I read an interesting blog post by Greg Habstritt (The Engaged Entrepreneur) today and it pushed me to reflect back on the results I have achieved so far in 2011 (better in some and not as planned in others). In reading through the post I realize that my discipline has waned in the last few months and it has become much easier for me to get distracted. Time to refocus and excel through the remaining 6 months of this year.
Here is an excerpt from Greg’s blog.
The Success Checkup Test
For the following statements score yourself on a scale of 0-10, 0 being “not at all”, and 10 being “couldn’t be MORE true!”
1. I plan my day in advance, either the night before or before I start the day.
This means you write out your schedule and what you intend to accomplish, not just “think about it”.
2. I have a written list of the specific, measurable and time-based goals I intend to achieve this year.
I don’t mean vague, unspecific things like “I will be rich” or “I will become happy”. I’m talking absolutely clear and specific and measurable.
3. I check my email no more than 4 times during the day.
Be honest about it. Not a lot of people can say they do this.
4. I never accept incoming telephone calls that are not scheduled in advance.
Just answer the question based on the reality. No judgement. I don’t care why you “have to” or if you do at all.
5. I purposely put myself in situations where it’s impossible for me to be interrupted or distracted.
This means you turn your phone and email off, close your door and no one is able to access you during that time.
6. I regularly participate in a focused and structured mastermind with people I like, respect and learn from.
I don’t mean your family, buddies or girlfriends. I mean people focused on success and Business Growth.
7. I read at least one book related to my business, industry or about marketing or sales every month.
I’m talking about a real book you could get in the bookstore, not a 14 page ebook you downloaded for free.
8. I’ve invested in a training course, program or product to increase my knowledge and capabilities.
Meaning, you’ve committed real money to your education and spent at least $100 or more (maybe a lot more).
9. I weigh less than I did when I started the year, and I have more energy during the day.
Again, don’t wanna hear the story. Just answer the question.
10. The days where I feel absolutely engaged and empowered outnumber the days I feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
When you compare the number of “awesome” days with “bad” days, what do you experience most?
You should now have 10 different answers, each with a response between 0 and 10. Add them up to get your Success Checkup Score.
The Results
You’ve probably decoded my super-complex scoring system by now — the higher the score, the better you’re doing .. and the better you’re LIKELY to do in the future.
A score of 85 and above means you’re doing really well, and likely right on track to achieve what you set out to do this year. Congrats!
A score of 70-85 means you’re likely getting some traction, but spend more of your time frustrated, overwhelmed and feeling like you should be getting paid a LOT better for what you’re doing.
A score of 50-70 means you’re likely struggling financially, burning out, and questioning whether you’re really cut out for what you’re doing.
A score below 50 is a serious danger sign that if you don’t change things quickly, you’re on the path to failure.
After spending a LOT of time with thousands of Entrepreneurs, I’ve been able to observe what habits and practices are common to the most successful Entrepreneurs (as well as what the unsuccessful ones are failing to do).
Simply put, here is a short list of the key things that successful business owners do:
- > They write their goals down and review them (most do this on a DAILY basis)
- > They plan their day in advance
- > They minimize or eliminate distractions so they can focus on the important things
- > They participate in one or more masterminds to get new ideas, perspective and accountability)
- > They invest in themselves – constantly
To read the blog in it’s entirety check out the following link http://engagedentrepreneur.com/2011/07/01/its-time-to-get-real-with-yourself-a-test/comment-page-2/#comment-6165
Leave a comment and let me know how your year is going.
