October and Looking Forward
(10/7/2012)
My last column was on my birthday, August 12th. Since then I have worked to plan and accomplish several goals for the upcoming year. Most important among them was taking the LSAT. I feel too many people waste away time with meaningless “filler”, like watching the Sunday afternoon football games or episodes of Honey Boo Boo at night. Whereas, capturing and controlling time allows accomplishments.
As much as I think I manage to do a lot, continually working on professional development and spending time with my family I am often blown away by others. For instance, James Altucher continues to write and create new ideas. This column from last week shows a lot of insight into how he does so much. More important, he starts his day early – 4:30a and begins doing more before most people wake up.
Studying for the LSAT I did the same. Over the last seven weeks I ran my life like a training exercise. I awoke early most days, between 4:30a and 6:00a. I blocked 2-3 hours each day to study. Thus, I was able to find 40-60 hours to spend studying. In the evenings I studied, on weekends I studied. This is why I do not know who Romo is or can’t tell you scores of NFL games on Monday mornings. Five years from now what will matter more, today’s meaningless contest between multi-millionaires or working hard to advance my career?
I have made a decision to continue the challenge and find a true way to accomplish more. So many books exist, many people try hard but most methods fail. I think I am onto something. First, I am a believer in Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. If you never read it, order it now. Second, passion is the driver for everything. Finally, I have discovered pre-planning and accountability drive an emotion that forces me to accomplish goals. Failure to meet my plans drives guilt and that keeps me on task. Others may describe it as character. My son learned at Cub Scouts that character is what you do when no one is looking. Maybe goals and desires are the same.
My action plan is setup like this:
– I took my August 12 list and planned out the entire year. Making reasonable plans to accomplish different goals.
– Every 6-7 weeks I will revisit the list and “blitz” the next major desires.
– Some goals will take the entire year, so they require ongoing attention.
– A year from now I can look back and evaluate.
With that in mind, here are my goals from the original column, “A birthday reflection.”
– Work on being a good dad and husband
I am managing this throughout the year by special messages to my kids (setup on my Outlook calendar) and scheduled date nights with my wife (on my calendar). Most important, I am trying to make sure I am not an asshole.
– Supporting LeeAnn with the CPA exam.
This one is easy. I continue to clear time on my calendar to put her first. Today, for instance, she is off studying for her first exam on October 12 and then will start another class for an exam on November 3rd.
– “Born in ‘67’” – this is an ongoing item and my first task is to start writing weekly. Thus, I have setup my calendar for Saturday’s and Wednesday’s to start writing a page between now and December 1. Thereafter I will write everyday 500 words by getting up each morning. Over 100 days, I will essentially have completed 100 pages.
– “If I can remain fit and healthy” – yeah, just need to get back to the gym on this one. Starting tomorrow…
– “Learn a few Spanish phrases” – moving this one to the next phase, starting in December. We went to Costa Rica and the desire is there.
– “Happy Birthday” on my guitar – Ty and James’ birthdays are just around the corner. November 30th so this is the new blitz
So, the short version for the next 7 weeks is:
– Learn to play “Happy Birthday” on my guitar
– Start working out on a regular schedule again
– I have four books to read: The 3rd Hunger Games, Good to Great, a marketing book, and something personal
– My RV needs repair – the roof and suspension
– I have a longer term project that has some milestones to accomplish in the next 3-4 weeks and know with 100% I will complete those. However, important to list because of the time commitments.
– If I can write 15 pages for my book between now and December I will be satisfied too.
– And finally I have something I promised to take care of for LeeAnn
Sound like a lot? I don’t think so. Add work, travel, seeing kids twice, a lot of t-ball games and practices and it becomes more challenging. But, one thing is certain; I won’t waste my time with football…
In other words, don’t succumb to Bread and Circuses.
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