“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.” – Thomas Jefferson
Time passes quickly.
It’s one of those “items” that we will never find a way to purchase, create or manipulate. Forever great tales will be told of a pursuit for more time. Time will forever be – a great debate & struggle.
I bring up the topic of time & 178 days for one reason. That’s the amount of days we have left in this year.
In other words – only 25 weeks yet remain in the year 2011.
We’ve hit our half way mark and it’s time for that quick “pick me up.”
What did you agree to accomplish this year?
Each of us falls into the trap of “wishing” and “hoping” each New Year. Resolutions are many. Even greater are the number that falter and land in graves of goals. We’re quick to provide goals and even quicker to pass them by. Forget. We never give them another moment of our time.
What, this year, did you agree to fulfill and accomplish?
- Maybe your goal was to make $155 per month from your blog?
- Did you choose to make weight loss your nemesis?
- Was an increased character the basis of your yearly change?
Whatever the reason – I’d like for you to take a few moments of time, and review those goals, resolutions & plans.
Pick them up.
Dust them off if needed – and reacquaint yourself with those promises.
Let’s make this year, a year we decided to do. Accomplish. Create. Design.
What can be done in 178 days?
In order to give you some inspiration, I thought I’d present a few things in this world and throughout history that were accomplished in under 178 days.
- The US Constitution was written in under 178 days.
- A semester of school is accomplished under 178 days.
- The first pilot to fly around the globe completed the journey in under 8 days.
I’ve kept this list small because I want the focus to be on you. What will you accomplish during the rest of this year?
What will you do now?
“Time is relevant to where you are.” – Albert Einstein
We’re often given advice in this world – but it’s of little value if we don’t do something with it. We must make that simple decision to act.
A year of time, for some, could be 1% of a lifetime. For others it could be mean even 2% of that lifetime. Don’t let life pass you by without accomplishing what you’ve set out to do.
178 is the number to remember…because that’s all we have left until this year is over.
It’s a time of change.
You can use a quick little tool called the Day Counter to figure out how many days are between certain dates.
Tree photo by NTLam
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Half way already? Where is the time going???
Now that you bring up the US constitution I feel inadequate
Eugene recently posted..An Independence Day Reflection
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:23 pm
But hey, they had a few minds helping out with drafts – so don’t feel too bad.
And yes, half way already. Crazy!
its took my the first half of the year to come up with personal goals and now I”m sure it will take longer to accomplish them.
Its so important to step back and review life. Not everyday, but regularly. Make goals. Break them down into steps. Do the steps. Review.
Its a formula that continues to serve me well.
laurinda recently posted..You look good baby… Sorta.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Thank you for sharing your formula. Now we know your secret for success! :-O
What I like to hear is that it took you some time to come up with your goals. You didn’t just slap them onto the table – and go for it. It sounds like you’ve put quite a lot of thought into your goals so that they are concise, accurate, and what you desire. That’s a really important thing for us to remember that we often forget or miss!
Crazy you just posted this. Just this morning I was thinking about how many days were left in the year. And I’ve decided I am going to do a focus experiment. I am only going to focus on one goal at a time. Knock them out one by one. This week it’s my motorcycle. The next project is Italian Citizenship. The next? Who knows. One at a time. It’s a race against the clock, but also a race against myself.
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Love that thought David. To keep things “focused.” I’m reading a book right now called Organized For Success. It talks about how every top CEO in almost every company has something called the “laser” focus. They have this incredible to focus on just one thing, no multitask, and knock it out of the way quickly.
It’s a talent I’d love to develop further, and something I think you’re certainly accomplishing and working towards. Thanks for sharing!
I made a list at the beginning of the year of all the things I wanted to have accomplished before I leave for my world travels. So far I am on track but I still have a long list ahead of me. For me, if I write everything down and place time stamps on the items it helps me accomplish them. I may need to revisit my bucket list to make sure I am on track.
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Where are some of the places you want to travel to during your world travel tenure? I’m so excited to read all about it at your blog once you start to roam the world!
The timestamping is a great thought. Probably something we can ALL get a little better at. We all know deadlines can sometimes get away from us quickly if we let them!
Twitter: lance02
July 6, 2011 at 10:40 am
Christian,
This is such a great reminder – thanks!!
I start each year with the focus on one word. My word for 2011: shine!
While not the same as New Year’s resolutions, the idea for me – is that this all starts at a level of “being”, and moves out to “doing”.
So, today (thanks to your wonderful reminder), I”m bringing the focus back to that one word (shine!). And I shall continue to “be” this from many levels….
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:29 pm
I’ve never thought of aggregating my entire year into one word. That’s brilliant! A great way, as you mention, to come up with a concept of what you’d like to BE for the rest of the year. All your actions will all work towards that one word – and propagate it to everything else you do. That’s incredible. A great way to look at life.
I might just do that this week. Come up with my word or “theme” for the year. Fun stuff is ahead for all of us.
Twitter: connectyou
July 6, 2011 at 11:14 am
Christian,
The past few years for me have been…turbulent. Not to my preference. I’m a determined individual, and I do not prefer when the items we cannot control out-number the things we can (or seemingly so).
