As we step into 2025, it’s time to rethink how we approach financial success. Many people set goals for the new year—saving more money, investing wisely, or building financial independence. But goals, by themselves, often fall short.
A goal is simply an intention—something you want to do. And while setting goals feels good in the moment, they often get derailed by distractions, procrastination, and setbacks. A promise, on the other hand, is a commitment. It’s stronger than a goal because it comes with an expectation of follow-through.
For example, you wouldn’t propose to your partner by saying, “My goal is to stay faithful to you for the rest of my life.”That wouldn’t inspire confidence. Instead, you promise to be faithful, because a promise carries weight—it’s an obligation to yourself and others.
Financial independence works the same way. You don’t just set a goal to become financially free; you promise yourself that you’ll make it happen. A promise is unshakable. It’s what drives you to take action even when life gets in the way.
If financial freedom is truly important to you, it’s time to stop setting goals and start making promises. And like any meaningful promise, it should be specific, measurable, and backed by action.
The Power of Commitment: Lessons from Dr. Jonas Salk
When I was just starting out as an investor, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Dr. Jonas Salk, the man who developed the first successful polio vaccine. His son, Peter, invited me to the Salk Institute, where I learned a lesson that changed my life.
Dr. Salk told me that if he had simply hoped to cure polio, he never would have succeeded. He didn’t just set a goal—he made an unbreakable promise to himself and the world that he would eradicate the disease. That level of commitment saw him through every setback and challenge.
Inspired by his words, I made my own financial promise. I committed, in writing, to achieving financial independence. Five years later, I had $1.45 million in liquid assets—starting from almost nothing. That wasn’t magic. It wasn’t luck. It was the result of making a serious, unwavering commitment to my financial future.
Now, it’s your turn.
Your First Financial Promise of 2025: Commit to Financial Independence
The first promise you should make to yourself this year is to achieve financial independence. But a vague promise like “I want to be financially free” isn’t enough. Your promise needs to be specific:
Set a clear financial target – $2 million in five years, or whatever number makes sense for you.
Put it in writing – A signed promise carries more weight than a passing thought.
Keep it visible – Place it somewhere you’ll see it daily.
To turn that big promise into reality, you’ll need to break it down into smaller, actionable promises. Each step you take should move you closer to your ultimate goal.
Your Next Promise: Find a Financial Mentor
No matter how motivated you are, financial success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You need guidance. But here’s the good news—a mentor doesn’t have to be someone you know personally. Some of the best financial mentors in the world have already left their wisdom behind in books, interviews, and biographies.
Start by identifying an industry or investment strategy that interests you. Then, find someone who has mastered it. If you love technology, read about Steve Jobs. If you’re fascinated by retail, study Sam Walton. If investing is your focus, dive into Warren Buffett’s letters to shareholders.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that great mentors don’t just teach you what to do—they change the way you think. They help you see opportunities you would have otherwise missed.
Another Small Promise: Master Your Cash Flow
Before you can build wealth, you need to take control of your cash flow. That means tracking where your money goes each month, cutting unnecessary expenses, and ensuring you’re saving and investing a portion of your income.
A simple promise you can make right now is to automate your savings. Set up an automatic transfer to your investment account every time you get paid. Even if you start with just $100 a month, the habit of consistent investing will put you ahead of 90% of people.
The Pillars of Personal Finance
Learn Strategies for Debt Reduction, Insurance, Budget Management, and Investing!
Promise to Invest Like a Pro
Most people leave their financial future in the hands of mutual funds, advisors, or “set-it-and-forget-it” retirement accounts. If you want to achieve true financial independence, you need to take control of your investments.
This doesn’t mean taking wild risks—it means learning how to invest wisely in businesses you understand. Promise yourself that in 2025, you will:
Learn the basics of value investing (The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham or Rule #1 by Phil Town are great places to start).
Analyze individual stocks rather than blindly investing in index funds.
Invest only in businesses with strong financials and a competitive advantage.
How to Keep Your Promises and Stay on Track
The hardest part of making a promise is keeping it. Life gets in the way. You get busy. Challenges pop up. That’s why you need a system to hold yourself accountable.
1. Make It Visible
Write your financial promise on a card and keep it where you’ll see it every day—on your desk, bathroom mirror, or phone wallpaper. Constant reminders reinforce commitment.
2. Set Specific Milestones
Break down your five-year goal into smaller, measurable steps. If your goal is $2 million, how much do you need to earn and invest each year? Each month? Keeping track of progress helps maintain momentum.
3. Surround Yourself with the Right People
If your social circle doesn’t value financial success, it’s going to be harder to stay motivated. Join investment groups, attend financial workshops, or connect with like-minded people online.
4. Reward Yourself for Progress
Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated. If you hit your savings target for the quarter, treat yourself to a nice dinner or a weekend getaway—just don’t go overboard.
Final Thoughts: Start 2025 with Two Promises
Make the big promise: Commit to achieving financial independence within a set timeframe.
Make the small promise: Pick a financial mentor, track your cash flow, or start learning to invest.
Big success comes from small, consistent actions. Every step you take toward financial independence—no matter how small—builds momentum.
This year, don’t just set goals. Make promises. Keep them. And watch how they transform your financial future.
