On the cusp of 35, I can see the peak of my natural physical abilities beginning to give way to middle age. As Katie likes to remind me, 35 is not early 30s, it's late 30s.
I've always been good at setting goals. Turning them into daily habits is another challenge entirely.
One area I've been focusing on recently is my physical health. I could feel (and unfortunately see) the effects of being an office worker, permanently formed in the shape of Rodin's The Thinker sitting at my desk.
That thought prompted me to rethink my daily habits. I had a choice: accept the gradual effects of aging or take action to slow them down.
I believe many people approach personal finance in a similar way. Hawaii is expensive, and saving money can feel difficult. When the deck feels stacked against us, it's easy to become discouraged before we even begin.
I've often been told to celebrate the small victories. But what does that really mean from a personal finance perspective?
Every Action is a Vote
One book I've referenced before is Atomic Habits by James Clear.
He writes that every action we take is a vote toward the person we want to become. A saver saves. A runner runs. A gym-goer goes to the gym.
If I identify myself as a healthy person, what actions would that person take?
They would probably exercise regularly. They would pay attention to what they eat. They would be mindful of their sleep and try to maintain healthy routines.
The same principle applies to personal finance.
Someone who is financially organized pays attention to their cash flow. They contribute regularly to their retirement accounts. They save consistently and make sure their dollars have a purpose.
Defining our identity and the actions that support it is a helpful first step.
Who you are influences what you do.
We may not be great savers today or have the body we want. But every action can be a vote toward the person we hope to become.
The Heaviest Weight is the Gym Door
Every morning I remind myself that the heaviest weight at the gym is the front door.
Simply walking into Downtown 24 is an accomplishment for me. Waking up and putting on my gym clothes is a win.
Three weeks into this journey, I can proudly report that I see no visible gains. But I know I'm in a much better place than I was three weeks ago.
I view this similarly to someone starting their first 401(k) contribution. The first $100 per month may not seem like much, but it's not really about the amount. It's about becoming someone who saves consistently.
For example, a 30-year-old contributing $100 per month and earning a hypothetical 7% annual return could accumulate approximately $180,000 by age 65. This is for illustrative purposes only and is not investment advice.
The actions are small, but the long-term impact can be significant.
Celebrate the Small Victories
A workout completed. A contribution made. A healthy meal chosen. A decision made instead of skipped.
Individually, these actions may seem insignificant. Over time, they shape who we become.
Whether your goal is better health, greater financial security, or something else entirely, progress is often built on small decisions repeated consistently.
Those small victories deserve to be celebrated because they are often the foundation of much larger accomplishments to come.
Sometimes the small victories taste sweeter than the reward itself.
Scott H. Tonai CFP®
Wealth Manager, Director of Retirement Plans
Investment advisory services offered through Andrews Advisory Associates LLC, a registered investment advisor. This blog is not meant to give investment advice. Before investing in any advisory product please carefully read any disclosure documents, including without limitation, the firm’s Form ADVs. The information herein is provided for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or recommendation to sell or an offer to buy securities, investment products or investment advisory services. Nothing contained herein constitutes financial, legal, tax, or other advice. These opinions may not fit your financial status, risk and return profile or preferences. Investment recommendations may change, and readers are urged to check with their investment adviser before making any investment decisions.
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