October Update
It seems that I’m naturally more inclined to record a podcast vs writing a blog article. Maybe I need to add an accountability task to write more…
In today’s post my goal is to provide an update on the last month. What I’ve learned, what’s been working, what hasn’t and where to from here.
I’ll preface this with a statement that my goal is to post this article quickly and without flaffing around so it may be rough and ready, unpolished and far from perfect but my belief is progress over perfection.
Since the last post back at the start of this month, quite a lot has happened! It’s been potentially my “best” / Favourite month of the year. The weather has started to improve, my fitness and nutrition seems as dialled in as it’s ever been. I’ve recorded and posted 7 podcast episodes now, one with a guest which I’m stoked with how it turned out, listen HERE
Money
Since starting the challenge I’ve got 2 google sheet documents I’m using (similar to excel but web based). One for capital / liabilities and one for cashflow.
I update the capital one on the 25th of each month (the anniversary day of starting the challenge) and the cashflow one for the previous month on the 1st of the new month.
It’s been an eye opening experience to track everything in such detail! There’s a saying that “what get’s measured, get’s managed” and I can testify to the power of this. Sometimes It’s tempting to put your head in the sand but with full visibility and clarity on what’s going on you’re able to see trends, spot inefficiencies and see what’s working and what’s not. The other component to this is that the data is displayed monthly / annually so what might seem like a fairly insignificant purchase or spending habit once annualised is a lot more harder to avoid when seeing that larger dollar figure.
In summary:
I went slightly backward in the month of September and gained a few thousand of growth in October. Largely through a potential increase in capital value of the property I own.
Weka
2 x visits to the Weka Retreats property which is always inspiring, progress on obtaining confirmation that resource consent will NOT be required which is a major win. Struggling to pin down pricing on the build based on variable and uncertain trades and material pricing but aiming to start construction sometime in Q1 2023.
Connections
I’m LOVING the conversations and connections that this challenge has opened up. It’s arousing curiosity and chat’s with new people most day’s. So good. It’s acting like a magnet to attract into my life people with similar values and goals
Fitness / Nutrition
First full month using the James Smith Academy online PT / App. Going well, losing some weight, tracking calories, balancing running and resistance training. Meal prepping and likely saving some money on food (tbc once I run the full October numbers). Overall 10/10 in this life category.
Podcasting
7 x episodes recorded, including one with a mate of mine James Wallace which went really well. One more guest episode pencilled in + I’m motivated to do more and more guest episodes, likely once I upgrade my recording hardware (aka not just using a phone).
Accountability Group
I’m a HUGE fan of this, such a simple concept yet so effective. Myself and 5 other friends using a messenger chat. Commit to doing certain tasks per day/ week / month. Confirm a penalty fee for failure (usually $100). I’ve been able to get so many tasks done via this method. Loving it!
Sleep / Alcohol
Now that I’m part way through 75Hard Phase 2 and 3 weeks off the booze, I’m noticing the benefits, increased clarity, energy and focus. Will I go back to drinking after? Not sure, It’s tempting to say not likely but we’ll see.
Sleep is an area I’m working on, establishing a sleep schedule and experimenting on what it takes to get as many hours as possible per night. Based on the HUGE contrast between productivity the next day when a good or a bad sleep has been had. It’s massive!
November & Beyond
Goals for November include:
Running the Queenstown half in under 1:35:00
Locking in the contract for Weka and getting the building consent process started
Develop the Weka brand / marketing plan. Instagram content, website draft created
Confirming the bonus / profit share contract at work
Continue making content (Podcasts, Blogs, Instagram mostly)
Invest in some podcasting hardware
Work on my solutions brokering side hustle. This is something I’ve been contemplating for a while now, I love introducing people and connecting people, I think it’s time that I monetise this and create some win-win deals.
In summary, I’m just over 2 months into this 120 month challenge. I feel like I’m in establishment / base building mode but primed to go and feel like within the first 12 months I should have some wins under my belt.
Until the next article. Thanks for reading!