New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep. From health to hobbies, many have already thrown in the towel.
Financial advisors are certainly not immune to this phenomenon. But the stakes couldn't be higher.
More than 100 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and according to Northwestern Mutual's Planning & Progress Study, many people don't feel financially secure.
If your 2025 goals are in need of a reset, please allow me to suggest one that tethers directly to most advisors' highest personal and professional aims: connection.
For many, this can be a tough, isolating time of year. But the last days of winter also present an opportunity to refocus on what matters and advance several aspirations at once.
Here are three actions that can significantly impact the growth of your business, your professional fulfillment, and perhaps more importantly, the impact you create for your clients.
Deepen involvement in your community.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy wrote in his "parting prescription for America" that "the loss of community has become one of the defining challenges of our time." He noted that community consists of three core elements: relationships, service, and purpose.
These elements are fundamental to the advice profession as well.
I have seen countless examples of advisors who, when faced with challenges in their community, become champions for change.
For instance, as part of Northwestern Mutual's philanthropic Childhood Cancer Program, hundreds of our financial experts regularly partner with pediatric oncologists, researchers, and local philanthropists to drive awareness and raise money to fight childhood cancer.
They make a real difference in the lives of others and, in so doing, often emerge as leaders in their community.
The deeper connections they forge in their community elevate their professional and personal growth.
Grow your involvement in study groups.
The financial advice business has unique challenges and can be isolating.
The best advisors recognize relationship-building and learning are lifelong endeavors. There is always knowledge to gain to deliver better outcomes for clients.
But whether it's staying atop industry trends or uncovering tried-and-true tactics, gathering actionable industry insights – not just information – on your own can be daunting.
Doing it with others – particularly through study groups – not only advances your capabilities, but also extends your network of advocates for your business.
Building closer connections with fellow advisors creates opportunities for joint work or referrals, offers unique ideas on building your business to the next horizon, and creates lasting relationships with peers who join you in overcoming your obstacles and celebrating your successes.
Increase your impact through leadership.
Our industry is woefully short on new talent to meet the growing demand for financial advice.
Growth starts with more leaders to guide, teach, and ensure the next generation's success. Being a catalyst in someone else's career and seeing them improve the lives of their clients is immensely rewarding.
Moreover, we cannot free more Americans from financial anxiety unless we grow the number of trusted and successful advisors helping them build financial security.
Remember: each of us is capable of much more than we realize.
Don't discount your ability to inspire and motivate others, or the profound impact you can make through leadership.
John Roberts is the chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual.
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