New Year Goals? Just get started!

Happy New Year from 994 Group! It's that time of year when most of us are thinking about how we can make the coming year better/happier/richer/etc. Each January, Ted asks our family, "at the end of the year, how will we know we made it great?" The kids make a decent effort of matching his enthusiasm, but the two of us take this exercise seriously—and it generates motivation.

Last year, one of my goals toward a great year was to run another marathon. After seven years and one more pregnancy, it felt intimidating, but I did it! Anyone who has run a marathon will tell you it's not the marathon that's hard; it's the months of training and "weekly long runs" that are brutal. I preferred to tackle my long runs each week at Town Lake in Austin, TX not only because it's flat (critically important when running up to 20 miles), but also because of the people and dog watching. There are runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes! The old-timers with tobacco skin shuffling along in preparation for their 50^th marathon... the youthful runners with legs like gazelles flying by... the brand-new runners with $500 worth of newfangled equipment... the rock star dads cruising by with a baby jogger (this was Ted!)… Everyone is at a different point in their fitness goals, but they are out there putting in the effort.

What are your personal goals this year? How are you going to make 2019 great? No matter the goal, just get started! Even small progress can build momentum. And, if you don't have someone to hold you accountable, consider it. Only 42% of resolutions last six months, let alone a year (fivethirtyeight.com). Imagine trying to execute a financial plan with a long-time horizon—5 years, 10, years, 30 years, etc. Do you really think you can execute without a coach or partner when a simple New Year resolution rarely sees July? Reach out and share your New Year and longer-term goals with us. We'd love to collaborate on your plans for experiencing the richness of life in 2019!