Hamilton Insurance Group - Q1 2021

Hamilton Insurance Group - Q1 2021

THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health

770-744-1855

CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO BE BETTER Why I Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions

I’ve never

better, I’ll generate more value for my business, I’ll provide more for my family, and I’ll create better value for my clients. It doesn’t matter what the goal is, or what area of my life it directly impacts, even if I’m just striving to change my attitude or outlook — those are always the outcomes, and for that reason, everything in my life is about “getting better.” This past year, I made it a goal to change my contract with United Healthcare, with whom I can thank for getting me started in the Medicare business. There were certain things I couldn’t do with my old contract with United Healthcare, but I had the benefit of corporate dollars covering some of my business expenses. I wasn’t sure how changing that contract would affect my business, especially during the annual election period (AEP) that runs from October to the end of the year. I also wasn’t sure how the pandemic would affect my business either since I’m usually a proponent of face-to-face interactions. Despite my uncertainty, however, achieving that goal led to one of the most successful AEPs I’ve ever had. Everyone was willing to meet halfway, considering the circumstances. We all adjusted to the new normal, which meant fewer face-to-face interactions but also far fewer transportation costs and more availability (since I didn’t have to account for drive time

really considered Jan. 1 to be the official start of the new year. A new year doesn’t start in the middle of winter. The beginning of spring is when the Earth says it’s a new year. That said, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anyway. I consider myself a pretty introspective person, someone who takes a lot of time to reflect on where I am in life and where I want to go. That personality trait usually manifests itself in the form of dozens (if not hundreds) of sticky notes all over my office. Each note has some sort of idea scribbled on it, having to do with personal finance goals, marketing strategies for my business, ways I can spend more time with my family, and more. I’m always evaluating those goals, sometimes on a weekly, monthly, or even a yearly basis. So, Jan. 1 isn’t a day to start planning for a new year — it’s a day to start implementing everything I’ve planned. The tricky part comes before that, when I have to narrow down all my ideas and goals and figure out which ones I’m actually going to pursue. Whatever goals I choose, though, I know what the outcomes will be before I even start: I’ll get

between appointments). In the end, any costs I took on by cutting ties with United Healthcare didn’t matter. It all kind of felt like when you think you can only lift a certain amount of weight at the gym, but then you find out your max is much higher than you initially thought. Life hasn’t been easy for anyone this past year, but that doesn’t have to stop us from improving ourselves and our lives. As Tony Robbins wrote in his book “Money Master the Game,” we shouldn’t just say, “Man, I wish life was easier” — we should say, “Man,

I wish I was better” — and then find out what we need to do to make that happen. Happy New Year, everyone!

–Duane Hamilton 1 770-744-1855

Out With the New, In With the Old!

January is National Hobby Month — and for good reason! As people set goals for 2021, they’re also thinking about trying new hobbies. But with so many out there, picking just one can be a hobby in itself. Thanks in part to COVID-19, many people have rediscovered old-school hobbies. Some of these have been around for decades or even longer, and others have established communities that can rely on one another for support, sharing information, and more. Here are four great examples. Making Bread Over the last year, interest in this ancient hobby has skyrocketed. Homemade bread is tastier and more nutritious than store-bought, and it’s so satisfying to watch it come together. Not to mention it’s a great skill to have! With so many types of bread to

Phil has an ‘inner circle.’ If you’ve ever seen the Groundhog Day shenanigans, you’ve probably noticed a few strange men in old-timey suits and top hats handling Phil and relaying his predictions to onlookers. These men are not random — they are his “inner circle,” and they are responsible for caring for Punxsutawney Phil and arranging the Groundhog Day events. Phil is over 130 years old (and effectively immortal). The first Groundhog Day celebration happened in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in 1886. Phil’s inner circle claims that there has only ever been one groundhog that predicts card communities lit up with activity from all over the world. Restoring Cars Car restoration is a hobby that lets you get your hands dirty, and it’s one that you can do with your kids or grandkids. It can be not only educational for them but also fun! Together, you can track down parts, talk to folks who are also try, you’re not going to run out of ideas any time soon. Collecting Cards No matter what people were into during the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, there was a trading card game for it. And even going into 2021, that tradition has been kept alive. When many people were stuck at home last year, they rediscovered their card collections and remembered how much fun they were. As a result, card sales went through the roof, and online

the weather — and that’s Phil. Even though a groundhog’s lifespan is just a few years, the inner circle claims that they sustain him with something called “Groundhog Punch,” or the “elixir of life,” every year. Phil and the inner circle president have a secret language. Known as “groundhogese,” the inner circle president claims that he can communicate with Phil to hear the groundhog’s predictions for the weather in this language. No other members of the inner circle can understand Phil — just the president. Just how much people buy into this lore and how much of it is just for fun is unknown. Still, these fun “facts” about the holiday do make the traditions that grew out of them a little more interesting. interested in restoration, and learn about the history of your car. Though car restoration can be a bit costly and time consuming, it’s certainly a journey worth taking. Embroidering Embroidery has taken off because it’s both inexpensive and fairly easy to get into. Plus, many people have fallen in love with its meditative quality. One of the great things about embroidery is that you can use it to make amazing personalized gifts, like pillows, wall hangings, and kitchen towels!

