Years ago my wife and I set a goal to move to Naples, Florida in 2026. Just like many of you, the next logical step after setting a goal is to lay out the best plan possible based on the information you have at the time. Which brings me to the first lesson. No matter how far off the goal may seem, take whatever steps you can to move towards your goal every day. The simple act of taking a step towards your goal gives you momentum. When you’re focused it will happen much faster than you think. We’re moving four years ahead of schedule. Did it happen exactly like we thought it would? Absolutely not, but we’re still in Florida four years ahead of schedule.
That happens to be lesson number two. Marry your mission, date your plan. In this case our mission was to get to Naples. Our plan however went out the door on May 8th 2022 when we overcame a huge obstacle that prevented us from moving. As soon as that obstacle was eliminated we realized we had three months to find a home, sell multiple homes, and get our butts to Florida before school starts August 10th. You better believe the plan changed drastically multiple times with only three months to get there.
You don’t have to do it alone happens to be lesson number three. I was on a call with a few colleagues and shared how exhausted I was. Packing, moving, maintaining my regular work load, doing repairs in preparation for selling, rehabbing rental properties, rehabbing the new home, being a parent, etc etc etc was all taking a toll on me. I was definitely burning the candle at both ends. In a moment she may not even remember a fellow MAPS Coach named Alicia Shephard said in passing, “it sounds like you could use some leverage.” It didn’t register at the time but I have a habit of reflecting back on my day and that day I realized that she was exactly right. Why do I have to take on the burden of all these projects when there are people who can help?
One of the largest lessons I learned was that the world will test how much you want the goal. As you get closer and closer to the goal you will be tested. Last minute obstacles will pop up and challenge your desire. You will be tested. In my case it was underwriters asking for last minute garbage
Finally, there is a point of no return. At some point along the way you realize there is no turning back. You’ve lined up enough dominos and made enough of the right decisions to get you to the goal that it becomes inevitable. It’s going to happen no matter what you do.
As I reflect back I’m sure there are many more lessons I learned along the way. As of today I’m happy to have set a goal and took the steps needed to bring it to life.