Making the Most of 2021: New Yr’s Resolutions

Historically, I haven’t been an enormous New Yr’s resolutions man. Which is bizarre — as a result of I like life hacks. I’m all the time on the lookout for the perfect health app, the perfect portfolio monitoring software, the perfect notice taking software… you get the image.

I used to view New Yr’s resolutions as a frivolous train — guarantees simply damaged as a result of individuals both forgot about them or they have been unrealistic. However I’m beginning to change my thoughts about that. Resolutions could be the last word life hack. They’re a option to reset your objectives and expectations for the approaching 12 months. They arrive with a built-in date to evaluate progress and reset your objectives. And it’s the uncommon occasion to take a broader have a look at your life as an alternative of shifting from one pressing activity to the subsequent.

So with that in thoughts, I’ve made a number of resolutions for 2021. A few of them are about investing. Some don’t have anything to do with investing. I’m sharing all of them as a result of one of many issues I realized this 12 months is that we’re all doing our greatest — and we’re all making an attempt to get by means of this factor known as life collectively. And if seeing this listing — or studying about my thought course of — helps you ultimately, I’ve helped contribute to the higher good. And I can’t ask for greater than that.

Decision 1: Run greater than 800 miles this 12 months

On account of a sequence of accidents, I solely ran 317 miles this 12 months. That’s low for me. And I have to run. Working relaxes me. It brings me peace. It sharpens my thoughts. It retains me in form. I even eat more healthy once I run. I’m only a happier individual once I’m operating no less than 15 miles every week.

With a view to obtain that purpose, I’ve to take higher care of my physique and prioritize operating. Meaning stretching, foam rolling and icing on daily basis. It means ensuring I don’t run on worn out footwear. And it means ensuring I schedule my runs in my calendar every day — and stick with that schedule it doesn’t matter what.

Decision 2: Make higher use of KingsCrowd’s Portfolio Tracker

I observe all the pieces with regards to operating. I take advantage of a Garmin watch that mechanically uploads my information to Strava. I have a look at elevation positive factors, private bests on particular person segments of my run and benchmark myself towards different runners.

Within the startup investing universe, there’s just one software that’s the practical equal of a Garmin or Fitbit. And that’s the KingsCrowd Portfolio Tracker. Buyers can use the portfolio software to trace which startups they’ve invested in, how a lot they’ve invested, which market sectors their investments fall into, how a lot cash they’ve allotted to every sector and far more.

The portfolio monitoring software is free — and it’s simple to make use of. You simply have to decide to it. And this 12 months, I’m committing to creating full use of it.

Decision 3: Respecting the Calendar

I used to assume the older I bought, the busier I bought. However I really don’t assume that’s true. After I was youthful, I completed fairly a bit on daily basis. I simply didn’t want a calendar or schedule to do it. My mind was in a position to course of all the pieces by itself.

Sadly, I can’t simply roll away from bed and attain all the pieces I need to in a given day or week anymore. I’ve to plan issues out. And never simply work issues. I’ve to verify I go away time for operating or cooking or watching the Michigan State recreation. I’m not pleased about it. Nevertheless it’s my actuality now.

So beginning in 2021, I will likely be blocking out time on the calendar for all the pieces now. Studying time. Writing time. Massive image considering time. Even meals. That doesn’t imply that I’m going to cease writing at Three p.m. as a result of my calendar says I’ve to. Typically, it takes longer than you’d like or count on to complete a bit. The identical is true with any activity. 

So I’m not going to emphasize out if my day doesn’t go precisely the way in which the calendar says it ought to. That’s okay. Life occurs, and I’m not going to fret about it. However I’m going to try to respect the calendar.

I’ll do my greatest to comply with it. And if I can’t, no less than I’ve all the pieces I would like/need to do in a single place so I don’t lose observe of it.

Decision 4: Make investments greater than I did in 2020

2020 was a terrific 12 months to spend money on startups and crypto. Startup deal stream was terrific. And the crypto markets soared. However I really feel like I might have accomplished extra. Investing is one of the simplest ways to construct wealth. And each time I don’t make investments cash, I really feel like I’m shedding much more future {dollars}.

With the fundraising guidelines altering for startups subsequent 12 months (startups which can be crowdfunding will be capable of increase $5 million as an alternative of $1.07 million), we must always see even higher startups to spend money on. And it’s only the start of the bull run within the crypto markets.

So no extra “gifting away” future {dollars}. In 2021, I positively need to make investments greater than I did in 2020.

Comfortable New Yr everybody!