The Strange Lore of Groundhog Day

While not a major holiday by any means, Groundhog Day certainly garners its fair share of media attention. Divorced from the fact that Groundhog Day has been an established tradition for well over a century and, therefore, feels normal to everyone alive today, you have to admit that it’s incredibly weird. A small rodent predicting the weather for the next few months? Come on. Nevertheless, out of curiosity, people continue to tune in to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. What you and anyone else who tunes in on Feb. 2 might not know, however, is that the legend of Groundhog Day burrows a lot deeper than you might think. Below are some of the Groundhog Day “facts” about Punxsutawney Phil and his predictions.

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Even though COVID-19 vaccines have started appearing at distribution centers across the country, and hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people have already been vaccinated, it’s understandable if you’re still a little hesitant to put yourself back in public places as the weather heats up. That said, though, there’s no better way to socially distance outside than on some of the Atlanta area’s best hiking trails. While there are plenty more than just the three listed here, exploring these trails should be enough to get you started. Arabia Mountain Top Trail Even though it’s just 30 minutes outside Atlanta, this trail system might as well be on another planet. The trail dips in and out of forested areas and then around a series of sunbaked granite surfaces dotted with small pools; the pools grow a kind of rare native plant called diamorpha. For hikers looking for more than just your standard treeline trails, this might be the hike for you. (S ome of ) the B est H iking

In the Atlanta Area

Sweetwater Creek State Park While you’re probably familiar with this trail system, given that it’s

minutes away from the city, you might not know about the Yellow Trail, which leads you away from more well-trodden paths along the east side of the creek. You’ll ascend a ridge covered by a thick canopy of oak and pine, and you might even pass an ancient cave, with fire pits and smoke stains that indicate Native Americans once inhabited it. Kennesaw Mountain Trails If you want a trail that’s going to give you the best views of the Atlanta skyline, you can’t do much better than the Kennesaw Mountain Trails. Even though the initial ascent can be a little challenging for some, the remainder of the hike rolls with the terrain much more pleasantly. For any Civil War history buffs, a series of placards and artifacts provide information about Civil War events that took place in the area. When it comes to getting some fresh air and getting out in nature, there’s a little something for everyone in the Atlanta area. Hope to see you out on the trails!

K orean B eef R ice B owls

Inspired by SkinnyTaste.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce • 2 tsp light brown sugar • 1 tsp sesame oil • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes • 1 lb lean ground beef • 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp gochujang sauce, or more if desired • 3 cups cooked brown rice • 1 small cucumber, sliced • 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for topping • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, 2 tbsp water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. 2. Spray a deep, nonstick skillet with cooking oil and place over high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. 3. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the meat and cook for 1 minute. 4. Pour sauce over the beef, then cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. 5. Divide rice evenly into four serving bowls. Top each with scant 2/3 cup beef, cucumber slices, sesame seeds, scallions, and gochujang, to taste.

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Why I Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions These Old-School Hobbies Are Making a Huge Comeback The Strange Lore of Groundhog Day Late Winter and Early Spring Hikes Near Atlanta Korean Beef Rice Bowls Give Yourself the Boost of Getting Outside

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LET THAT FRESH AIR FUEL YOU

Hunkering down and waiting for the dark and chilly winter season to pass sounds pretty nice. But the reality is, if we deprive ourselves of time outside, we do ourselves a big disservice both mentally and physically. Staying indoors all day affects your energy and mood, which makes it hard to get anything done, so here are four easy tips to make it easier to get a little fresh air. 1. Make it a priority. Getting outside means making the conscious effort to do so. If you want to reap its benefits, you have to decide to make it a priority in your day-to- day schedule. If you make the act important to you, you have more motivation to actually do it. 2. Use mornings effectively. Waking up and getting the day started can be hard. But studies have shown that natural light helps decrease your melatonin production, which means you feel ready to face the day sooner. So, set yourself a second alarm to head outside and take a quick walk around the block just after waking. Don’t even wash your face or grab coffee. Just get out there. 3. Take your work outside. If you’re working from

just be an active listener and aren’t required to do any work simultaneously. Attach a note to your meeting reminders to get yourself set up outside five minutes before you start. 4. Create a schedule. It might feel strange to set reminders throughout the day to step outside, but you easily get wrapped up in activities and overlook breaks, and these reminders are exactly what you need. Start with 10-minute blocks three times a day. If you stick to them, soon you won’t need a schedule to get outside anymore. Winter weather may be cold, but even when you’re bundled up under a jacket and scarf, just 5–10 minutes outside can do wonders for your mood and energy for hours.

home, take some work outdoors. Phone and virtual meetings are a great outdoor option, especially if you’ll

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