What Anne of Green Gables Reminded Me About. A Determined Mindset Not Only Shapes our Relationships, But Also Fosters Great Outcomes.

by: Jeffery A. Keill, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CEA

Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor

We spent a week on the wonderful island of PEI here in Canada, camping with friends and taking in the sights. PEI is a fantastic little island where life slows to allow you to bask in its scenery, food, and people—if you choose to. During our trip, we took in the Anne of Green Gables musical in Charlottetown. For many, this is a Canadian treasure and the story of a young lady named Anne Shirley, living in PEI around the time of Confederation, written by L.M. Montgomery.

In truth, I am not much of a musical-type guy, but one thing Anne of Green Gables said during the show made me sit up:

“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

 — Anne of Green Gables

Some lines from literature linger because they’re true in every season of life.

Anne’s observation isn’t just about optimism—it’s about approach. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t something we stumble into; it’s something we intentionally cultivate.

This mindset applies far beyond the quiet charm of Green Gables and even the world of Avonlea. Determining to enjoy the journey shapes how we experience all kinds of friendships, how we connect with nature, how we can be resilient during adversity, and even how we navigate our relationship with money.

Generally, I do. Most often, that is.

Friendships: Choosing to Show Up With Authenticity

Friendships thrive when we decide to be present, curious, and generous. Not always easy. You can’t control how others behave or think, but you can choose the posture you bring into relationships: listen deeply, assume good intent, and maintain deliberate attention. I think the best word here is being “authentic.”

When you make up your mind to enjoy the people in your life, you start noticing their strengths more than their flaws. You create space for connection instead of friction. Again, not always easy, but it can turn negatives into positives for the benefit of both.

Life doesn’t always cooperate. Stuff happens—to put it mildly. Plans fall apart, but resilience begins with a decision: “I will not let this moment define the whole story.”

Personal Finance: Choosing Positive Outcomes Through Intentionality

Personal finance and the relationship with money is where many people often forget the importance that mindset matters, or they choose to see things most often negatively.

Finances aren’t just numbers—they’re behaviors, habits, and emotions. Personal finance is very personal. Financial outcomes and wealth are highly shaped by the attitude people bring to the process. A determined mindset helps you maintain discipline through tough times, enjoy the progress you have made already instead of fixating on perfection, and maintain a hopeful curiosity about the future.

When you decide to enjoy the journey of financial positivity, you really start to see a world of financial possibility.

Of course, there will be those who read this and cast it aside, not surprisingly. “Hogwash,” they will say, or, in 'Anne of Green Gables' time, “fiddlesticks.” Some people will see this blog as merely fiction, like the story of Anne of Green Gables itself. All I can say to them is, "I am sorry you think that way." Those that get it, get it. Those that don’t likely never will, unfortunately. For every wealthy person I have met and for every successful friendship I keep, this determination to enjoy is fundamental.

Anne’s wisdom reminds us that our experiences are shaped less by circumstance and more by perspective and reaction. A determined attitude doesn’t guarantee happiness and success—but it does absolutely create the conditions for positive outcomes to take place.

Sit up and enjoy the show.

Posted July 2026