VanMeveren Law Group - January 2021

VanMeveren Law Group - January 2021

Foundations 970

SOUTH 2038 Caribou Drive, Suite 101 Fort Collins, CO 80525

OLD TOWN 123 North College Ave., Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524

JANUARY 2021

What Are Your Goals for 2021? Undoubtedly, 2020 was a challenging year for all of us. We’ve all learned a lot and are hopefully stronger for enduring it. In the mix of it all, it’s hard to believe VanMeveren Law Group is heading full speed ahead into its 19th year.

We were well prepared for the work challenges 2020 presented and had one of the strongest years in the history of the firm. I credit my resilient and hardworking team of legal assistants and attorneys for our ongoing success, but I also believe having some realistic goals in place helped us get there. When I first opened my firm, we had mild success and I had a few general goals in place, but I wasn’t convinced that specific goals were needed in a topsy-turvy personal injury practice. Coincidentally, I had the same philosophy when I started competing in Ironman triathlons around the same time — I only set a few general goals and achieved limited success. At the time, it seemed to me that there were just too many variables in the legal world and in a 140.6-mile race to come up with specific goals. After years and years of self-study, about 10 years ago I finally realized that I needed to create specific targets for my firm and my triathlon races if I truly wanted to thrive. Beginning in 2010, I implemented specific short- and long-term goals into my law practice and triathlon competitions. Since then, I’ve held myself more accountable with specific written objectives that I review every day. The goals are simple, challenging, and yet realistic. I truly believe they have helped fuel the successes I’m currently experiencing as an attorney/business owner and a triathlete. According to a recent study, only 8% of Americans who make a NewYear’s resolution actually keep it for the entire year. Sadly, 80%who make a New Year’s resolution fail to keep it by the start of February. As we venture into 2021, maybe we should think about attainable goals rather than an onerous resolution. Set some specific, realistic, yet ambitious short- and long-term goals. For personal goals, avoid general statements like “lose weight” or “go to the gym.” Instead, think of a 30-day goal like losing 5 pounds or working out 30 minutes a day. For quarterly goals, think bigger, such as losing 20 pounds or logging 150 miles of walking/running. For those who count steps, that’s only about 3,300 steps a day!

On the professional side, before you begin, lay a solid foundation of core values that you can connect to your goals. (See Page 3 for VanMeveren Law Group’s Core Values; you might find a few ideas!) Once you’ve identified your core values, drill down with some specific, attainable actions. Break the goals down into daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual objectives. For example, the No. 1 core value in our office is client service and achieving 100% client satisfaction for every case. In 2019 we had about 25 five- star reviews on Google. Our goal was to surpass 100 five-star reviews by year’s end. We broke that down to a monthly goal of obtaining six five-star reviews, and a quarterly goal to obtain 20. As a firm that selectively chooses to handle about 100 serious injury cases per year, this was an ambitious goal. Although it took us 18 months to reach this milestone, achieving it gave our team a great sense of accomplishment.

Write down your goals for 2021 and keep track of your progress. Sharing your goals with family and friends will add a higher level of accountability. Partnering or teaming up with others is another great motivator. And always remember, whether you think you can't or you think you can, you’re right . Happy 2021! –Bryan VanMeveren

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Hunkering down and waiting for the dark and chilly winter season to pass sounds pretty nice. But the reality is that 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 home, take some work outdoors. Phone and virtual meetings are a great outdoor option, especially if you’ll 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. Let That Fresh Air Fuel You 4 TIPS TO MAKE GETTING OUTSIDE EASIER

‘Always on the Ball’ “I worked with Karl Hager after I got hit by a car while biking to work. From our very first meeting (taken with my arm still in a sling and my wrist still in a cast), he and the team at VanMeveren Law Group were nothing less than spectacular. He was attentive, answered every single question I could throw at him, and never stopped advocating forcefully on my behalf. My case was complicated and took more than a year to finally settle, but Karl was always on the ball, always cheerful, and constantly kept me well-informed about our progress. In the end, we settled my case for much more money than I had ever expected when I walked in. I felt well taken care of and would recommend Karl and the team at VanMeveren generally to anyone who asked. This was as painless and positive an experience as I could ever imagine in a legal case.” –Jared Brewer

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VLG’s Core Values Our Strongest Beliefs as a Law Firm Core values define who you are as a person or a business. Many businesses, including our own, develop a set of core values to tell the world what they believe in. At VanMeveren Law Group, we established five core values we feel best define who we are. Every member of our team holds these values dear. They are at the center of how we operate, from the work we do internally to the work we do with our many wonderful clients. As you set goals for 2021 or use the new year to hit the reset button after a tumultuous 2020, you may be looking to establish core values or bring new ones into the fold, either as an individual, a family, or a business. Core values help connect you to your goals. They act as a guide as you work toward the future. This month, we want to share our core values with you.

VanMeveren Law Group, P.C. Core Values

1. We honor the trust our clients have placed in us. Therefore, we always put the client’s best interests first and strive to achieve 100% client satisfaction. 2. We keep all of our clients informed. We keep them involved, communicating openly and honestly, every step of the way. 3. We are continually working toward the best solution for our clients. We create and deliver results. 4. We never compromise our integrity. We always do the right thing, even if there is a cost. 5. We keep improving. We work to learn new and more efficient ways to serve our clients and get the best outcome.

SUDOKU

Korean Beef Rice Bowls

This sweet and spicy rice bowl comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four.

Ingredients:

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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

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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 tsp light brown sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

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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

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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.

Inspired by SkinnyTaste.com

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2038 Caribou Drive, Suite 101 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-495-9741 www.VanMeverenLaw.com

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INSIDE This Issue

Are You Ready to Start the Year Fresh? Page 1

Give Yourself the Boost of Getting Outside

Our Clients Say It Best Page 2

Core Values Define Who You Are

Korean Beef Rice Bowls Page 3

2 January Events Around Fort Collins Page 4

Start the New Year Refreshed in Fort Collins

Northern Colorado Spring Home Show Friday, Jan. 22–Sunday, Jan. 24 The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland

Thinking about remodeling your home? The Northern Colorado Home Show is a good place to stop if you’re looking for a few new ideas or some inspiration. It’s also great if you’re just looking for everyday ideas to spruce things up going into the new year. Several local and national home goods vendors are on-site to answer questions as you explore the latest trends in home design, automation, and much more. Learn more about this free event at NorthColoradoHomeShow.com .

Polar Bear Run and Plunge Saturday, Jan. 23 Horsetooth Reservoir

There’s nothing more refreshing than plunging into freezing cold water on an icy January day. The Polar Bear Run and Plunge is back. It’s your chance to dive into the chilly waters of the Horsetooth Reservoir, run a 5K, or both! Like in years past, participants can expect hot chocolate and beer following the plunge and run. It’s likely there will be restrictions in place due to COVID-19, so be sure to check the website regularly for updates. You can also register at FrontRangeFreeze.com/polarbear .

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