Mindset also makes a big difference. I’ve learned that there are many people more insightful and courageous than I.
I made 2011 “The Year of Refresh.” With everything I do, I’m asking myself if this will refresh my position, if that will refresh my perspective, if a move will refresh my business goals, if there is something that will refresh my friendships or partnerships, etc.
So far, I’m doing pretty well with this theme-word plan. And, your post here makes me smile that I have a whole 178 days to bring it all home, so to speak!
Thanks for giving us all a check-in!!
I’m curious how your 178 will go…
~Keri
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:33 pm
I feel like I’m a lot like you Keri. I really don’t enjoy those times when I can’t control the different items in my life. It’s not my personality to like it.
Refreshing is a great goal to have for 2011. We all need to refresh. And it’s not just about taking a break, either, I believe. I’m sure you’re working EXTRA hard this year all in an effort to REFRESH yourself. I sure hope it continues to go well for you this year.
So as for myself. My next 178. How will they go? Well, I sure hope well. And that’s the positive message I keep bringing into my mind and telling myself. One of the biggest changes I’d like to make in the next 178 is to finally get healthy. To beat this illness that I have, and leave it in the past. At the moment they think it might be Lyme’s disease or something else – but I’d like to get over it, and move on. I feel like I’ve been dealing with it long enough.
Other then that, I’d like to meet my time/monetary goals as well. To grow my business and to make time in my life for the extra things that make me joyful and happy. Traveling with family, spending time with others, singing, piano, serving, etc…There’s a whole lot to do in this next 178 days.
Twitter: connectyou
July 7, 2011 at 5:21 am
Christian,
I had no idea you are experiencing illness – Hope things evolve only to the positive, and all is figured out quickly!
You seem to be doing such an excellent job with your online presence, I’m sure all will go well indeed!
The one-word theme has worked well. Already thinking what next year’s word will be.
Here’s to the next 177!!
~Keri
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 7, 2011 at 9:46 am
Thank you Keri. I appreciate the support and your words of encouragement. Yes, the next 177 are going to go well. There’s no choice!
It’s crazy how much of this year has already past, but equally crazy to think that there’s that much left and available to accomplish things in. I didn’t set any specific goals, but I do have plenty planned for the next 6 months, so we’ll see how far I get.
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 6, 2011 at 11:34 pm
What are some of those items you have planned for the next six months Jessi? I’d love to hear more.
I sure appreciate you taking the time to spend your time here at Smart Boy Designs. It’s wonderful to have your input and thoughts. It’s fantastic to get to know you better!
And thank you for the positive reminder. There’s certainly a LOT of time left in the year if we push full forward and achieve!
Very motivational, 178 days is a lifetime – IF you actually use them and don’t expect that, because you have 178 days, you can get anything done. In fact, today is the only time you can ever get anything done. I was just writing about a similar topic, sounds like we’re on the same wavelength
Thanks for the inspiration, Christian!
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 7, 2011 at 9:52 am
Glad to hear we’re on the same wavelength. It means we’re not crazy. Well, maybe we are – and just crazy on the same wavelength! You never know….;)
You’re right though. 17 days is sure a long time. You can get a whole lot done in that amount of time ESPECIALLY if you’re chipping away a little bit at a time on whatever you’re working towards. Whether it be a blog post per day, a chapter in a novel, etc….you can have something large accomplished by the end of that amount of time.
Yeah, I would definitely say we’re both just crazy and on the same wavelength.
Andrew Olson recently posted..Using Grace to Manifest Your Desires
Great reminder!
Time flies when you’re having fun. Thanks for the great post.
Aaron
Aaron recently posted..We are all “Failures”
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 7, 2011 at 9:52 am
It sure does! Thanks for stopping by Aaron.
What’s cool is that even when that 178 days are up, my blog will still be under a year old and with kick ass people around me like yourself and some hard work, the sky is the limit…
Brad recently posted..How do you deal with stress?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 7, 2011 at 9:16 pm
That’s fantastic Brad! To see all the success you’ve had and are having under a year is incredible. The next couple of years are going to contain many wonderful developments and ventures for you. I’m sure you can just feel it!
Hi Christian,
I like reflections and resolutions and I do them regularly during the year. Especially in the evenings, I check what I have done today and make my plans for the next day!!
What I can do in the next 178 days?! Man, the sky’s the limit, my goals are high… According to my list (I do 5-year, yearly and monthly plans), I have achieved everything that I wanted until now. Sometimes, my plan needs adjustment; of my speed or my goals.
Very cool post,
Franziska San Pedro
The Abstract Impressionist Artress
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 7, 2011 at 9:18 pm
That’s a great way to go about your life Franziska. Those who achieve a whole lot often plan the next day the night before. And to keep in mind your reflections is also important. You certainly don’t want to do it willy nilly! I’m sure you notice a difference when you really put effort into your plans for the next day.
I need to get back on track with the 5 year goal, so I really appreciate that reminder. I often will get sidetracked and forget what I’m meant to do within a five year time period. But I certainly need that “larger” picture object to always be working towards.
