ACTION ITEM: A goal of many people is to “make more money.” The next question that comes to mind is, how? If you’re like 95% of people who work for someone else, you have to earn it. The surest way NOT to get paid is to go begging for it. My philosophy on this topic has always been very simple. Earn, then ask. The ask becomes 10X easier when backed up by outstanding performance.
It was bound to happen. A simple oversight in the date and the day was missed. I apologize to those who are getting this a few hours late. Today will be a double post.
ACTION ITEM: Financial health is extremely important and often overlooked. I believe a person has to make commitment to themselves and their future by paying themselves first. A really good starting point for this is 15% of your income. Not a mortgage, not a car payment, not credit card bills, YOU. Your monthly budget starts after you get paid first. No excuses.
ACTION ITEM: I don’t know how many times the answer to this question would be “No.” But that’s the beauty of this 31 day process and this tribe. We work to get a little bit better every day. The late Jim Valvano said it best in his famous ESPY speech, “If you laugh, you think and you cry, that’s a full day!”
ACTION ITEM: Wisdom tells us not to read a book by its cover. Yet, our mind reaches to make snap judgments in everything and every one we see. As the author of this blog, I’m #1 in line for those who struggle with this.
ACTION ITEM: It’s very easy to get off track and live the life others make for us. It is also empty and exhausting. It’s time to start living the life you want. Write it down. My wife and I ask the question about once a year, “what do we REALLY want?” What do we want: to do, to experience, to be remembered by. Answer this question and follow your path relentlessly. If you’re not creating the life you want, the time to make changes is now.
ACTION ITEM: Happy St. Patrick’s Day Lads! There is a podcast I follow by John Lee Dumas. He frequently uses the acronym F.O.C.U.S. during his podcast. Follow, One, Course, Until, Success. We achieve what we focus on. If you’re missing a goal, write it down and put it somewhere you MUST look at it every day. Focus will take over from there.
ACTION ITEM: I never thought I’d write this post. EVER. However, after taking up meditation I can tell you I’m a more relaxed, happier, alert, creative, witty, person. This fall I read Dan Harris’ book 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story
ACTION ITEM: If you can’t answer this one quickly, you’ve got some work to do. I know I do.
It’s extremely easy to become selfish in the world we live in. Me, Me, Me!! But I’m going to challenge you. Think about the last time you did something truly wonderful for someone else. How did that make YOU feel?
ACTION ITEM: “The only difference between where you are today, and where you’ll be a year from today, are the books you read and the people you meet” – Charles “Tremendous” Jones. I made it a point to get a little out of my comfort zone and read some books potentially contrary to what I believe this year. Reading more of the same will only get me where I’m at.
ACTION ITEM: I had a breakthrough moment in 2014. What was it? Stop doing shit you hate! Instead, focus all your efforts and energy on what you’re great at and experience much bigger returns. It may be only 2-3 things. Do them and do them exceptionally well. If you don’t believe me, here is a snapshot from my journal.
Snippet from Journal – What am I great at?
