Being the man that I am, every time this happens I feel a great sense of urgency to get my hustle on and get my shit straight so that this doesn't happen anymore. Some good usually comes out of the situation.
It's like I turn my own mistakes into a great motivation to improve.
Those of you that are familiar with my philosophies of motivation already know about what I refer to as working in Beastmode. Today, in a fit of inspiration, I chose to take that concept one step further, which I will explain in a second.
One thing I learned from Matador, and a book that he gave reference to (Getting Things Done by David Allen) was the importance of dividing every aspect of your life into "projects", so that you can plan out the steps necessary to complete those things which need completion, and you can keep a closer eye on their progress.
For instance, I have been planning Project Super Engineer for some time now.
Today, I took these concepts one step further by creating an over-arching project designed to keep all of the individual projects running smoothly. This project is to be maintained, not so much to be completed.
This is something that I wrote to myself, to get thoughts straight in my head. This applies to MY life and may not apply to yours. It will be tweaked in the future, but after feeling the sense of motivation that it gave me, I decided to share it with all of you. You're welcome.
Without further ado, I give you Project Beast Life:
Before this project can begin, you must have your top 8 goals for the year written down. The following "rules" will facilitate the completion of said goals.
Although a beast lives happily and contentedly in the moment, he also creates his own future, leaving little to chance or fate. He does this through the use of planning, goal setting, and follow through. These goals, and the completion of them, will NOT make the beast happy, but will aid in the construction of the lifestyle of his choosing. THIS is the beast's motivation for making the sacrifices and living the disciplined life necessary for this accomplishment.
Project Beast Life:
Get up at 9:00 am until it feels normal (This is early for music industry folks)
Even if I worked until 8:00 am (it happens) the night before, get up at 9:00 am.
Visualize EVERY day after eating a beastly breakfast
Go to the gym BEFORE work. Bring toiletries to shower at the gym. This could save up to 45 minutes in travel time (2-3 hours a week)
Prepare meals at home - the Beast does not eat fast food.
Take meals to work - the Beast DOES NOT eat fast food.
Stay on that Beast Chow. Lean Meals. 2-3 Protein shakes per day, and plenty of carbs. You need that Beast Fuel, especially since you are hitting the weights hard these days.
Every day, M-F must include Promo (my job outside of the music industry) if I didn't work at a studio. Weekends too, if I didn't get in enough promo during the week.
Every night before bed, plan out the next day. Try to plan the exact times, although the order of completion should be sufficient as long as you stick to the plan. The Beast does not like living an overly rigid life, but he feels much more beastly when he actually gets his shit done.
Every sunday, plan out the upcoming week. You don't have to decide on exact times, but plan exact days for each task, for sure.
Also every sunday, evaluate your goals and the progress towards their completion. This includes 1yr, 5yr, and 10yr goals.
Read this list every day until is it second nature. All of these are mandatory.
So that is Project Beast Life. I would also like to include the top 8 goals for the year that I came up with along with the project. These are also almost certain to change. I have other, more longer term goals, but I'm sure you will read about them in other post.
Top 8 Goals for '09 (In no order, and destined to change)
3 Major Label/Major Artist recording credits (This is almost complete, if not fully. Yay!)
Keep up with the gym routine and beast diet. NO cheating. Ideal weight: 185 - 190 lbs.
Live self sufficiently AND save money in Atlanta, GA by making atleast $2400 a month. (ATLEAST)
Buy a flat screen TV.
Buy a couch.
Buy a GOOD pair of headphones ($$$!)
Ensure that Project Super Engineer is full throttle (This includes a separate list of goals).
Volunteer time at least once per month (exact charity/cause is TBD)
Every Sunday, evaluate these goals, and figure out what can be done NOW for each one to aid in your progress. Remember, this isn't to make life a boring routine. This is how you get what you want. If the goals change, that is absolutely okay.
Writing these thoughts down helps me stay aware of them, and when I look back over them, I will be motivated to maintain in their progress. I hope you have found some inspiration in them, and you can help keep me accountable, now that you are aware of some of my goals.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have laundry to fold, and then a show to promote. Don't forget to watch Eastbound and Down on HBO, sunday nights immediately following Flight of the Conchords. Goodnight.
BEAST...
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