Don't Like It? Get Better.

Week 61: Rekindling the Fire Within

The turn of the calendar is a convenient time to take stock, ruminate deeply, and set goals for the year to come.

I spent a quiet holiday break with my family, not traveling for the first time in nearly 20 years. During that period, it was often bitterly cold and we even got some snow; a perfect time for thinking and scheming. I spent a lot of time gazing into our fireplace over the break as a result.

I turn 42 this year, and being a basic dude, decided to come up with a list of 42 things to accomplish this year. Have you ever sat down and tried to write out 42 goals? It’s hard.

I consulted old, similarly-inspired lists. Looking at a list from when I was 30 years old was hilarious. And telling. And silly. And pretty much useless.

Because back then I still confused action for progress.

I’m still far from perfect when it comes to goal-setting, but at least I more clearly articulate what I want instead of setting ephemeral, hard-to-define objectives.

A quick sample from those 42 goals for the year:

• Finish and market a new digital product that actually helps people

• Complete 50 mile ultra

• Complete 100k ultra

• Identify and develop 2 new mentor relationships

• Help my kids learn to ride a bike

• Communicate better at work

• Fix the broken basement light

• Get smarter on AI for both work and personal use

• Apply to speak at TedX

• Read 15 books

• Eat more meals as a family

With some tentative ultrarunning goals set for the year, I began training again. But instead of listening to EDM music this year, I considered that books and educational/inspiring podcasts would serve me much better.

In doing so, I was listening to Nick Bare the other day when he said something that struck me like a slap across the face. He said, “The reason you still have unmet goals is because you don’t care enough about the process, you only want the result.”

Bam.

It’s true. The wall of my office is littered with drawings from my kids, phone numbers for work, and “finish lines.” There is not a single word about process on my wall, it’s all about the end result.

And because I neglect the process on some things, I probably won’t get what I’m looking for.

I resolved instantly to work harder than ever.

Until 30 seconds later when Nick went on to say, “The leaps in performance you’re seeking won’t be found in working harder, but by working differently.”

Bam again.

I resolved instantly to spend more time thinking about how to do this. More importantly, I then instantly resolved to get started as well.

I plan to write every week if possible to document my journey of working differently instead of harder. Wish me luck.

“Those who settle for mediocrity say I’ll do it later and rarely do. Champions don’t say anything, they just do it now.” -Jon Gordon

Live triumphantly. See you next week.