January 2023 Monthly Newsletter Cover Article

Make 2023 the year your goals stick! Stay focused, make them SMART, and kick-start your estate plan today. We are here to help you succeed.

We gave thanks as we carved our turkeys, shared in merry holiday celebrations, and enjoyed some quality family time as we rang in the new year — 2023 is here, and we are just getting started!

With the new year comes a clean slate and a fresh start. It’s the perfect opportunity to look back at 2022 and all you’ve accomplished. It’s also a great time to set new goals for 2023.

We all know most people give up on their new year’s resolutions by the second week in January. There are even TWO designated days — the second Friday of January, known as Quitters Day; and Jan. 17, Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day, in “honor” of this phenomenon.

Studies show many resolutions are abandoned because the goal is unrealistic or too much of a stretch. Others fail because there is no plan for holding themselves accountable.

So, what can we do to make our goals a reality? One suggestion is to ensure that your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

Another technique is to keep your goals at the front of your mind. One way of doing this is to create a vision board with visual representations of your goals and dreams. Another is a suggestion I received from one of my mentors, which I have started employing myself. Every morning when I wake up, I write out my goals in a notebook at my bedside (yes, with a pen and paper and in cursive). I’ve even purchased a special notebook in my favorite color.

Now, I won’t only be reminded of my resolutions on my vision board, thinking of them, or just writing them down and tucking them away in a random drawer, but I’ll have my goals in front of me every morning. It will keep each day intentional and focused on where I want to be today, tomorrow, and five years down the road to propel myself forward.

What are your goals for 2023? If one of your goals includes making an estate plan or updating your existing estate plan, we are here to help. We’ve even created a written guide to help kick-start your estate plan. By scanning the QR code below, you can request a copy of our kick-start guide. If you’ve had estate planning on your mind or you’re helping someone create or update their existing estate plan, our resource is the perfect place to start.

Welcome, 2023! We are ready for you!