Hello Southwest Region Leaders & Associates,

This week’s Coaching Tip comes from our Regional Tech Trainer, Jimmy Chickey, after reading Napoleon Hill’s classic Think and Grow Rich. The principles in that book shaped his life just as they have for generations of leaders and entrepreneurs. Hill’s core message is simple but powerful: success begins with thought—specifically, a definite purpose fueled by belief, desire and backed by consistent action.

The Power of Desire and Faith

Two principles resonated with me early: Desire and Faith.

Hill positions Desire as the starting point of all achievement—not a vague wish, but a burning obsession backed by purpose and persistence. Faith is the emotional engine that transforms desire into belief and action. Together, they create the inner certainty required to overcome doubt and adversity.

My Story

I’m the youngest of six children. None of my older siblings went to college. There was no example set before me and money was tight growing up. Yet from early on, I knew with absolute clarity: I am going to college.

I didn’t have faith in many things back then, but when it came to that goal, my belief was unshakable. I didn’t hope—I knew. That intense desire and deep-rooted faith drove me to work hard without anyone needing to push me. Paying for college was entirely on my shoulders, so I found scholarships, worked jobs, and figured out how to make it happen financially. As a result I graduated with two degrees.

Looking back, I realized I’d instinctively followed Hill’s principles from a young age, though I didn’t understand it at the time. Think and Grow Rich gave me language for what I had already lived. It showed me that success isn’t only about resources or background—it’s about the beliefs we hold and the clarity of our desires.

Hill’s principles aren’t abstract theories. They are tools that can shape the course of a life. They shaped mine before I even knew what they were.

— Jimmy Chickey, Regional Tech Trainer

Coaching Tip:

Now ask yourself: What do I want so badly right now that I’m willing to make it inevitable?

Not “I hope” or “I should”—but what calls to you with that same unshakable knowing?

If you’re struggling to answer, Think and Grow Rich will help you clarify that burning desire and build the faith to achieve it. Sometimes we need Hill’s framework to recognize the power we’ve already been using unconsciously—and learn to wield it intentionally.

 Q4 Wealth Review & Planning 

Hello Southwest Region Leaders and Associates,

As we approach year-end, it’s the perfect time to reflect, plan, and set yourself up for a strong start in 2026. Use this concise checklist to close out 2025 with purpose and launch the new year with clarity:

 Celebrate Wins
• Reflect on what went well this year—both financially and personally.

 Tax Readiness
• Schedule your final CPA meeting to review 2025 projections.
• Verify escrowed tax reserves will cover expected liabilities.
• Identify end-of-year strategies to reduce projected taxes.

 Strategic Investments
• Consider tax-deferred assets: real estate, businesses, syndications.
• Invest in tax-deducting opportunities such as oil and gas drilling funds.
• Purchase business assets at year-end instead of waiting until next year to fully expense them.
• Complete cost segregations for each property.

 Max Out Accounts
• HSA: $4,300 (individual) | $8,550 (family)
• 401(k): $23,500 (<50) + catch-up for 50+
• Roth IRA: $7,000 (<50) | $8,000 (50+)
• SEP/Traditional IRA: same as above

 Wealth Check-Up
• Update Net Worth & Cash Flow statements.
• Adjust Fair Market Values for accuracy.
• Ask: What worked? What didn’t? What’s next?

 Build Your 2026 Wealth GPS
• Define measurable cash-flow goals (passive or active).
• Begin Q1 wealth actions now in Q4.

 Legal & Entity Review
• Confirm trusts, wills, and entities are aligned with wealth and liability goals.

 Recharge for 2026
• Finish strong. Recalibrate. Relaunch boldly.

 Pro Tip: Take one actionable item from each section this week to start Q1 2026 strong and focused!