When making decisions, we tend to lean towards the familiar. This tendency is ingrained in our nature as people find change uncomfortable. Whether it’s ordering food or choosing technology, our preferences are typically anchored in what we know. Unfortunately, adhering to the status quo can lead to stagnation—the failure to find ways to grow and progress. To prosper, it’s vital to foster innovation, to broaden your range of services, to serve more people in a better way.

While the core mission of helping clients chart their financial path toward happy futures remains, the methods advisors use to achieve that goal are always in flux. Evolution is always necessary.

Advisors need to challenge themselves to seek out fresh ideas and approaches. Many of today’s complex problems cannot be effectively addressed with old solutions. And being innovative is often just breaking away from the familiar. An innovative service or strategy combines novelty and practicality. Innovations don’t always require groundbreaking advancements—they can be as simple as enhancing client services or adopting new technology to overcome existing barriers. Embrace the power of innovation to drive progress and achieve new heights.

In today’s fiercely competitive advisory world, innovation remains one of the keys to success. But steer clear of using “innovation” as a buzzword. Set your sights on shattering inertia and uncovering game-changing ideas, methods, services, or solutions that elevate your value and leave a lasting impact on your clients.