When Will You Start?

This is a tough blog post to write...why? Because I’m far from perfect.  

Leadership is a weird thing. As a leader, I have to be willing to lead others through something I haven’t become the best at myself. And sometimes I am a better cheerleader for others than I am for myself. There are also times that I feel like I’m better at seeing the right path for others more so than for myself. 

But regardless, did you realize it is almost 2019? 2018 has flown by and it’s half way over in a few days. 

So here is the question... 

What will you regret having not started when 2019 arrives? 

Is there a goal you’ve had year after year and yet it’s still unfinished? Maybe it’s your personal health? Maybe it’s your marriage? Maybe it’s been the commitment to get more committed to your faith? Or maybe, you’ve had the secret dream of starting a new business or leaving the industry you’ve been in to try something crazy, yet you’ve not yet pulled the trigger?

Whatever it is, let’s make this decision together... 

START! 

Mine is my health...for years I’ve taken a couple steps forward then way more steps back. Then I would have a “legit reason” for not doing it, but it was really an excuse.

I am realizing at 35 that every day I get older, change becomes harder and harder. And you know what? My family doesn’t deserve this version of me. And quite frankly, neither do I.  

Here are a few things I’m going to start doing to help me not move into 2019 and still be where I am today... 

#1 - Draw a line in the sand the night before. 

My business has really taken off in the last few months and I attribute it to one main factor; scheduling my day the night before. I mentally get myself in the right headspace the night before so when I wake up in the morning, the excuses can’t derail me, because I planned for them!

What line do you need to draw tonight to set yourself up for success tomorrow? Draw it!

#2 - Create accountability. 

For the last 6 weeks, a good friend of mine, Scott Townsend, has helped hold me accountable. We send each other pictures of what we are eating and what we are doing to workout. I’m not doing awesome at it, but I can tell you this, I’m eating healthier now than I was 7 weeks ago. Because accountability keeps me from cheating crazy bad when I really want to. And he loves me enough to ask tough questions. Scott, thank you for spending part of your day holding me accountable to mine. Love you, bro!

So who is it for you? Stop reading if you have to and text them. And make sure it’s someone that is tough. Don’t find someone that will constantly be ok with your excuses. Find someone that loves you enough to dig deep to tough love if necessary. 

(On a quick side note...my wife and kids have been playing in the pool outside, so I decided to come write my blog out on the back porch so we can all at least be together, but now they have all abandoned me. Haha. So I’m sweating out here, by myself. But, sometimes it is the thought that counts.) 

(And now this...my 3 year old refuses to stop tugging on my sleeve, yet doesn’t want to be in a picture. If you notice typos, that is why! Haha.) 

#3 - Create a punishment for yourself. 

If you can’t stay accountable, put a punishment in place to make sure you do what you say you’re going to do. 

If you’re hardcore political, write a check to the opposite party of yours and give it to a friend to mail if you stop accomplishing your goal. That way you’ll know your whole life that you supported the other party. 

If you are saving up for a cool toy...write a check to your spouse out of that account and if you don’t do what you need to do, they get to spend it on whatever they want. 

If you need this level of accountability, do it! I’m about to do this for myself. 

In closing...we deserve better. Why should we go to our grave one day having not accomplished some of our goals and dreams?

We aren’t promised tomorrow, all we can do is start today! 

I believe in you. I’m praying for you. Your greatest limitation on your life is your own ability to believe in yourself! Stop saying tomorrow, let’s commit to start today! Please feel free to hold me accountable whenever you see me, and if you ask me to, I’ll do the same for you!