Start Date: 22 February 2010
Mid-Point: 8 April 2010
End Date: 23 May 2010

Business

Goals

Build 200 quality back _link_s for each client
-Optimize and attract traffic to sites/blogs
-Contact 5 webmasters a week for _link_ requests

Streamline SEO processes to reduce time
-Cut writing project management time in half
-Read SEO Made Simple, take notes and discuss with team
-Time block all work activities and review for 10 minutes at end of day

Build and Blog management
-Research trackbacks, automated pings, RSS feed
-Read Blogging for Dummies, take notes and discuss with team

Seek out one new client for Grossi Web
-Attend 2 networking events a month
-Register for Small Business Association

Organization work station
-Reorganize all document and computer files
-Be completely ready to begin work NLT 0930 on weekdays


Exercise

Main goal: Improve overall strength, flexibility, stamina, and physical appearance

Consistently attend CrossFit and Yoga
-Join CrossFit Facebook group, create profile on CFOTM website, regularly comment on blog
-Start workday by 0930 to be able to leave by 1830
-Compete in CrossFit competition
-Refine Tuesday and Tuesday and Thursday schedule to ensure yoga attendance

Lose 15 pounds by game completion
-Game Day 1: measure weight, waistline, and body fat percentage
-Measure progress in all areas on designated day (every Monday)
-Set up training schedule and keep training log

Complete 15 consecutive unassisted pull-ups
-Learn kipping technique
-Set aside 15 minutes each workday for mini-workout

Run Fallen Heroes 10K – 10 April 2010
-Find running partners
-Morning runs 3x a week, 1 run on weekends

Take Bikram Yoga Class
-Talk to Stefano about class location, time, price, sign-up

Participate in Soccer League
-Get spikes and shin guards


Health

Follow Paleolithic Diet
-Set aside time on weekend for shopping for entire week
-Allow one semi-cheat day per week (healthy grains allowed, no junk food)
-Keep food log everyday

Take vitamins and supplements daily
-Get pill organizers and stock it every week (both at home and office)

Stay free of alcohol, tobacco, excessive caffeine, and other impurities for entire duration of game
-Let friends know about plans to make sure I stick to goal
-Sticking to diet and exercise plans will coincide with success in this goal


Relationships

Goals
Increase communication with friends and family
-Write 2 letters a week to friends and loved ones
-Send Maggie gift, books, art supplies, etc.

Dedicate time to family
-Take Mom and Nana to dinner and special event once a month

Dating
-Ask at least one girl out a week
-Expand social network to meet new people
-Be yourself


Community

Goals
Participate in a regular volunteer event on weekends
-Research volunteer opportunities Week 1
-Decide and sign up for volunteering by Week 2

Visit Cameron’s Creativity Center
-See if there is a way to participate in events, classes, etc.


Finance

Goals
Develop comprehensive monthly and weekly budget
-Create spreadsheet to track income, spending, and investment
-Review bank statements weekly and find areas to improve spending habits

Eliminate unnecessary and wasteful spending
-Set aside grocery budget
-Significantly limit money spent on restaurants, bars, and other unnecessary expenses

Refine savings, investment, and retirement strategies
-Read The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
-Talk to Bryan, Kyle, Stefano, Dad about investment strategies

Develop a respectable wardrobe
-Seek council of highly stylish people
-Set aside time for shopping with Dot

Invest in money in useful personal items
-Research Smart Phone prices and plans
-Purchase needed furniture items

One-Year Plan
-Living situation
-Travel plans


Education

Goals
Improve typing speed
-Obtain typing game program
-Devote 15 minutes a day to using program

CPR certification
-Sign up for 1-day CPR and first aid course

Business

In the business aspect of the game, I want to focus on structure, organization, time management, and task completion speed. One big thing to accomplish is developing a daily schedule where I am ready to begin work no later than 0930, which means getting to work 15 or 30 minutes before then to tie up loose ends and get myself prepared for the day.

The overall themes of my specific business goals are: Learning, Consistency, and Creativity. I want to be constantly learning about my area of work and work on basic skills that will help me be more efficient day-to-day, such as typing, familiarization with computer and internet, etc. For consistency, time blocking and being at work prompt and ready to go the same day will make me more productive. As for creativity, I want to be more proactive in implementing new ideas that I learn, sharing feedback with coworkers, and actively seeking out networking opportunities. I also want to get better at professional interaction.

