How do you determine if you had a successful day?
Unfortunately, millions of people go through their lives with no sense of direction, let alone a way to define if they had a successful day.
I used to define my days based on superficial metrics like how much money I made or how many tasks I checked off.
But I saw my most successful days showed a common theme…
I noticed my most successful days are when I do these 3 things:
- Learn something new.
- Create something valuable.
- Invest in something.
After analyzing several months of journal entries, I noticed that my productivity had little or nothing to do with how many hours I worked, how much money I made, or how many tasks I completed.
It's “funny” looking back…
I've wasted thousands of hours staring at price charts, chasing deals, and grasping for opportunity, all in the name of “productivity” when only needed to focus on my “big 3”.
Let's unpack this…
1. Learn Something New
Some days I get really into a new book and dedicate some time to read fast and efficiently. This week it was Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss. In my opinion, this is his best book yet.
Other days I may only take the time to read a quick article or blog post where I get one nugget of information.
I also look to spend time with people way smarter than me – entrepreneurs, investors, authors, college professors, and students.
I approach each conversation from a mindset that every person has deep specialized knowledge about something I would love to learn. While some people love to talk about themselves, I love to ask questions. You'd be amazed at how much you can learn if you shut up and listen!
While some people love to talk about themselves, I love to ask questions. You'd be amazed at how much you can learn if you shut up and listen!
2. Create Something Valuable
According to Roger Hamilton's Wealth Dynamics Profile Test, there are 8 types of entrepreneurs…
And according to his test, I was born to be a creator.
No matter how hard I try to be a good trader, mechanic, or deal maker, I am typically the most effective when I'm creating.
On any given day, I might work on creating a video, course, or software.
It doesn't matter exactly what I'm creating as long as I'm working on something that will bring value to someone.
I encourage every entrepreneur I know to take the Wealth Dynamics Profile Test because it will help you recognize your strengths, weaknesses, and where you are most likely to excel.
3. Invest In Something
Even though I don't actually invest in something every day, I'm constantly on the lookout for new investment opportunities…
And my goal is to evaluate, review, or possibly move forward with a new investment every day.
I look at “creating” as my best option to create income, and “investing” as my best option to grow the cash flow from my income streams.
This could mean looking at a real estate deal, taking a bitcoin trade, listening to startup pitches, or just researching new possibilities…
But the most important thing for me is to always be looking for the next opportunity, while keeping in mind that “sometimes the best investment is NO investment”. In other words, be patient and wait for the best trade or investment.
For you, this might mean investing in your education, paying off debt, or buying a new income property. No matter what your goals, I think it's smart to always be “hunting” for the next opportunity.