The first
half of this year has been solid with regards to return on investment in most areas of my life. As Jocko Willink
says: “Discipline equals freedom,”
and if you put in the work on the front end, most of the time you can use that
momentum to gain compound interest over time, and even segue successfully into other
areas. However, I also failed to get any traction in a few areas because of a LACK of discipline…I base my ratings of success or failure on goals I set
at the end of each previous quarter.
2018 First Half Successes
· Read 11 books on personal finance, diet,
self-improvement
· Read 40 books of the Bible (21 Old
Testament/19 NT)
· Obtained Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (finished
course and took test in less than a week)
· Completed several projects around house,
including replacing fence boards, extending out brick walkway and getting
gardens planted
· Helped daughter move into her own house (assisted
with moving, painting, etc.)
· Took wife to California for 2 days (her fav
place)
· Started ‘Man Letters’ with son (12 to date
this year). Also visited him at college twice and helped him move back home for
summer.
· Coordinated Grandmother’s 88th birthday
party
· Saved/invested 40% of bring home pay
· Gave away almost 12% of bring home pay
· Became shareholder in startup
venture/investment opportunity
· Created multiple tax shelters to protect more
of income (FSA, 403b, IRA) – thanks to Tony Robbins (Unshakeable) for this
invaluable advice on protecting assets from taxes and fees
· Paid cash for family vacation in Florida
· Regular rehab workouts at home, consistent
resistance workouts at gym/home
· Met with doctor and had MRIs done on shoulder
and back. Shoulder surgery required during second half of year (at least 3
tears)….
· Made great strides with Keto/Intermittent
Fasting diet, losing 11 pounds, 4% body fat and 2+ inches off waist
· Commended at work for flow chart design/presentation
for operating forum
· Selected to participate in upcoming design
sprint at corporate HQ
· Increased overall net worth by 4-4.5% (still
waiting on final #s)
2018
First Half Fails
· Did not get paperwork turned in for
non-profit
· Failed to create minimum viable product (MVP)
for business idea
· Did not see eye doctor (overdue)
· Backslid on diet in June (vacation time 😊)
· Did not continue morning routine and
meditation after first quarter
· Completed assessment of local real estate
opportunities and made offers, but after counters were made, decided to hold
off for the time being. I have an agent and will evaluate new opportunities as
they come along, but only make offers on exceptional deals.
· Failed to follow up with education momentum
after completing Six Sigma….