The Resolution of Resolutions
In a fairly recent study, it’s estimated that 45% of us make New Year’s resolutions. Sixty Four percent of us will still be adhering to our resolutions after the first month. The percentage of people who will achieve our resolutions? 8%. NOT a good number…unless we’re talking about the annual return of a money market instrument – which we’re not, by the way. Not by a long shot.
Here’s a top 10 list of what’s likely to be on your resolution list:
10. Spend more time with family
9. Fall in love
8. Help others in their dreams Let’s stop there for a moment. Not sure number 9 should even be a resolution, should it? Maybe I’m just old-fashioned, but “love” seems like something best left to fate, divine intervention, or a singles kickball league – not a box to check off before the end of a calendar year. Anyway, moving on:
7. Quit smoking
6. Learn something exciting
5. Stay fit and healthy Stop. I’m good with number 7 (as I’ve yet to start… though the year’s still young), number 6 is an everyday experience with four kids under 15. Number 5 is where I’ve struggled. I did CrossFit for a while, and not only did I get “healthier”, but I also received pain and suffering at no additional cost. So, back to the couch I went. Next:
4. Enjoy life to the fullest
3. Get finances in order
2. Get organized Now we’re talking. At 45, with four sons and a wife, number 4 is right in front of me. Some days it’s harder to see than others – like when one son convinces another that he’s being donated to the Red Cross for a substantial tax deduction. (While I appreciate the detailed tax planning strategy from the young man….it’s not going to happen. I checked. Totally an internet rumor.) But let’s consider the merit of number 2. I’m going to change the wording to “Make a plan.” Let’s apply it to some of the aforementioned resolutions and see how it holds up:
10. Spend more time with family: Then make a plan. Do your job, leave it on time and leave it at work. Everyone wins and everyone will notice. Trust me. Take care of this one and numbers 4 and 10 become much easier. Your employer doesn’t value time spent with family, you say? Then maybe you need a new employer. I can assure you there’s less pain involved in finding a new job than with finding a new family.
9. Fall in love: Not in love? Sorry, not sure a plan’s going to help you with this one. Just be yourself, brush your teeth and hair occasionally, and maybe you’ll have a shot. Good luck.
5. Want to stay fit and healthy? Make a plan. Hint: It’s not going to involve a sectional and a box of Duncan Hines Chocolate Chip Muffin mix…not that I have any experience with those. And while I’m not qualified to give medical advice, I would imagine another glass or two of water wouldn’t hurt you if this resolution is near the top of your list. Am I right? (Preaching to the choir with this one.)
6. Want to learn something new and exciting? Then make a plan. Read one book per month on a topic you’ve hardly given a second thought to. Or maybe “plan” an impromptu weekend trip with your spouse and leave the kids somewhere else…anywhere else. If you can’t imagine where the excitement comes in on this one, then I can’t help you.
7. You really want to quit smoking? Then make a plan. The solution is out there. Find the help you need and learn from those who’ve gone before you. Seeking wise counsel can be a critical step to big turnarounds in your life. Seeking help also requires humility – and that’s a great point of view from which to start anything worth accomplishing.
3. Finances in order? No? Then make a plan. Make a plan with a qualified financial planner and then work the plan. It’s a process, not an event. Will adjustments need to be made? Of course. Have you ever found much success in going to the gym just once a year? Find someone who understands your goals and objectives and – together – make a plan to put you on target to accomplish them.
And finally, how about number 8. You want to help others realize their dreams? Here’s an idea – become a Financial Advisor. That’s one of our primary objectives with clients at CapSouth. And that starts with a plan. So let’s make one. And really, you don’t have to become a Financial Advisor to do this. You just have to know one. So find one, and those you’ll be helping first are your family. And that’s a resolution worth keeping.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
