What gets measured, gets done

A mentor and past board member used to tell me this all the time:

“What gets measured, gets done.”

Over time I’ve found this to be so very true. When you measure something, and take the time to keep track of it, it stays top of mind. You remember that it’s important and that progress needs to be made.

With reading books, for instance, having the weekly goal helps me to remember to find time to read. I want to read 52 books in 2018 because a) I enjoy reading immensely and b) I believe, other than direct experience, its the best educator I have.

The simple fact that I’m trying to read a book a week has already (just a few weeks into the year) made me more aware of making sure I’m spending time reading on a daily basis.

Whether in business or in your personal life, figure out what’s most important to you and set a goal to track progress against it. It’s also ideal if you can find an accountability hook, someone or some way to keep you honest. For me, blogging that I’m trying to read a book a week, and making that public, puts more pressure on me to get it done.