Instead of New Year's Resolution, Answer this Question

Around this time each year, we start thinking about the past year and what we hope to accomplish in 2025. Pledges to eat healthier, exercise more, or experience something new are common. Unfortunately, most of us don’t start or finish a promise.

Here is a different way to look at this traditional New Year set-up for failure.

As I discussed in previous newsletters, fear is often the symptom that prevents people from becoming investors. Fear of failure is a big one. But you can’t grow, develop or learn without failure. So here is a place to start.

Could you answer this question?

What would you do if you were not afraid?

Think for a minute. How would you answer the question? 

If you do not have an answer, is it because you are living your genuine life, or are you even afraid to answer the question?

If you removed fear, would you:

1. Dissolve toxic relationships.

2. Leave a toxic work environment or unfulfilling role.

3. Take that step and embrace failure as learning, not as punishing, as an experience.

4. Start exercising for even 5 minutes a day. Eventually, move up to 10 or even 15 minutes of brisk walking after a month or so. 

5. Learn how to cook healthy foods for yourself and your family.

6. Become involved in righting the injustice in your community.

7. Commit to loving that special person.

I heard the question a few weeks ago when an HR manager-expert was discussing job interview questions and some of the best questions candidates ask after the interview. 

It’s not complicated. What would you do if you were not afraid?

I’m not fearful because I live in a world of probabilities. Random chances and bad things can happen. All I can do is work to understand the likelihood of failure and avoid being destroyed by a decision, as the bees teach us.

So, when someone asks you what your New Year’s resolution for 2025 would be, ask them, “What would you do if you were not afraid?” and watch what happens.

So, I ask, “What would you do if you were unafraid?” Answer it and see what happens. You may be surprised.