- Image via Wikipedia
So did I achieve that?
The real answer is “I’m not sure.” But, if I were to guess, I’m guessing that I didn’t. I’m both uncertain and negative for the same reason: I didn’t measure my progress towards the goal.
A Masterpiece is something to be proud of, something that even leaves other people in awe. Making 80% of your days an absolute masterpiece is a tall order. And with any worthy goal such as this, if you don’t measure your progress, you won’t sustain the consistent level of focus necessary to push yourself towards the goal. If you can’t tell where you’re at, you tend to ease off the gas.
Last year, I began tracking my progress towards this goal using an Excel spreadsheet and some loose criteria. However, as the year went on, I found it easy to forget or found myself without access to my spreadsheet. Additionally, the criteria I was using didn’t make it clear that I had accomplished a masterful day, nor did they help me better understand what I needed to do in order to improve. To get the desired output, you need know what the dials are and how to turn them.
My resolution for 2011 is yet again “to make 80% of my days an Absolute Masterpiece.” But this time, I’m smarter, and I’m confident I can make this happen.
To accomplish this feat, I’m in the process of implementing a superior performance system. This Performance System I’m creating will help ensure I’m using my time in the ways I want, which ultimately converts into doing better work, living a happier life, and making the day an all-around Masterpiece.
I’m still doing some experimentation with version 1 of the Performance System, but I’ll share soon. Honestly, I can’t wait to tell you about it and find ways to improve it.
Last year, I declared, for myself, that 2010 was the Year of the Hustle. So just in case you were wondering what this year was, I’ll close the loop: it’s still the Year of the Hustle, and probably always will be.
-Kevin V.
1.13.2011
