Fresh Starts and New Years!

If the yearly calendar was a race, the next few weeks would be a combination stretch-run obstacle course. Huge amounts of holiday joy and emotion, mixed in with the accompanying family pressures, multi-tasking, and shopping deadlines. Then, just six days later, New Years Eve arrives, with an almost mandatory demand to Celebrate! (Along with the not-too-subtle encouragement to list up a set of ‘Resolutions’, listing how you can be a better you…and guaranteeing a guilt-trip if (or more likely when) you slip up on those personal challenges.) Is it really that surprising that the next major date on the calendar is Groundhog Day?

Both New Years Eve and Groundhog Day are hoping for a change of fortune, respectively signalled by a metallic ball dropping in the middle of New York…and a rodent in Pennsylvania searching for his own shadow. At least New Years’ resolutions give us a minimum of control over our own fortunes. But can they actually work?

The answer is Yes…potentially.

Researchers have defined a ‘Fresh Start Effect’. People are basically more successful at addressing their goals if they do it at a clearly defined landmark in time, say the beginning of the month, or the week. Or especially the year.

Why?

Well, for the people who need a new start, it’s a chance to put a border between the past and the present. It’s a divorce from the past failures and misfortunes, a chance to wipe them from the proverbial books. And, as obvious as it sounds, the crucial distinction researchers made was, not everybody needs a ‘Fresh Start’. If you’re already succeeding, you’d be quite happy with the slate being left exactly as it is, and not wiped clean.

Unfortunately, too many people do need a new beginning.

One example the researchers cited was a slumping baseball player. When they get traded, someone will inevitably say that ‘a fresh start was needed. And the statistics back that up: if the player joining a new club was hitting below the league average, his numbers would go up by almost four points. And a trade is literally like getting a clean slate: the player’s average is reset to .000 as soon as he gets the chance to pull on that new uniform.

The key question is, who needs a fresh start?

As mentioned, the other striking statistic was that players who were traded while playing well actually saw their averages go down by five points after changing teams. Perhaps the reason that sports provide such strong metaphors is because there has to be an understanding of fairness in any game. Not everyone is going to succeed every single time they try - probably why any hitter gets three strikes, and not one. Any casual golfer appreciates the phrase ‘getting a mulligan,’ meaning they get to re-do their worst shot once in a game, so they’re not wrecked by a single bad occurrence. Imagine feeling like you’d never have a chance to live a successful life, all because of one previous misstep. Or just having a rough start, or something entirely out of your control happening early in your life.

The most important difference between sports and life is, we don’t need someone else to lose for us to win. If you’d like to help somebody get their fresh start there are thousands of ways to make that happen. Just like there are thousands of ways to define winning. For over twenty years, Link Charity has been helping people find the best way to give to help others. Why not make generosity part of your own resolution? Contact us today; sometimes, all someone needs is: HOPE to win.

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Unveiling the Benefits of Being a Link Charity Canada Member

By Rob Ennema • 03 May, 2024

If you're considering becoming a part of Link Charity Canada , you're in for an array of exclusive advantages that can elevate your philanthropic journey. Let's delve into the wealth of benefits awaiting you as a distinguished member: 1. Expert Guidance and Support Access dedicated expert advice on planned giving and estate planning for you, your donors, and your staff. Benefit from low to no-cost marketing tools to effortlessly promote planned giving within your organization. 2. Empowerment Through Participation Secure a voice in decisions and plans for Link Charity through a representative vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with potential Board membership opportunities. 3. Financial Returns Enjoy higher than average returns on investments for your donors, ensuring a rewarding giving experience. 4. Reimbursement Plan Explore the referral reimbursement plan that could potentially cover your entire annual dues, making your membership even more financially appealing. 5. Comprehensive Services Benefit from a spectrum of services including quality marketing resources to simplify gift planning promotion. Attend enlightening seminars and workshops for donors focusing on gift planning and estate needs. Engage in face-to-face meetings offering personalized and confidential answers to gift planning concerns. Train select staff and volunteers in essential areas of gift planning, enhancing organizational expertise. Experience expanded networking opportunities through coordinated events and promotions of gift planning initiatives. 6. Innovative Donation Solutions Easily donate stocks and mutual funds through Link Charity, saving significantly on brokerage fees. Opt for Gift Annuities to support multiple charities under one annuity, streamlining your giving process. Leverage Link Charity's estate planning expertise to potentially save on fees and taxes. 7. Tailored Giving Enjoy the freedom to be anonymous and selective in your causes under Link Charity's guidance. Establish a Family Foundation through the Donor Advised Funds program without the complexities of creating your own. Save substantial amounts on taxes by strategizing your estate gift plan with Link Charity's consultants. 8. Confidentiality Assurance Rest assured that all interactions and work done with Link Charity are handled with the utmost confidentiality, prioritizing your privacy and trust. By embarking on this membership journey with Link Charity Canada, you not only gain access to a treasure trove of benefits but also contribute meaningfully to impactful charitable endeavors. Join hands with Link Charity today and unlock a world of giving possibilities! For more information and to explore membership opportunities, contact us today!

Food For Thought

By Erin M • 20 Jun, 2023

Since 1998, Link Charity Canada has provided the service, tools, education, and guidance that individuals and charities need when it comes to gift giving. We work with many great charities that are in the business of not only helping Canadians, but people all over the world. Check out Link Charity’s members list to learn more.