Speculation/Expectation Tends to Be About Next Week -
Push It Forward Six Months!
KNOW WHAT?
Annual planning routines are important and I hope you did one for this year. If you did, it is time to refresh it in the present moment. How do your outcomes at this half way point in 2024 align with your expected ones last January? You should be failing at some and enjoying some benefits of succeeding in others. It's normal, and it's healthy to see why some have turned out well and others did not.
Further, without a thoughtful parsing of your habits you can't separate those that are helping and those that are not. So...now is the time to arrange for the constructive ones to take over. Throw some others in the trash bin. Why let discomfort with expectations and outcomes continue for another six months?
If I were a kid again, it would be like having a rock in my shoe. Stop and get rid of it.
SO WHAT?
We are told often that we need a dream, that we need to tap into our purpose to achieve the dream, and we need various resources to build it in a practical sense. This IS true, but it is not complete.
Currently, the major football organizations are setting themselves up to succeed in the coming season. One of those, Alabama, has a new coach who is trying to build on what his predecessor, Nick Saban, called "The Process". The systems set up by Saban and the refined execution of those systems produced some remarkable outcomes.
To those of you who follow the writings of James Clear, this "basket" of desirable outcomes is expected and welcomed as a natural consequence. I don't know if Nick Saban ever read Atomic Habits, which is James Clear's best seller. He likely just did what worked, analyzed it, and then repeated it while adding refinements each season.
Built like the empire that Rome was, one brick at a time.
NOW WHAT?
It's hard to gain Wisdom fast. Yet, the world is changing faster than ever.
Thus, the title of this little essay...What's next? Also, my urging to move your thinking and your habits forward six months.... if you can. The famous quote of hockey player Wayne Gretsky is everyone's challenge: "Skate to where the puck will be." Where will "the puck" be in early 2025?
Thinking this way spares you mercifully of thinking about the trivia of an historical election year; your coping with the massive war for your attention and money. How draining will that be?
Instead, substitute thinking about being your best self at a critical point in history - six months from now. Meet "the puck" by next January 20 - whatever it proves to be. Que Sera Sera, whatever will be, will be..
Fine, but what do you think about now to emulate Saban's success? Do this: Buy Atomic Habits if you don't have it. Read the first chapter VERY ACTIVELY with a pencil or marker. Mark all over the book when you see a thought that resonates with you. Get a notebook and record habits, good and bad.
You are building a wall of outcomes with bricks that are yours alone. (It would be nice if you shared them with me or someone close to you). Sharing strengthens the good ones.
On page 28, you will find a summary of the first chapter. The last two bullet points need to be posted somewhere so you can't forget them. They are repeated here:
If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your systems instead.
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. (italics are mine).
In 2025, there are, I predict, some very...
Happy Days Ahead
Joe Grant, MBA
Certified Retirement Coach
Contact me for a Free 45 minute Conversation at https://yourvantagepoints.com
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