How to Measure Your Success

In a letter titled, "Thoughts on Servant Leaders and the Great Outdoors," 2004 National Vice Chief David Dowty wrote:

"...leaders are meant to be authors of great ideas and wild dreams, taking a simple problem and applying a unique form of creativity to imagine the possibilities. As the dream takes shape, a leader must also determine and define for themselves and for their group how success will be measured. If we only defined success as achieved after we had reached and perfected our dreams, no one would ever feel that deep sense of accomplishment. Never knowing the taste of victory can demoralize and dishearten those you serve. Within little goals and aspirations can a group find the will and energy to continue serving their ultimate purpose; it is through those "baby steps" that Mother Nature perfected the natural world and that we will come closer to reaching our own summits."

At a young age this Scout realized that many of us set massive goals, fail, and then fall into a depression that keep us from setting further goals, from trying to be the best we can in all ways.  I learned through managing a martial arts studio that setting huge goals is a way to set yourself up for failure.  Set REALISTIC goals, that require work, but are achievable.  I set the goal to reach 100 students after my first full year of studio management.  I knew this was possible based on my past successes.  I reached that goal by December of that year, a full month early.  I set smaller goals along the way, of course, so that I could celebrate my smaller successes and feel good about my work.  Do you set rewards for reaching your goals?  You need an incentive to be successful.  "When I get an A in Math, I get a Nintendo DS."  Or, "when I reach 100 students, I will take a vacation to Hawaii."  Once you reach that goal you might not even want the prize!  But then it's YOUR choice, because YOU earned it through your hard work, planning, and motivation.

Do yourself a favor and write down your 10 goals for the year.  They can cover any area of your life, from family relationships, school, to Scouting.  Write a time frame for when you want it done (be realistic), and also (most importantly) have a PRIZE!  Review your goals daily, tell others about them, and take consistent action!

See you at the top!

-Brian Colwell