Week 1 is in the books.
Last Sunday I taught my final message at my church. I was a bittersweet day; Difficult to step away from role I've held for 17 years, but also exciting as I'm starting a new chapter in life!
I had thoughts of taking a few weeks to "play" (golf mainly!). I probably should, but that's not going to get me closer to my goals.
So, here are my three goals:
Real Estate - My wife has been a broker for the past 15 years, and we live in a fairly active real estate market area. So I'm starting Real Estate school next week. I hope to have my broker’s license by the end of the year, and we can work as a team. But real estate is seasonal (Nov - Feb is REALLY slow), so I need another source of income.
Project Management - In my previous career (18 years with Nortel Networks), I spent a good deal of time as a project manager. It was without a doubt my favorite job at the company! I love organizing people and processes, and it's a great feeling to successfully complete a project. So I'm starting on getting my PM credentials (back in the day, it wasn't a thing). I'm hoping to do this on a contract / consultant basis so I can have flexibility. But consultants get paid by the hour, with no benefits, so I still need something long-term. That's where WA comes in...
Affiliate Marketing - I'm making good progress in the training; so far I've created my first site, and I'm about to start working on content. I don't have expectations for "fast cash," I'm looking at this as a long play. But I also have great belief that over the next few years, I can build this business to the place that it can generate significant income, which my wife and I can use to invest in real estate.
My pattern - I've found that in order to reach any goal, I have to be intentional to do something every day that will take me one step closer to that goal. And not just anything, but things that will actually move me forward. So I've created a overall plan for each of my goals that lists what needs to be done, and in what order. Covey calls this putting "First Things First:"
"Putting first things first means organizing and executing around your most important priorities. It is living and being driven by the principles you value most, not by the agendas and forces surrounding you." - Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Then I set aside a specific time slot each day to work on those important things. I can't remember where I learned this principle (it may have been Andy Stanley's "Next Generation Leader"), but it's called "Budgeting Your Time." We budget our money, why not our time? So I block out segments of time on my calendar, usually 1.5-2 hours each, to work on each of my goals. This keeps me focused on doing what I need to do, instead of just what I want to do.
Oh, one more bonus I've just realized; I've gotten my Saturday's back! Usually I would spend 6-7 hours preparing for my Sunday message. Now, I can go to the beach with my wife! I call that WINNING!
Till later,
Clay Ritter
Recent Comments
3
Welcome to WA. I enjoyed your profile. I need to budget my time much better than I do. You will have a challenging journey on WA. But with hard work, you will find your success. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Sandy
I know I budget my money better than my time. I think we take time for granted and don't realize how valuable time is.
It must have been pretty emotional sharing your last message...but i'm sure you have your eyes on a bright future. I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. I'm 32, married with 2 boys aged 2 and 8 months. So we have that in common...we are both in new territory! Congrats and enjoy real estate school, my brother in law is a powerhouse realtor here in north florida. Enjoy your time!