Resolutions are everywhere at the start of the year. We all feel the pressure to make big promises to ourselves: achieve financial independence, get a new job, start exercising. Sometimes those promises stick, and sometimes they fade away as life gets busy. It’s easy to wonder why some goals last while others don’t. The difference often comes down to what truly matters to us.
In this episode of the InvestED Podcast, we talk about the real meaning behind resolutions and promises. We look at why feelings, especially the tough ones, can help us learn and grow. The hero’s journey is a powerful idea and has lots to teach us about the path to financial independence. Our conversation digs into what it takes to turn a goal into a real commitment. We share how setbacks and doubts are part of every meaningful journey.
Investing is about more than just numbers or targets. It’s about practice, preparation, and building the confidence to move forward. When you approach investing with care and commitment, you set yourself up for long-term success. Tune in to discover how taking the right steps can change your journey as an investor.
Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:
Discover how the hero’s journey can inspire your path to financial independence and help you overcome setbacks.
Learn why real confidence in investing comes from preparation, practice, and knowing your process inside and out.
Gain insights into turning resolutions into lasting commitments that actually move you closer to your goals.
Resources
Rule #1s "InvestED" Podcast and Website - Website | Apple Podcast | YouTube
Visit Rule #1 for more investing resources: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | Instagram
Danielle Town: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X (Twitter)
Resolutions and Promises
Every new year, the talk of resolutions fills the air. We feel the pull to set big goals or make bold promises to ourselves.
But as the weeks pass, many of those resolutions fade into the background. Some stick, while others get lost in the shuffle of daily life.
The difference often comes down to what truly matters and how we define our commitments. It’s easy to set goals, but turning them into real change takes something deeper.
Instead of focusing on temporary resolutions, we talk about making meaningful promises. These are the ones that align with your values and priorities.
The Nature of Resolutions
Resolutions can be powerful, but only if they are rooted in self-awareness.
For some, the act of declaring a new goal brings clarity and motivation. For others, resolutions can feel like empty rituals that set us up for disappointment.
Understanding which approach works for you is key to lasting progress. Some people thrive on setting specific targets, while others do better with flexible intentions.
The important thing is to know yourself and choose the approach supporting your growth as an investor and as a person.
Danielle further visualizes this by saying, “That’s where I think having the knowledge of yourself and what you respond well to is super important. Because if you set yourself up to fail, like by creating a goal, a promise, etc, that just makes you feel bad. That's not useful, that does not serve you.”
The Role of Feelings in Resolutions
Feelings play a bigger role in our resolutions than we might think. It’s common to avoid setting goals out of fear of failure or disappointment.
However, experiencing setbacks is often where the real learning happens. Feeling bad after missing a target can actually push us to reflect, adjust, and come back stronger.
Embracing these emotions can be a catalyst for self-improvement. Rather than seeing negative feelings as a sign to give up, use them as fuel for growth. This mindset shift can turn obstacles into valuable lessons and help build resilience on your investing journey.
The Hero’s Journey and Financial Independence
The hero’s journey is a powerful way to understand the ups and downs of pursuing financial independence. This classic narrative helps explain why every investor’s path is filled with both challenges and growth.
The process is not always smooth, but each stage brings important lessons that shape your journey.
The Call to Adventure
Every journey begins with a decision to step out of your comfort zone. For investors, this means choosing to take control of your finances. It’s the moment you realize building wealth is possible and worth the effort.
Crossing the Threshold
Making your first investment is a leap into the unknown. This stage is about moving from intention to action. Even if you feel uncertain or nervous, taking the first step is necessary to begin the journey.
Facing Trials
Setbacks, doubts, and market volatility are part of the process. These challenges test your resolve and force you to confront your fears. Learning to navigate uncertainty is essential for becoming a resilient investor.
Transformation
With each challenge, you gain new skills and confidence. Learning from mistakes and refining your strategy helps you grow stronger and more knowledgeable. This transformation happens over time and sets successful investors apart.
The Return
Reaching financial independence is not just about personal gain. It’s also about sharing your knowledge and helping others on their own journeys. Giving back and using your experience to support others brings the journey full circle.
Knowing where you are on this path can help you stay focused. It also keeps you motivated, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.
Commitment and Vows
There’s a difference between making a casual promise and taking a true vow. A vow is a deeper commitment. It’s something you hold onto even when things get tough.
In investing, treating your goals as vows can help you stay focused through both challenges and successes. This approach is similar to the commitments we make in important relationships or major life decisions.
When you treat your financial goals as vows, you’re more likely to follow through, even when challenges arise.
Danielle even shares, “Maybe this is why I'm so drawn to the concept of a practice for investing, the desire is there, the desire is kind of done. So that can ebb and flow.”
Here are a few ways to strengthen your commitment:
Identify what truly matters to you.
Make your promises public or share them with a trusted partner.
Focus on consistency, not perfection.
Embrace setbacks as part of the process.
Revisit and renew your commitment regularly.
