Host: Sidney Wheelan, Wheelan Law Firm

In this episode, Sidney Wheelan dives into the first pillar of her "Build It. Protect It. Pass It On" philosophy. We often think that structure follows success, but the reality is that structure creates success. Sidney explains why building foundational systems early—even before you feel "ready"—is the key to sustainable, peaceful growth.

1. Structure vs. Success: Don't wait for your business to feel "real" or for the money to start flowing before putting pieces in place. "Later" is expensive because that is when taxes hurt more and fixing mistakes becomes complicated.
2. The Power of Small Steps: Building isn't about "hustle culture"; it’s about clarity, intention, and systems. It’s the "Slight Edge" at work—making small decisions today that make future steps easier.
3. The Cost of Skipping Foundations: You can grow fast on a shaky foundation, but you can't grow peacefully. Eventually, those foundational needs will demand your attention on their terms, not yours.
4. An Act of Optimism: Building early isn't pessimistic. It is an optimistic declaration that your venture is worth protecting right from the start.

These small steps are easy to do, but also easy to ignore. Taking them early creates outsized results over time.

1. Choose the Right Entity: You don't need perfection, but the right starting structure saves years of cleanup.
2. Separate Business and Personal Finances: Moving to one clean system for business reduces tax liability and legal exposure.
3. Create a Bookkeeping Rhythm: Establish monthly and quarterly reviews so there are no surprises.
4. Put Expectations in Writing: Clarity now prevents conflict later, whether you are working alone or with others.

Your Action Step This Week

Identify one small building step you have been putting off because it felt premature. Whether it’s opening a separate bank account, reviewing your entity, or asking a professional a question you've been avoiding—do just one thing to start your momentum

1. Firm: Wheelan Law Firm
2. Locations: Moberly, Carrollton, and Paris, Missouri
3. Subscribe: Listen and subscribe to Law Days and Lattes for weekly insights on planning wisely and moving forward with purpose.

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The Secret Ingredient to Any Successful New Year Goal

In this episode, Sidney Wheelan dives into why New Year’s resolutions often fade by March and reveals that the true secret to lasting success isn't willpower or a perfect plan, it’s philosophy. Drawing inspiration from Jeff Olson’s The Slight Edge, Sidney introduces a foundational three-part framework designed to help you create a life and legacy that withstands changing circumstances.

1. The Problem with "Perfect Plans": Many goals fail because the plans don't align with how we actually think, live, or value things.
2. Philosophy Over Plans: A personal philosophy provides the framework needed to make decisions when things get difficult. Without it, even the best plans collapse under pressure.
3. The Power of the "Slight Edge": Big breakthroughs are rarely the result of dramatic shifts; they come from small, consistent choices made over time.
4. Build It. Protect It. Pass It On.: This is the core framework Sidney uses for legal advice and business. It’s about building with intention, protecting with wisdom (legal and financial safeguards), and passing on values and resources as a designed legacy.

1. Build It (Create with Intention): Building is a season that requires focus. Avoid trying to "spin all the plates" at once; get one moving before starting the next.
2. Protect It (The Wisdom Phase): This involves legal planning, estate planning, and financial strategies. Protection isn’t pessimism; it’s the responsibility that ensures your hard work lasts.
3. Pass It On (Legacy, Not Just Inheritance): Legacy is designed, not accidental. It’s about teaching your values and ensuring your resources continue to support those you love.

1. Firm: Wheelan Law Firm
2. Locations: Moberly, Carrollton, and Paris, Missouri
3. Subscribe: Listen and subscribe to Law Days and Lattes for weekly insights on planning wisely and moving forward with purpose.

Check out our Law Days & Lattes pages on Facebook and Instagram where you can join the conversation, share your thoughts, and ask questions

Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each...

As the year draws to a close, many people rush into making New Year's resolutions. However, host Sidney Wheelan suggests that real change does not begin with a resolution, but with reflection. By looking honestly at the year behind us, we can gain the clarity needed to set intentional goals for the year ahead.

In this episode, Sidney introduces a simple three-part framework used in her legal practice and personal life to help you review your progress and plan for the future.

The Power of Reflection: Why we should look at what worked and what didn’t before setting new goals.

The "Build It, Protect It, Pass It On" Framework:

1. Build It: Identifying progress that isn't always visible on a balance sheet, such as resilience, relationships, or financial stability.
2. Protect It: Understanding that protection includes boundaries, rest, and legal safeguards, as well as identifying where you might feel exposed or vulnerable.
3. Pass It On: Considering how your current choices influence the legacy, values, and opportunities you leave for others.

Intentional Goal Setting: Transitioning from vague resolutions to better questions about what you want to build and protect more intentionally next year.

Values-Driven Planning: Moving away from fear-based planning toward thoughtful preparation that supports the life you are actively building.

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Until next time, grab your favorite latte, hold your loved ones tight, and have a great week! ☕

This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.