My email from futureme.org

In January I sat down and wrote out a few things that I wanted to focus on in 2006. I went to futureme.org and wrote out those few things in an email. I set it up so the email would go to me today. Actually, I forgot that I had done this... so I guess the system worked as a good reminder to myself.

Here's the email:

The following is an e-mail from the past, composed on Friday, January 6, 2006,
and sent via FutureMe.org)

And Here's my list for 2006:

1. be involved in regular devotion/prayer (spiritual)
2. tell nikki "I love you" at least once every day (marriage)
3. re-establish a thoughtful approach to consumption / buying habits (financial)
4. build on personal training / coaching business (financial / work)
5. consistency of training, as few days off as possible (Ironman 4-5 yr. plan)

So let's review my attention to this list using a standard grading system.

1. C- , It has recently improved, but I haven't set aside any specific time to devote to this area of my life.

2. C+ , Nikki could address this one better.

3. B- , We did a good job of this in January and February. March developed into a month that we saw things others had that we wanted. This discontent lead to purchases that were not in line with this goal. This will likely be an everlasting battle between wants and needs.

4. A , Well as I mentioned in a previous post, Nikki has quit her job at the YMCA so that she can get away from management and work with people one-on-one more. Hopefully this decision will give me the confidence that I need to continue pursuing my desire to develop as a coach for runners and triathlete's.

5. B+ , Doing well since we started the marathon training program I developed for the Derby Marathon in Louisville next month. I have been focused on my running and feel positive about that aspect. I'm also looking forward to getting on the bike and into the pool again. My hope is that by focusing on #3 and #4, we will be able to continue racing towards a few half Ironman distance races in 2006 and an Ironman in 2007. What many people don't realize is that the financial aspect of training / racing can be as big of a challenge as the race itself. Why? Because you either have to work full-time to be in a position to do the racing, which impacts the amount of time you have to train. Or, you have to take on less work responsibility and learn to be more conscious about lifestyle (goal #3).

I've said it before, the athletes that train for Ironman (or marathons, etc.), work full-time and have a family with children are my heros. The balance they develop in their lives has to be amazing.

Reviewing these ideas has been a good exercise. I'm going to sit down this weekend, adjust and add to the list and send them to myself again in 3 months.