An end of year message from John Leeming, CFP®, President and CCO:
This year, my “end of year” note has a twist: I spent more time in the gym in2025 than I have in years, working to get stronger and build real muscle. Along the way, I couldn’t help but see how much it parallels what we do in wealth management.
Most of us already know the boring reality of staying healthy: you eat well, you move, you challenge yourself. That’s the gist, and yet too many skip the foundational work in favor of quick fixes. In wellness, that quick fix might be popular pills and injections or flashy treatments. In investing, it might be chasing the newest “hot” stock or fad. But real, lasting gains, whether in strength or in your financial future, often come from slow consistent work.
Here’s why the comparison resonates so deeply with me:
A $2 Trillion Reminder
The U.S. wellness industry is massive, valued at $2 trillion* by the Global Wellness Institute. That number isn’t just big, it’s growing and shows how much people are willing to invest in their long-term health. While the U.S. investment industry is valued much higher, but the underlying principle is the same: sustained effort and patience pay off.
In both arenas, there are fads. There are “miracle” supplements or cocktails of trendy investments. But the foundations that actually move the needle such as good nutrition and disciplined workouts for health and long-term planning and prudent investing for wealth are often the most boring, but they typically deliver the biggest impact.
The Power of Consistency
Just like lifting weights regularly over months, investing wisely over years is rarely glamorous. There are no overnight transformations. It’s about sticking with what works, resisting irrational hype, and trusting in the process. When you skip the daily grind in wellness, you don’t just miss out on results, you risk injury. In investing, skipping due diligence and chasing trends can lead to real losses.
Lessons from the Gym for Your Wealth Strategy
- Progress isn’t linear. Some days are hard, others feel great. But over time, the gains compound.
- Form matters more than ego. In lifting, bad form causes injury. In investing, poor discipline causes regret.
- Recovery is part of the plan. Just like rest days help your muscles rebuild, rebalancing and revisiting goals can help your portfolio grow stronger.
The Takeaway
If you ask me, getting and staying healthy and wealthy isn’t about chasing the newest quick fix. It’s about doing the work that matters consistently and patiently. The same way I built muscle this year is the same way we can help you pursue your long-game financial goals: through discipline, long-term thinking, and strategy.
So, as you think about your wellness and/or financial goals for the year ahead remember: the long game usually wins. If you’d like to talk more about how these ideas translate into your financial plan or just what’s working for you this year, connect with your JL Bainbridge team.
Disclosure
Any views and opinions expressed in this article are those of JL Bainbridge and are subject to change and reflect our judgment as of the publication date. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or medical advice. Financial reviews are likewise intended for informational/educational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Investment advice is only available to those who become a client through written agreement.
*JL Bainbridge is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training. JL Bainbridge is not a broker-dealer and does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for assistance regarding your individual situation. For more information about our firm and our investment adviser representatives, please review our Disclosure Brochure (ADV Part 2A), Privacy Notice, and Relationship Summary (Form CRS) at jlbainbridge.com or reference the SEC website for more information on the firm and its advisers at: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/108058.
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Market conditions and events can cause stock prices to fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably. Past performance is not indicative of future results. BLG25
