I know there are thousands of you who are technical wizards at
charting or what is now known as T.A. (technical analysis) Myself, I’m
pretty adept. Like many I decided to take over my own finances when the
so-called “experts” back in late 2007 early ’08 proved without a shadow
of a doubt they had absolutely no clue.

So like many I’ve read the books, went to countless classes, and have
had the added benefit of reading or listening to the thoughts of many
that post right here. Although one might not agree with every viewpoint
or conclusion given. The reasoning behind the “why” for their
interpretations is (in my view) the most important part.

So with that said I would like to take a break from the usual and
just share a few thoughts and analysis. (T and A) I offer this because I
believe many of us just need a break from the screens, talking heads,
or politicians to just have a moment to express some thoughts away from
the beaten path. It’s a New Year, so with a coffee in hand here’s a few
things like the song: “Makes you go hmmmm…”

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It’s easy to get caught up in numbers, and measurements. You measure
your growth or any deficiencies against numbers. However exactly what
you’re measuring against can be just as important as what you’re
measuring.

Don’t try to measure yourself or your accomplishments by using
someone else’s yardstick. Use your own. Just because it’s called a
“yardstick” doesn’t mean it’s held against a standard residing at some
National Measurements Institute.

Problem for many of us when using these mental yardsticks is we’ll
unwittingly (and sometimes intentionally) lengthen the stick or shorten
it based on emotion. We’ll put more emphasis on what we think was harder
based on our prism, while at the same time see other milestones as
smaller or more easily accomplished when in reality those might have
been the hardest.

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One of life’s greatest guilty pleasures not discussed in polite
company is being proven correct when everyone couldn’t help themselves
to tell you had no clue. Not that they wanted to discuss why you were
wrong, or what was your thesis for being contrarian to everyone at the
time. No, the ones that just want to shout like a 12-year-old across a
schoolyard: “Nah, Nah, you don’t know what you’re talking about!” When
this crowd suddenly falls silent, that’s when it’s most gratifying.

Being an entrepreneur of any stripe will at times leave one with
feelings of isolation. These are the times that try the will and
fortitude on whether to believe the research you’ve done in analysis of
any given endeavor. Or should one just relent to the crowd, and say “I
must be wrong because so many are telling me so.”

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Many of us are going to wake this week and once again try to make or
adhere to some form of “to do” list. My advise is to save yourself the
time – and don’t.

This is heresy for the “getting it done” crowd and I can fully
appreciate that. However, there is a far greater number of people who’ll
sit down with good intentions – start making a list – only to have
feelings of overwhelm as this list morphs in length with something
rivaling Rte. 66.

You start out thinking “OK, just five or so.” Then as you start
writing your mind begins rambling and prompting you as in: “How about
this one? Oh, and what about that one? And – oh crap I really need to
get that one done.” Followed with so many more you begin having anxiety
flashes caused by what now seems like an endless list you’ll never get
done.

So the greatest of all reasoning to cure this dilemma comes forward:
“This is useless. I’ll never get these done. I’m just kidding myself.”
And you put down the pen, the phone, the pad, or close the program which
believe it or not gives you an immediate “Whew! That was a waste a
time. At least I can cross that off the list.”

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If you’re reading this logic dictates all the Mayan apocalyptic
prognosticators for what ever their reasoning – are proven wrong. The
CYA  (cover their butts) reasoning they’ll use to justify why will make
politicians sit back stunned thinking: “Man, get him/her on my staff.
That’s genius!”

This should stand alone as a reminder to all of us that no one – and I
mean no one – knows what tomorrow will bring. Life is a game of chance.
Every single part of it has no guarantee. We might make the best of
plans, but life is littered with examples of the best laid plans going
bad. All you can do – is do your best. Nothing more.

Sometimes the chips have a life of their own. However you should view
the game of life as just that – a game. A serious game, but none the
less – the greatest game available ever to be played. All life asks is
that you “suit up” nothing more.

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