When is Now a Good Time?

Sometimes what we think we want to accomplish could be something totally different or could be supported by our mindset. And utilizing leverage to turn shoulds into musts is an incredible tool.

by Chad Steiner

When is now a good time?

As we approach years end, are there things you’re thinking about doing in the New Year or maybe there’s things left undone from 2024? I can certainly relate. So many things get onto the list and feel like they either fall victim to the urgent or “potentially” more important. I do believe we need to give ourself grace. But, man there are for sure things in 2024 I wanted to get done like our sauna or go on more back packing trips with the boys. As we approach 2025 I’m thinking of new things… like what do we really need to accomplish with our business and how do I get those hiking trips in with our boys. But as I mention “grace” we have so much to be thankful for. Gosh, we just took a trip of a lifetime to Europe – memories that will last forever. So what I hope to share below is a bit of an approach to 2025.

What is it you really want to accomplish?

Being clear on what we really want to accomplish is so important. Like really really want to accomplish. And in what category of life? Is it finances, is it health, is it relationships, is it emotions? Each year I might start out with a financial target around how much do I need and want to earn. But I end up realizing, what I really really want is to maintain a strong and positive “state” as much as possible. State is referring to state of mind. Finances are great, but if I’m walking around grumpy and unfulfilled what do finances even matter…. And if I can remain in a peak positive state, how does that spill through to relationships and ultimately help achieve my financial goals. We really want to continue to offer more in our business. We want to continue to improve the experience for our customers, for you! Being in a positive state allows me to be more resourceful when trying to tackle these challenges. So then how do we fuel “state”? I believe it starts with health. Both physical and mental. So as I look at 2025, I’m going to continue to focus on going to the Barn and bring my meditation practice back. One thing for sure that can knock me off of a positive state is my emotional reaction to situations… which can cost me time. Ok, enough of the examples. But my hope is this walks through – what is it you really really want. Yes, maybe the financial goal is really important, but in 2025 building resilience by improving the amount of time spent in a positive state trickles into everything else.

Getting leverage

I think we’re all familiar with what “lever” is. Picture trying to move a rock with a big stick instead of pushing it by hand… the stick can help lift or move it. Similarly in our personal life, it’s like having a buddy to go to the gym with – someone who helps keep you accountable. In 2025, we’re celebrating some areas we’ve gotten creative leverage. One thing we’ve done is create a voluntary advisory board for our business. We have been able to gather some brilliant folks to serve on our board. Not only has this been an amazing resource, but you better believe it’s also a form of leverage for us to stay on top of our numbers and what we commit to. But in 2025, there are things we have been wanting to do that keep getting pushed down the priority list… like organizing our garage. Is it urgent, no, is it important, yes. So how in the heck do we get creative with leverage on this one? Maybe we could invite you all over to do a garage inspection? We’d certainly want to have it cleaned before then. I have to admit, we are super short of storage space in general, so the garage has become more of a storage area. Man it sure would be nice to get the garage organized. What if I commit here in this blog to have it done by January 15^th, 2025. Is that enough leverage? Well, it certainly would be a bummer if I get asked and it’s not done…! Hopefully this is a fun example of getting creative with leverage. With as many things as we ALL have going on – I bet we all have things that are a “should” we’d love to turn into a “must”. It’s amazing when something becomes a must how incredibly fast it can jump into the list and get done.

I wish you all the best in 2025. We’re a quarter of the way through this century. Time is a limited resource and the gift of learning how to clarify what it is we really really want along with finding great leverage is always evolving. When is now a good time? Grab a gym buddy or talk to a friend about supporting you to change your state. I’d love to hear if anyone has great ideas on clarifying what they want or creative ways to get leverage.