Overwhelmed by New Year's Resolutions?

As the new year begins, many of us get overzealous with our resolutions or the number of changes we want to make in the upcoming year. According to Forbes (2023), 29% say they feel pressured to set a new year’s resolution. And the same article (Davis 2023) notes that January 17 is often called "Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day" while the 2nd Friday in January is usually denoted as "Quitter's Day."

So how do we make positive changes in our lives and stick to resolutions that really matter to us? The answer may seem simple, but it's also profound. Start with one.

Pick the most pressing thing you'd like to get done this year, and focus on getting that done. We tend to make long lists or dream of big lofty goals, but we can get things done when we simplify. Instead of looking at the whole forest, we focus on a single tree.

Do you have your one goal in mind? Now, start assessing what it will take to get there. What is your first step? Do you need outside resources to make it happen?

For example, Terry really wants to make a difference in the world (a wonderful sentiment, but also a big lofty goal). They decide to focus on one "tree" -- moving their money away from traditional investments and into socially responsible investments.

Terry's first step is to research investment managers and financial advisors who can help them make this change. They'll set up meetings and interview potential candidates until they find the one most aligned with their values.

Terry will select the right advisor, identify their values and goals through meeting and planning, and begin moving money into socially responsible investments to align with their values.

So, like Terry, take a moment to reflect on one goal you'd like to accomplish this year and begin to take steps to reach that goal.

Here at Ella Financial Advising, we are committed to our environment and making positive changes. Because of that, we make investing in environmentally conscious companies and organizations a top priority. We know there are a lot of social justice causes to defend that are also extremely important, but for us, the environment rises to the very top. Without a healthy environment, we might not be around to address the other issues.

At Ella Financial Advising, we offer:

• Impact Investing

• Financial Empowerment, Clarity, and Education

• Financial Security, Thriving Communities, and a Healthy Planet

If you want to make a difference for the planet and ultimately your community, I'd love to talk. We're all on this beautiful planet together, and we have a responsibility to take care of it.

Important Reminder:

Ella and her wife are expecting a baby girl in March 2023. She will go on maternity leave beginning March 1, 2023 and return after the July 4th holiday.

While she's out, Erin--our operations manager--will be holding down the fort. Feel free to reach out to her with questions, concerns, or comments.

Articles Referenced:

Davis, Sarah (2023 January 11). New Year's Resolution Statistics 2023. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/