accountability, whether we are self-disciplined to hold ourselves accountable or whether we need an outside resource. Create an accountability plan for yourself that can be your go-to next time you’re in a R.U.T. As a coach, that’s one of the benefits I offer, or any other coach offers. Not only are we your encourager and supporter, we are also steady accountability partners.

Today, I challenge you to do a R.U.T. audit. Are you Reinforcing Unrealistic Thoughts? If you are headed down a path or trajectory and are not able to accomplish it, this may be an indicator that you are in a R.U.T. Practice these five A’s, with accountability, to help you shift from Reinforcing Unrealistic Thoughts to Realistic Planning.

More information at www.janebishop.live

Insurance Matters: Know What Your Deductibles Are

By H. Darrell Watson

Because life changes, it is my goal to meet with my clients every 12 to 18 months. This meeting is called an Insurance and Financial Review (IFR). During the IFR, we go over every aspect of their policies. On the auto policies, we go over the liability limits, the comprehensive and collision coverages and their deductibles, and uninsured motorist. When reviewing the homeowner’s policy, we go over the value of the house, any riders they may have, and last but not least, their homeowner’s deductible.

During a recent IFR with a client, we were shocked to learn that their homeowner’s deductible was at 5%. “Five percent of what?” you may ask. It was 5% of the value of their house! In their case, it put their deductible in excess of $20,000. What that means is that if a storm were to destroy their roof, they would pay the first $20,000, and their insurer would pay the rest to repair or replace the roof. In essence, they had no coverage for such a circumstance. Years ago, before I was their agent, they had put the deductible at this level to reduce the cost of the insurance premium. Some unethical agents may even set the deductible at that level to get the price down to make a sale without the knowledge or consent of the client. Fortunately, because they had not had any claims, we were able to reduce their deductible to a more reasonable and affordable option.

So, what is the lesson to be learned from this story? Know what your deductibles are. Know what your comprehensive and collision deductibles are on your auto policy. And for sure, know what your deductible is on your homeowner’s policy. Though meeting with your insurance agent is a little less taxing than going to the dentist, it is worth your time to know what your deductibles are!

For more information please call 770-910-3399