Building on Small Successes

Most folks who are financially successful learn how to use the power of compounding to their advantage. By starting to save and invest early, making consistent contributions, and sticking to their plan, folks can build wealth over time on their way to retirement.

In many ways, improving your ROL operates on the same principle. Big, life-altering wins very rarely happen overnight. Learning, growth, wellness, and happiness all start with small successes that compound through the years and make our lives richer.

Start making more purposeful investments in these three areas and you'll start racking up valuable wins.

1. Health

Fad diets, must-have fitness equipment and cookware, new running shoes, the hot exercise class everyone is trying on social media – you know none of it will work all by itself. But despite how cluttered our kitchens and closets are, we keep buying health food and barbells instead of investing in the habits that will help us make better choices, get off the couch every day, and put all that stuff to use.

In part, that's because punching in our credit card number is a lot easier than committing to change. But it's also because we sometimes forget how powerful small changes can be, such as:

·       Drinking more water.

·       Planning healthy meals in advance and cooking at home.

·       Taking a 15-minute walk every morning.

·       Powering down an hour before bed and getting 7-8 hours of sleep.

·       Scheduling annual (at least) checkups with your doctor.

These kinds of changes all start with small habits, like bringing a water bottle to work or waking up early for a morning jog. But if you stick with them, they will compound and lead to more healthy choices, such as working with a personal trainer or upgrading your culinary skills. 

2. Career

Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Pulling way ahead early doesn't guarantee that you'll "win." Starting at the back of the pack doesn't doom you to failure. And just because the road ahead looks clear doesn't mean you won't have to navigate some complicated crossroads before retirement.

To maintain a steady forward pace, consider spending just 30 minutes every day on an extra career task, such as:

·       Studying for a new degree or certification.

·       Learning a new skill, such as how to ask AI better questions.

·       Having coffee with a mentor or executive coach.

·       Collaborating on a project with someone who works in another department.

·       Reading professional publications or watching online master classes.

·       Attending a networking event.

·       Brainstorming your dream company.

At the end of the year, those thirty minutes will add up to more than 180 hours that you've spent improving your professional capabilities. That's a strong foundation for a promotion, a pivot, or a new entrepreneurial endeavor.

3. Relationships

The most impactful investments that we can make in other people aren’t big gifts around holidays and birthdays. They’re the daily expressions of kindness, compassion, and affection that let our loved ones know just how much we care.

Every day, try to:

·       Share a meal with your spouse.

·       Read to your children.

·       Call a friend who’s having a hard time.

·       Check in on your elderly neighbor.

·       Help a stressed coworker complete a task.

·       Practice gratitude by saying “Thank you” and “I appreciate you,” even if it’s in a text.

Once the nonstop hustle and bustle of working and raising a family begins to slow down, you’re going to start asking yourself some complicated questions about your wealth and the second half of your life. Our Life-Centered Planning process can help you make investments that will make the path through your Golden Years more fulfilling.