Why is the first step always the hardest — even when it’s toward your simple to-do list or a complex financial plan?

Because there are so many things that can slow us down or trip us up on the way to where we want to go. Sometimes just imagining all those potential hurdles, sinkholes, slippery slopes, and dead ends is enough to keep us flatfooted at the starting line.

If you're tired of standing still, try using these four strategies as a springboard towards change, progress, achievement, and ROL.

1. Reassess Your Goal: A Real Start to "Better Myself"

One reason that so many New Year's Resolutions fail is folks tend to follow the crowd towards fulfillment and self-improvement. They see a trendy new exercise habit or lifestyle tweak racking up likes and reshares and think, "I should do that too!" But once it's time to start putting in the work, they realize that goal isn't really meaningful to them. They've been setting their sights on someone else's vision of happiness instead of defining their own.

So, ask yourself: How badly do you really want this? Why do you want it? How do you imagine your life being better when you've achieved it? Does the thought of waking up tomorrow to take your first step make you feel excited, or like hitting snooze?

If the reasons you come up with are concrete, personal, and motivating, then you're going to have a much easier time taking that dreaded first step. And if you no longer have that urge to move forward, pick another goal that you can get passionate about.

Want to better myself and take action with purpose? Explore how to align your Investment Planning with your real goals and how building a budget that reflects your lifestyle can help you stay motivated.

2. Do Some Research (and Set a To-Do List!)

Read up on someone who's been there and done that. Where did they start from? What techniques did they use? What habits did they build? How much time, money, energy, and emotion did they invest?

You could also consult with relevant professionals who can help you set clear expectations. Check in with your doctor before you begin working towards any dramatic exercise goals. Talk to someone who transitioned into teaching about the classwork and certifications. Hire a coach who has helped others get healthier or learn faster. And if you're exploring social activities adults enjoy or considering starting your own consulting business, our latest blog shares how hobbies and human connection can shape a more purposeful retirement. And if part of your long-term plan includes protecting your assets and ensuring a smooth transition of wealth, our estate planning insights can guide you in building a secure legacy.

And most importantly—create a to-do list. This helps break big decisions down into clear, manageable tasks. That’s how we coach clients toward consistency in their financial planning journey.

Check out our informative articles on when to start building your wealth and where we talk about taking control of your student loans — both offer practical steps that can become part of your financial to-do list today.

✏️ Bonus Resource: Read how checklists improve performance in high-stakes industries, and how they can help you stay accountable in everyday life.

3. Give Yourself Permission to Fail (and Reset Your Financial Plan)

The first time you introduce yourself in Mandarin your pronunciation will be off.

No one sets a world record the first time they try to jog a mile.

You're going to slice off the tee.

Your backhand will be weak.

You're going to fall down on the bunny slope.

The first draft of your novel is going to drag in the middle.

And then ... you'll get better! Whether you're starting from zero or trying to progress from good to great, every rep is going to build on the last one and reset your floor.

Go ahead and imagine the worst-case scenario for your first attempt. It will be the last time you're that bad at whatever you're trying. You might even surprise yourself and clear your low expectations.

That also applies to your financial plan. It’s okay if your first plan needs adjustments. That’s why LI Wealth Management builds flexibility into every plan, just like we discussed in Adjusting Your Financial Path as Life Evolves.

4. Make a Plan: From a Weight Loss Fitness Program to Your Financial To-Do List

It's going to be a lot easier to take that first step if you can see how it leads to a second, and then a third.

Once you've set your big goal, break it down into smaller actions that you can cross off your to-do list every single day.

Gradually, increase your daily, weekly, and monthly targets. Go from walking to jogging, from jogging a mile to running two. Once you’ve successfully saved an extra 3% for a couple months, try for 5%.

Anticipate major milestones, like a race you want to run, a test you have to pass, or a date when you’d like to make a downpayment on a house, and ramp up your efforts to match.

Keep hitting your targets and you’ll build unstoppable momentum, one step at a time.

Just like in a weight loss fitness program, building a strong financial plan requires clarity, commitment, and consistent action.

And just as fitness goals are fueled by purpose, so too should your financial goals be — in our next blog, we explore how aligning your finances with a sense of meaning creates a deeper, more fulfilling form of wealth. Also, as you set long-term financial goals, consider how a tax planner near me could align with your overall plan.

Ready to Better Yourself Financially?

Whether your goals relate to health, wealth, education, or overall self improvement, a clear to-do list, the right support, and a sustainable financial plan will move you forward.

📌 Want to understand how tax strategy fits in? Read about how real tax advisors go beyond filling forms.

📌 Curious how this fits into a bigger picture? We explore how to build flexibility into your journey — including the concept of mini-retirement.

If you're just beginning your journey to improve your finances or health, start with the CDC’s “Getting Started with Physical Activity”.

Let’s build your financial roadmap, one step at a time — book a call through our calendar to get started.

Let’s talk about how Life-Centered Financial Planning can help you start progressing down your $Lifeline.