January always has some fresh faces at my gym. While it does mean I have to wait for a machine, I enjoy seeing all types of people take their first (or perhaps repeated) steps toward their fitness goals.
After all, it wasn’t that long ago that I was one of them!
But by February the gym clears out again and the lineups disappear.
Why? Well —people didn’t have a plan. That’s why.
They were excited about their resolutions and jumped in. First mistake.
They didn’t think about how going to the gym needs to fit into their lives.
Their expectations weren’t realistic based on what they were doing.
And losing weight and getting fit is actually a pretty boring process.
There’s nothing flashy about it.
I can’t stop thinking about the connection between exercise and saving. Yep —going all-in-nerd here. Lol.
Because people do one of these three things:
1) They jump in without a plan.
2) They quit their plan if it doesn’t have a detailed lifestyle goal they’re excited about.
3) Investing feels too hard and they sweat about it.
Sweating at the gym is normal. Sweating about your investments is not.
And it means only one thing.
You’re on the wrong path.
I’m a numbers guy and investing is like this too.
Some people save money, while others invest. But the investors are the ones who will always have greater success.
What’s the difference?
The intent you apply toward a specific goal makes all the difference.
Which of these has more oomph?
I want to retire someday.
Or
I want to retire at 65 with X amount of monthly income that lasts for 30 years.
I know which one you liked the best!
Being inconsistent will absolutely screw up your results.
Investing is just like losing weight or training. Things get so much easier when you follow a plan.
You need a detailed plan to take you toward success. Whether it’s improving your wealth, investing in your children’s education, or having a set date for when you want to enter a new exciting chapter in your life for retirement.
And just like losing weight or getting fit —being inconsistent will absolutely screw up your results.
It’s why I love helping people plan for retirement. (And I don’t make you do push-ups!)
But the best results of all?
When a happy newly retired client says to me,
“Adrian, this was a no-sweat experience!”
Enjoyed this article? I’d love to hear from you! I’m always interested in hearing about the unique financial situations doctors have. Send me a note! And make sure to check out my Amazon bestseller, The Doctor’s Handbook: 5 principles of wealth you weren’t taught in med school.
