Most people make resolutions and set goals on one major day in their lives … the most popular of course is New Years’ Eve.
What struck me last week talking to a dear friend was how most people give up on their goals because they don’t appreciate or credit themselves during the process.
Measure Your Progress
I continuously track my progress to success and that means I am fully aware of what is working and what I need to improve. All goals are set for the future obviously with allowable TIME to complete … it may be 3 months or 3 years from now, makes sense right?
I’ve learned throughout my life after setting goals and missing many of them, it can mess you up for future motivation of achieving if you let it. What happens is when people don’t accomplish a goal, they fall back into what is convenient, what ‘works’ for them.
In other words, they go back to comfortable and mediocre. Sadly, these people will never attain wealth in all areas of their lives because they wait until the following year to ‘try’ again, it’s an endless cycle – do you know anyone like that?
But let’s take a step back and see what happens if just one week later after setting your huge ‘resolution’ you look back to see how what you actually did to move toward your goal?
Think about it, you now have SEVEN DAYS of data to process – that’s an awesome personal survey!!
Let’s say you wanted to begin an investment plan and you promised to put away $25/week into a compounding interest account or something. The following week, look back at the last seven days to see how you did to move forward.
Did you limit to only ONE Starbucks instead of two or did you say “I’ll start tomorrow”? Your decision yesterday affects today (and that is also true if you DID NOTHING which is worse) – learn to identify , measure and either correct it today or celebrate your achievement.
Too many people THINK they must wait for the end result which could be years away to ‘celebrate’ and most of the time that is not a fun process. I’m not going to lie, there is ‘PAIN’ in achieving a goal because you MUST be different from everyone else and you MUST do something you normally would not. You may have to give up an extra coffee a day or eat out less, whatever. Stop choosing to be mediocre –
Will Seven Days Change Your Life?
In my opinion, yes, because once you are consciously aware of what you have or have NOT done in those seven days, you will have changed your life – albeit you may not have your yacht, but you are on your way to it because you can make better decisions TODAY. It’s really just the way you look at things, and this my friend… is the power of the Mind Set.
Every day I look back and identify what I did well, and what I need to work on. I’m ALSO very GRATEFUL for what I have – and that is probably the MOST IMPORTANT to realize. It’s a simple measurement and I’ll tell you this, six months ago I would NEVER have imagined where I am today … and that is NOT because I didn’t dream it, it’s because I chose ONE goal and did something every day to move toward it and everything else fell into place!
Joey , those that have the pleasure to know you have witnessed your progression as you take that step every day! It has been a priviledge to be so close to it all and let me remind you how contagious your results become for those that are trying to find that one step and even those that are actually doing action steps on the journey to our goals. Keep moving becasue the draft that you are creating is pulling us along , changing mind sets to start and expanding others to continue. You are an inspiration !
Joey, I agree with Diane. It has truly been a pleasure not only to watch you, but to share in the similar dreams and accomplishments. Not putting limits on ourselves and watching how our passion, drive, courage (and fears) have set us apart from our "old selves".
It is a pleasure that we're not just "realtor/client" but truly, very good friends and wanting the best for each other. In many ways we have been there for each other and so nice to be able to "vent" and get each other back on track, even when we've had that little self doubt creep in. Very true, celebrate each and every success and we should be allowed to give ourselves weekly goals to get us to the bigger one 🙂
@Joey, interesting read, and it is always easy to fall behind on your monitoring.
What do you use to monitor your progress? Just basic Excel, or do you utilize a specialized program?
Thanks!
Matthew http://www.buzzbuzzhome.com
Hey there Matthew!! Its not an official monitor for monetary reasons, its a “check-in” if you will with myself. So many people think “I should” so often that ten years later they haven't done a thing.So my should, becomes a measure for me and then I look back to see how I did. “I should buy 2 more properties by Fall” – when I look back in October, I can see what I did to achieve that – if its not done and I constantly say that, then I am in the same trap as most Canadians…does that make sense?Joe Ragona Trusted Real Estate Investment SpecialistSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device – Please excuse any errors
Hi Diane, I’m humbled with all your kinds words and support throughout all of this – it is people like you who make the journey even easier! I am very glad to have you ‘in the draft’ 🙂 As always, thank you.