Today will be a win when is a framework I use often but mostly when I’m feeling less than 100%. I hope to share the same with you so that you may find some value in this as I have.

Its pretty simple. It works like this:

Take out a sheet of notebook paper or notes your phone, write:

Today will be a win when

- (Insert task that if you accomplish it would make you consider the day a win)

etc..

This can be used for as many items as you like. Although it can be used as a task list but I prefer to use it as a source of motivation. A way of stacking wins. I find often when I complete the first task it gives me power, drive and energy to keep the momentum going.

As the captain of your life you create the conditions that will advance your position amidst even the most catastrophic storm.

This framework is magic because victory is clearly defined, executing on this you can’t have a losing day. You also can’t have a ZERO day. Even on my worst days when I take my morning to write this down I find the perceived effort to persevere through said desired accomplishment to be far reduced. Removing the unknown and giving myself an anchor point of what to focus on has helped me move faster towards getting what I want out of life.

Zero Days

Any of the software developers out there likely know this concept as it explains how hackers attack a vulnerability in a system. The term Zero Days comes from the fact that the system vulnerability has just recently been discovered and therefore the developer has “zero days” to address it before hackers begin to attack the system.

I apply this concept to my life and business everyday using the “Today will be a win when” framework. The system is my life, my goals, my business and the hackers are my competitors.

The concept of a zero day in this context is that with every challenge, every setback, every crisis, every time there is a vulnerability in the system, there is a dip in performance, the system goes offline as the architect of the system attempts to resolve the weakness. You are the architect of your system. Others will attempt to breach your system and it is your paramount responsibility to ensure that security is up to code, you have a plan to overcome vulnerabilities and bugs get fixed on time. Do not let your system go offline. No Zero Days.

Right the Ship

Those that have a focused plan to right the ship will continue to perform better and reach their destination quicker. Those that stay on course when the waters are tranquil and the winds are at their backs are able to compete with at the top. How do they respond when a storm rolls in?

Why this is so powerful is not only due to the momentum you’re able to generate which will keep you in forward motion but also because with no zero days you get a lot more done by making some kind of progress each day. Daily deposits in the piggy bank rather than lump sums so to speak. Extrapolate this over a long enough time horizon and the compound interest of your labors will be the difference maker that separates you from the rest.

Anybody can train when they feel good, are well rested, and feel motivated.

Any business can thrive when the conditions are favorable.

The difference is made up in times of struggle not when all is well and good.

Using the Today will be a win when framework has helped me perform at a higher level even on the days/weeks/months where the conditions are undesirable.

Cleveland, Ohio

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