Awhile back, I read a magazine story about a man, Joshua Bloom, who’d competed in this year’s Marathon des Sables, a 250k ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert.
He’d always been athletic, but only started long-distance running 3 years before.
The competitors carried all their own equipment and food; they made it through 49°C heat; they survived the 7-day gruelling test.
Joshua, for his part, came in the top half of the 781 racers who finished.
I was so struck by that.
After only 3 years of long-distance running, he did this – what sounds to me like it must be the most challenging long-distance race on Earth – and came out with a respectable finish.
(To be clear, I am in awe of every single person who competed. What a feat! 🎉)
It made me think, 🤔 what could I accomplish in just 3 years?
Not something completely new to me; something I have a solid foundation for already. After all, Joshua had always been athletic before he started his journey.
We often think in terms of quarters and years. 🗓
I think it’s worthwhile to extend that horizon. Not so far that it starts to become a “one day” dream. (“One day, I’ll run a marathon.”)
But enough to give space to grow 🌱 something big.
🦝
Last year at this time, I was doing my usual annual extension of my various household finance spreadsheets.
Instead of extending them all for one more year, however, I extended some ⏩ until 2030.
Suddenly, a few years out, I could start to see impact and movement on some of our financial goals.
Before, I never could really see the needle move much within one year.
But now, seeing those able to happen on my spreadsheets has helped me stay on track through the year. 😄
🦝
Today, on New Year’s Eve, many people’s thoughts turn to New Year’s Resolutions (which I wholeheartedly disagree with) and hopes and dreams for the year ahead.
I urge you to pause and 💭 think whether thinking about the next few years might serve you better.
Also, scroll down for CGP Grey’s themes, which is what I advocate instead of New Year’s Resolutions.
Empower yourself!
Links & Inspiration
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year, and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
— Derek Sivers, Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing
Life is for living, and it’s important to enjoy your successes without an artificial need for improvement. (Pocket) Mark Manson discusses the idea brilliantly. Some gems include:
✨ “It took me a long time to accept the fact that just because something can be improved in my life, does not mean that it should be improved in my life.” ✨
“Life is not a Game of Improvement, but Rather a Game of Tradeoffs.”
“Learn a new skill each year.
“Learn a new language. Learn a new skill. Learn how to cook, to bake bread, learn how to code. Set yourself a new goal each year. Challenge yourself. New skills give you something new to talk about.”
— The DO Team, 23 Laws of Interesting
New Year’s Resolutions have so many problems and set you up for failure. ☹️ I love using CGP Grey’s idea of themes instead. (YouTube)
Themes have flexibility in both subject and time. You could create a theme for the next 3 years, if that works for you.
There are no affiliate links in this or any of my emails or blog posts. I simply enjoy sharing resources that could help move your business forward.
Using your numbers to help make your business better
Do you wish you understood how to use your data to make decisions more confidently?
That's what I'm here to help with.
Hi, I’m Sara-Jayne Slocombe of Amethyst Raccoon. I help your small business thrive using the power of your numbers, empowering you so that you have the confidence and knowledge to run your business profitably and achieve the goals you’re after.
I am a UK-based Business Insights Consultant, which means I look at your data and turn it into information and insights. I separate the noise from the signal and translate it all into actions that you can actually take in your business.
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