The Dash Matters

So I’m not talking about Dash salt or pepper or Dash Kitchen products or even dash cams here…

The Dash Matters: Seize the Moment to Achieve Your Goals

See, in the quiet stillness of a cemetery, I’m sure everybody has seen rows of tombstones standing as silent sentinels. Each one bears a name, dates of birth and death, and there’s a small dash in between those two dates.

That simple dash encapsulates an entire lifetime, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of our existence. The dash matters—it represents what was done, what was perhaps left undone, during a person’s lifetime.

It is a powerful symbol urging us to take action now to achieve our goals, whether they are financial, personal, or professional.

The Importance of Time

Time is the only currency you spend without knowing your balance. Unlike money, which you can count and save, time is an elusive asset that slips away even as you try to grasp it in your fingers. You can’t earn more time, nor can you get back the moments you’ve lost. Consequently, the way you spend your time is paramount. The dash between your birth and death is finite, and how you choose to fill it will determine the legacy you leave behind.

Reasons to Act Now

1. Limited Time
The most compelling reason to take action now is the limited nature of time. None of us knows how much time we have left. Delaying your goals for a ‘better’ time is akin to gambling with your most precious resource. Whether it’s starting a business, pursuing higher education, or achieving financial independence, the best time to start is now.

As I mentioned in last weeks blog, the first step you can take is ordering The Iceberg Effect by Dean Holland – just pay for shipping and handling. As I also mentioned, that book opened up a whole new meaning of what Affiliate Marketing should be for me.

2. Compounding Effect
In financial terms, compounding works best when you start early. The same principle applies to life goals. The earlier you start working towards your ambitions, the more time you have to accumulate small successes that build up over time. For instance, investing in your career skills today will pay dividends in experience and opportunities tomorrow.

The same applies when starting an online business; because it’s a journey, you want to start as quickly as possible because it will take time to get traction and generate the income you would want.

3. Avoiding Regret
Imagine looking back at your life and realizing that you had the potential to achieve so much more, but you didn’t because you kept postponing your dreams. You kept listening to others who said it wouldn’t amount to much – apart from more debt. The weight of regret is heavy and often irreversible. Acting now ensures that you give yourself the best shot at a fulfilling and accomplished life.

4. Change is Constant
The world is always changing, and so are the opportunities available to you. Looking back, I’m sure that many of us who look now to the internet and see how Google, Facebook and Tik Tok (to name only a few) are worth, would definitely like to go back in time and purchase a few shares. What seems like a golden opportunity today might not be available tomorrow. By acting now, you position yourself to seize these opportunities as they arise, rather than watching them pass you by.

Steps to Take Immediate Action

1. Set Clear Goals
The first step to achieving any goal is to define it clearly. This is the WHY we talked about last week. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Write down your goals and break them into actionable steps.

For instance, if your goal is to achieve financial independence, outline what that means for you: What is that monthly amount you’re looking for? How much do you need to save to purchase the tools you need to get there? What skills do you need to acquire to increase your earning potential? What would a mentor and support look like?

2. Prioritize Your Tasks
Not all tasks are created equal. A few weeks ago, I talked about how purchasing the book by Brian Tracy “Eat That Frog” opened up a slew of possibilities for me when it came to my daily tasks and time management. Here’s a link to it from Amazon: Eat That Frog (go ahead and click it, I’m not making any commissions btw).

If there’s one thing that can help you focus on what truly matters and make the most efficient use of your time, that book is it!

3. Create a Time Management Plan
You need to manage your time wisely. Allocate specific time slots for different activities. This could involve blocking out time for professional development, financial planning, or even personal hobbies. Consistency is key; even small, regular efforts can lead to significant progress over time.

The one thing you’ll also discover by doing this is the power of being able to say: “no”. This is definitely the most important part of your success as well. Not letting others dictate how you use your blocked time.

4. Overcome Procrastination
Procrastination is the enemy of progress. Recognize when you are procrastinating and take steps to overcome it. I’ll go back to the book from Brian Tracy mentioned above. He delves in the importance of eating your ugliest frog first to stop that procrastination.

You’ll have to buy the book to find out what that means – less than twenty dollars: a good investment if you ask me!

5. Seek Accountability
Share your goals with someone you trust. Accountability partners can provide the motivation and support you need to stay on track. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a family member, having someone to encourage you can make a significant difference.

In my case, it’s my wife — or the VP of my business. You have no idea what an Army Officers wife can do; they’re probably as scary as any Chief Warrant Officer! Anyone with military experience will tell you to never annoy, exasperate or get them angry!

The Call to Action: Your Dash Matters

As you reflect on the dash that will someday represent your life, ask yourself how you want to fill it? What goals and dreams do you want to chase? What legacy do you want to leave? The time to act is now.

Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment because, most of the times, it just never comes. Start today—take that first step towards your goals and order The Iceberg Effect by Dean Holland.

Another critical aspect to remember is that the dash matters because it is the sum of every choice you make and every action you take. Spend your time wisely, and make each moment count. Whether it’s achieving financial independence, mastering a new skill, or nurturing meaningful relationships, your life is happening now. Seize the moment and make your dash truly significant. As Robin Williams so eloquently said in the movie Dead Poets Society: “Carpe Diem!” (Seize the day!)

So, as we said above, start today by setting one clear, actionable goal. Share it with an accountability partner and commit to taking the first step within the next 24 hours. Time waits for no one—make your dash matter!

Like what you’re reading or have questions? Don’t be shy, write it up in the comments section for me to reply and more importantly, don’t forget to subscribe!

To your success…to our success!