Today, I Will.....

There's an old adage...."One day at a time". Many people allow themselves to become overwhelmed while attempting to achieve a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) because their focus is on the size and enormity of the end game. The Franklin Covey Group calls the end goal the LAG measure. Say you want to lose 100 pounds. The lag measure is the 100 pounds, but you shouldn't be consumed with the magnitude of losing 100 pounds. Instead, take one day at a time. Focus on the LEAD measures - those things that, if done daily, will deliver the end result. Lead measures are also things we can influence. I can't step on a scale and "will" it to show a 5 pound reduction in my weight. But I can intentionally take 3-4 daily actions which - if done with discipline and repetition - will lead to my BHAG. I can intentionally carve out time to exercise; I can measure the calorie loss of that exercise and ensure that my calories in are less than my calories expended. I can control my portions and ensure I'm eating good, healthy, whole foods. I can get enough sleep so my body recovers. I can ask someone to hold me accountable on a daily basis. Once lead measures become habits, the lag measure has a significantly higher likelihood of becoming a reality. I'm a firm believer in maintaining a Vision of what that lag measure (BHAG) will look, feel, smell, and taste like - use it to drive you, push you, get you out of bed in the morning, but don't let it overwhelm you. Take one day at a time. Take one mile at time. If you keep going, they add up. When I train for an Ironman, I don't focus on the six months of hard workouts and countless hours which will preceed the event and comprise my training. I break it down into daily workouts. When the race starts, I don't focus on 140.6 miles of pain and suffering. I take one mile at a time....one leg of the Tri at a time....and when I'm mentally and physically tapped, I focus on just how amazing it'll feel to cross that finish line. So today, what will YOU do to take another step towards your personal finish line, your personal BHAG? How intentional are you about planning those lead measures into your day? And remember that God never intended for you to go it alone.....PHIL 4:13. Believe.