Focus Forward

Hi there! 2024 is just commencing, like tomorrow and I am really looking forward to hearing about your plans and activities for the year. I hope you approach them with enthusiasm and a fresh start. Today, let’s talk about staying focused as you plan your goals for 2024 but first…

Weekly Inventory Check

Last week I suggested looking back at what you did in 2023 so let’s do a quick check-in today. Take a moment to think about what really mattered to you, what made you feel energized. Do you want to keep doing those things in 2024, or is there something else you would like to focus on? Ask yourself these questions. I read somewhere that a good life doesn’t just happen; it takes review and effort. So, shape your own life by regularly checking your choices and making sure they are the right ones.

Focus Forward

Today, let’s talk about the new year with new focus. I recently had a guest on my podcast who shared an interesting perspective about the routines of successful people. They often discuss their morning rituals, including meditation, workouts, reading, and managing various aspects of their lives. We often try to emulate these routines but fall short, and I think I have figured out why.

In the past year, I dedicated a significant amount of time to building Vasl, managing my day job as a data consultant, and working on another project with a friend. Amidst all this, I neglected my physical health and felt stretched thin. I realized that I was trying to do everything perfectly, and it was affecting my well-being. The key insight from my guest’s advice was to do one thing at a time. However, the deeper realization was that achieving one thing often involves sacrificing something else. For instance, I wanted 2024 to be focused on my health—physical, mental, and financial. But I understood that these goals are not seamlessly interconnected.

To illustrate, someone deeply focused on improving their financial health may compromise on their physical health. They might opt for cheaper, less healthy food options due to time constraints from working multiple jobs. This compromises both their mental and physical well-being. This made me realize that even if we aim to balance multiple aspects of our lives, we often end up doing so sub-optimally. For example, prioritizing physical health may conflict with financial goals, as maintaining a workout routine might require time and financial investments in healthier eating habits.

I reflected on my past experiences, noting that the fittest I had been was in 2021 when I ordered a meal plan service to support my workouts. However, this choice came with a financial cost. So, as we plan for the coming year, it is crucial to recognize that achieving goals involves trade-offs and to focus on what truly matters.

Want More?

This article discusses the importance of understanding trade-offs and the decisions we make in order to reach our significant goals.

This article discusses how trade-offs often bring about physical and/or emotional discomfort. Embracing and navigating these trade-offs not only adds to our self-confidence but also strengthens our resilience.

This article delves into the importance of discussing trade-offs, especially during this time of the year when we reflect on our lives, set goals, and plan for the upcoming year.

Reel of the Week

Check out our reel of the week. The idea of giving yourself 30 days to form a habit is based on the belief that consistent repetition over a specific period helps solidify new behaviors. While the exact time it takes to form a habit can vary from person to person, committing to a 30-day period is a practical and achievable goal. During this time, try to perform the new habit daily, as consistency is key to making it a permanent part of your routine.

Instagram post by @thisisvasl

The Weekly Vasl Podcast

Our Episode on Get back an hour in every day is out now! You can watch it below! This Friday, Les Watson was in the house! With a whopping 30 years of rocking the training scene, this Geelong guru is the go-to for corporations, small businesses, and anyone hungry for success. Les doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk in self-management, motivation, and communication mastery. You will find myself and Les, the time management duo dive deep into embracing the day with a positive dialogue. Starting your morning right isn’t just a ritual; it’s the secret sauce for a day filled with success and fulfillment. Get ready for wisdom bombs and actionable insights as we explore the transformative power of positivity and intentional mindset!

We are also on Spotify, Apple, Google, and wherever you listen!

The Round Table

I am excited to introduce the Round Table at Vasl.

Here, you have the opportunity to join a group for the upcoming quarter. Together, we will determine your quarterly goals and form a cohesive group centered around shared themes. You will get a chance to learn about 12 agile principals in 12 weeks that will help you get closer to reaching your goals. While I aim for a certain level of similarity to facilitate cohesive discussions, I also appreciate the value of diverse experiences. The goal is to create a supportive environment where learning from varied perspectives is encouraged.

We are opening eight seats for this group where I will act as the facilitator. Throughout the journey, you’ll be backed by your fellow peers, have access to shared resources and as I tend to introduce shared Notion Space where we can all collaborate and exchange resources. If this opportunity resonates with you, you can sign up now using the following the link.

Please note that this commitment is non-binding initially. You will first fill out a form, and we will assess if we are a match. Once we think you are a match, you will be officially sent an invitation.

However, I must stress that there are limited seats available—only six to eight seats. So act quick to secure a spot in this cohort, as we wouldn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. The upcoming cohort will commence at the beginning of the year, with the following cohort scheduled for March 2024.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Round Table and witnessing the positive impact it will have on your personal and professional growth.

Thoughts to Leave You With

It is common to think we can do everything or a few things without giving up something, but that’s not true. We need to accept that there are trade-offs. It is better to focus on one thing at a time. Once you achieve that goal, it gets easier to tackle the next one. For example, becoming debt-free or getting in shape makes it simpler to maintain and move on to other goals. So, I might need to rethink my yearly goals because saying I want to improve health in three areas might be too challenging since they are connected. Consider your goals, understand the trade-offs, and be realistic about whether it is possible or if you are setting yourself up for difficulty.