The Importance of Practice and Preparation
Success in investing, like any high-stakes pursuit, is built on steady practice and thorough preparation. The world of free solo climbing offers a powerful example.
Every move is practiced, and every risk is carefully weighed. This approach can transform how you build confidence and skill as an investor.
Alex Honnold’s Process: Repetition, Mental Rehearsal, and Real Confidence
Free solo climber Alex Honnold doesn’t leave anything to chance. He repeats every move and rehearses mentally before making a big climb.
Every scenario is considered in advance. This level of preparation creates real confidence, not just bravado.
For investors, the lesson is clear: practice your research, review your decisions, and don’t rush into investments you don’t fully understand.
Want to build your own investing foundation? Try Rule #1’s free online course covering the basics of Rule #1 investing. These lessons and tools are designed to help you gain real skills and confidence before you put your money on the line. Learning to invest is a powerful step toward financial independence.
Rule #1 Investing: Be Sure You’re Right Before You Go Ahead
Rule #1 investing is about knowing your process inside and out. It’s important to be absolutely sure before making a move.
This means understanding the business, the risks, and your own reasons for investing. Warren Buffett’s wisdom applies here: don’t risk your capital unless you’re certain about the opportunity.
If you’re ready to deepen your investing practice, consider joining Rule #1 Virtual Investing Workshop. Get hands-on experience, live coaching, and proven strategies to help you identify strong companies for your portfolio.
The Role of Business Quality in Investing
Not all businesses are created equal. The quality of a business is one of the most important factors in any investment decision. A strong business can weather storms and deliver steady returns over time. On the other hand, a weak business, even with great management, can struggle in the long run.
Here are some qualities to look for in a strong business:
Simple and understandable business model
Consistent and growing earnings
Strong competitive advantage
Honest and capable management
Financial health and low debt
Paying attention to these factors can help you avoid costly mistakes. Focusing on companies that are built to last is a key part of successful investing.
Investing as a Lifelong Journey
Investing isn’t about quick wins or chasing the latest trends. It is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. The most rewarding goals take time and persistence. It may be challenging to take this path, but each step brings you closer to lasting financial independence.
Staying curious and committed helps you keep moving forward, even when the journey feels uncertain. Building real confidence and resilience along the way is what sets successful investors apart.
Expert Advice & Powerful Quotes
“That’s where I think having the knowledge of yourself and what you respond well to is super important. Because if you set yourself up to fail, like by creating a goal, a promise, etc, that just makes you feel bad. That's not useful, that does not serve you.”
“You've got to be in this place where suddenly you doubt, you fear, you know you've made a mistake, you shouldn't be here. You're way over your head. If you don't know that, that's part of the journey, and you try to avoid that part of the journey, then maybe Campbell would say you're not going on the journey.”
“Maybe this is why I'm so drawn to the concept of a practice for investing is like, the desire is there, the desire is kind of done. So that can ebb and ebb and flow.”
“The main takeaway that I had just from watching it now I want to go watch it again, is how much he repeated the process. He did it in his head. He wrote every move down in his notebook, and then he did it in real life.”
Danielle Town – Attorney, Author & Investing Advocate
Danielle Town is a best-selling author, attorney, and passionate advocate for empowering new investors. She has a background in law and a deep curiosity about financial independence. Danielle is dedicated to demystifying investing for anyone seeking financial control. She co-authored Invested, sharing her journey learning value investing with her father, Phil Town. Danielle believes anyone can build confidence in investing by focusing on clarity, patience, and wisdom.
Through her writing, podcasting, and teaching, Danielle helps others cut through the noise of the market. She guides people in developing sound investing habits that last. Her approach encourages aligning money choices with personal values and long-term goals. Danielle shows that investing is a lifelong practice, built on steady learning and self-awareness. She inspires anyone to take the first step and make smart, values-driven decisions.
📌 Expertise: Value Investing · Financial Education · Personal Finance · Mindful Money Management
🔗 Connect: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X (Twitter)
Promises, Practice, and the Journey to Financial Independence
At the start of a new year, it’s easy to get swept up in resolutions and big goals. But lasting change comes from making real promises to yourself and understanding what truly matters. This episode explores the deeper mindset that forms the foundation of long-term investing success.
Listen to the Full Episode – In this InvestED Podcast episode, discover how resolutions, promises, and vows can shape your mindset as an investor. We show how real commitment, beyond surface goals, helps you grow through setbacks and emotions. A free solo climbing example reveals how preparation builds real investing confidence.
Reflect on Your Own Process – Consider how you approach your own financial goals. Are you setting targets that align with your values, or simply following the crowd? The episode encourages you to examine your expectations and learn from setbacks. It frames investing as a lifelong journey that requires patience and steady practice.
Explore More – Visit Rule #1 for more episodes and resources on building your investing discipline. Discover workshops, tools, and stories that support your journey to becoming a mindful and successful Rule #1 investor.
With steady commitment and a willingness to learn, investing becomes more than a numbers game. It’s a process of growth, resilience, and building habits that last. That’s the Rule #1 way to lasting financial success.