Relationships

With relationships, I feel like I have strong relationships with my family and friends, and I want to continue to nurture these by setting aside time for special activities, especially with my mom and grandmother. Once a month, I want to take them to a special event. Also, I want to expand my horizons and meet new people. I plan on doing this by increasing my community involvement through volunteering and seeking out new people, places, and things to do. My goal is to get out of my comfort zone once a week.

Dating is another big area that I want to make some advances – no pun intended. I need to be more proactive in meeting new people and getting dates. Also, some of the other areas of my game tie into this, such as diet and exercise- as well as investing in nice clothes. I think that my appearance is one area that I need to put more effort into- both in my personal and professional life.

Body and Health

Again, consistency is the name of the game. Over the past few months since I have finished school, I feel I have been making steady improvements, but I know I can do so much more to get back into shape because I have been following a “two steps forward, one step back” approach. I need to away from all or nothing habits, and use journaling and the buddy system to make sure I am doing an hour of exercise 6 days a week. I have great opportunities to attend yoga, CrossFit, and other physical activities so my exercise habits will be fresh and exciting.

Education

For education, I want to read books, but really focus on applying what I learn right away. There are books I want to read for each game category that will give me great information, but I want to get better at using it. Immediately acting on what I learn is very important.

Finance

Looking back throughout my life, I have admittedly not been the best handler of my money. While in school, I was bringing in a small income and had support from my family for large expenses. I would work for my money, but up until recently I didn’t put much thought into “making my money work for me.” But, as I learn more about investment and savings, I’ve come to realize that learning how to handle money responsibly and wisely leads to personal empowerment, more freedom, and peace of mind. Not just from having money saved up for a rainy day, but from the knowledge that you have the skills and discipline to make the most out of what you have.

My goals for money management focus on both short-term and long-term budgeting. Right now, I’m pretty good about not blowing large amounts of cash on impulsive purchases, but I really need to reduce the amount of small expenses. For example, I sometimes buy coffee in the morning when I can just make a cup at the office. I waste way too much money day-to-day that can be used for more important things or put in savings. All in all, I want to flip my spending habits- cut down on wasteful spending and save up for bigger purchases that will serve a useful purpose in other areas of my life. Reviewing my spending habits, creating a budget, and holding myself accountable will enable me to accomplish these goals.

Hi Mike,

Glad to have you on board the True Allies squad. Looking forward to seeing you grow and progress. Your game is very exciting indeed.

Be Great,

Stefano

Mike-
this is very impressive! great to have you on the team and looking forward to seing you grow as a human being and stretching to reach your super-human potential that you posses. peace, Michaelj

Day 24 Journal

The game is a great experience. In the past three weeks I have been focused and motivated. Also, I find that it is no longer easy to make excuses for myself, which is great. The added pressure of the game scenario can be stressful, but it's a good stress. My "shoulds" are becoming "musts."

More guidance on weekends is needed in my game. I find myself slipping a little. This may just be because I went on a vacation two weekends ago and had a very unstructured weekend a few days ago. Anyhow, I am guarding against losing focus by setting weekly goals that I only have time to do on Sat. and Sun. My first is to do an in-depth recap of all parts of my game.

I am incorporating journaling on the forum into my daily goals. I want to take time at the end of each day to organize my thoughts and share them with the rest of the team.

Hello teammates!

It was a great weekend here in Atlanta! The beautiful weather was perfect for running my 10K on Saturday morning. The race was held on Lake Lanier just north of the city, and the course was awesome, following the waterfront for the beginning and end with a nice section cutting through the woods in the middle. I was satisfied with my overall result - 54 min 06 sec. Not the fastest time in the world, but I felt really good throughout the whole race and it really left me wanting to push myself more. The Peachtree Roadrace (another 10K) is being held July 4th - gonna see if I can drop some serious minutes from my time! My goal is sub-45 minutes. Time to raise the bar! To accomplish this, I need to better organize my training schedule and make sure I'm getting the most out of every workout.

Aside from enjoying the run, the race was also very inspiring and motivating. It was put on in honor of the Fallen Heroes of Georgia, the troops who have lost their lives in combat over the recent years. Learning about the sacrifices mad by young men and women really makes you open your eyes and put things in perspective. Next time I am feeling sorry for myself or complaining about some trivial b.s., I will be sure to remember their dedication and selflessness. We have it pretty good and owe so much to people who put their lives on the line and ask for little in return. The least I can do is live life to the fullest with no excuses and no regrets.

Hope everybody has a great week! Talk to you on the call tomorrow.