Twitter: girlygrizzly
July 8, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Christian,
I was gone for a couple of days so we are at 176 days. My goal this year was to make a difference. In our lives and in our business. Not just by doing my job. We can all learn, we can all be friggin awesome doing our job (especially when we love it) but, I want to ADD to it, to do something great- FOR our business. (enter Social Media and a new website and a totally unexpected turn, …a blog)
I believe I have begun. I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull out of the power curve, but I am giving it everything. All of my focus, time and heart. Hey, we have like 6 months left! ~Amber-Lee
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 8, 2011 at 10:20 pm
You’ve certainly got some time left this year – so I’m excited to be a part of all the places you’re going to grow and develop in your social media and blogging model.
Love to hear about the passion you have for the topic. That, my friend, is going to go farthest. You’ll continue blogging long after others have decided to call it quits – and that’s when the true success begins to be manifested.
A quote from Jefferson and a reference to the constitution Christian?? Well done my friend, that was all I needed.
Love the thought behind this man…maybe because it’s something that I’ve been thinking a good bit about myself these last few days. Am I making progress?? Yeah, sure….But am I making the progress I know I’m capable of? Now that’s another story.
Keep up the great work Christian, and have an excellent weekend sir.
Marcus
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 8, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Jefferson and a bit of the constitution always goes a long way – now doesn’t it!? Glad you enjoyed that.
I know what you mean, Marcus. We make progress, yes, but is it really all we’re hoping for? Are we reaching the stars? Are we aimed at something worthwhile and large? Are we spending each day in an effort to accomplish the goal? Does our goal even matter? Is it right?
These and more, are all questions that tend to flutter through my mind. Possibly a detriment, but there’s a whole lot to think about when considering your success.
Twitter: lavenderuses
July 8, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Hi Christian
I have been reviewing my goals and some reached, others are a “work in progress”. Also thinking about whether a few of them are still the way to go. So reviewing is necessary for me to make sure I am building my business; which after all is the main goal for 2011
Always good to have a gentle reminder so thanks Christian. Hope all’s going well with your business ventures too. BTW I’ve managed to get up my home page and started to upload other pages to my new site, so that is going well. Will let you know when it’s ready for a visit.
Even learnt some simple html code which has been a surprise to me, although my friend who is guiding me through tbe build is so encouraging and told me I’d be able to do it. It’s great to have motivators and those who inspire us on the journey isn’t it.
Patricia Perth Australia
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 8, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Thank you for stopping by Patricia. Always a treat to have your bright thoughts nearby.
I’m so happy to hear about your new venture and website. It’s going to be fun to browse I’m sure. PLEASE let me know when it’s up and running – because I certainly want to promote it.
What are your goals after this website and business growth?
Christian
I was thinking this exact same thing. I was going to add it to my video but decided to cut it out. You did a much better job than me of explaining anyways.
It’s hard to believe it’s already July. Time has flown by but I feel the first 6 months have been more productive for me than the last couple years. It was all about taking action.
As for what I need to do better is make weekly goals and hit them. I also make monthly goals and I need to reach them as well.
I want to be able to say that on Dec 31, 2011, that I came a long way and am still moving in the right direction.
Great post my friend!
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 9, 2011 at 11:56 pm
What you mention here is something important for me to consider and remember. The goals don’t come in the large amounts of time. That’s what we see as the end product. What’s important are the “little” bits of time. An hour here, what we do here for the day, etc….and if we everything right – we’ll be on course for the end of the year.
I plan on growing the Yakezie Network to around 100 Members and give away another $1,200 in our Yakezie Writing Contest!
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July 10, 2011 at 12:04 am
That’s a great effort and goal to have!
Twitter: hajraks
July 9, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Half Already….I still hadn’t gotten over the sicky 2010 as yet
Well, personal goals all accomplished actually, more than accomplished I could say
Well, professionally, no! I am still stuck at a job I hate and would love to change; so have to do something about that. My “book target” for the year is in great back log, will have to pick up on that too.
Well, talk about posts leaving you all worried; you just managed to do that
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 10, 2011 at 12:06 am
Sorry to make you worried – but I guess that will bring with it a measure of “push” also. I’m so happy and excited to see where you’ll be changing and improving this year – and here’s to hoping you find a better match for your job! That will be a great thing to accomplish.
Christian
Twitter: vitalyvt
July 11, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Time flies … I got few more things to take care of!
Thanks for the reminder Christian.
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 11, 2011 at 12:59 pm
What are some of the major things you need to work on for the rest of the year?
Oh my… Thank you for the wake up call!!! Only 25 weeks left to accomplish my goals for this year indeed… Quite some work to do!
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July 12, 2011 at 12:30 am
There sure is! I need to wake up every day!
Lol!
I’m not going to comment on that one!
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Well, Christan, I want to find a part-time job to get a cool camera and smart phone in the next months of this year. One is for recording the most beautiful things appeared in my life. The other is to access to network anywhere I am to catch up with the world.
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August 30, 2011 at 10:31 am
Love the thoughts on getting a camera. I’ve been looking around at cameras too lately, because I need a better one to always keep with me. There’s just so much beauty on this earth!