[Index: INTRO, Step 1, 1b, 2, 3, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 6b, 7, 8, 9, 9b, 10, 10b, 11, 12]

First Quarter Check-Up

We have finished the first quarter (three steps out of 12) on our journey to workaholic recovery and personal transformation. Now is a good time to ask yourself: How am I doing?

Take a moment to assess whether you are just reading along or really integrating these steps into your life. If you are integrating the steps, how consistently are you doing so? I ask this question because I have not been as faithful to my declarations as I need to be. I have fallen off the wagon one, two… OK, maybe a dozen times over the past month.

There were several times when my addictions got the best of me. I have gotten involved in projects I shouldn’t have because I couldn’t let go of control. I checked my e-mail too many times, worried I was missing something. I allowed distractions when I knew better. I said yes to things I promised myself to say no to. I fussed over small projects when I knew I shouldn’t. I also didn’t spend enough time thinking about big-picture items and giving enough effort to the vital few factors necessary for the major progress I seek.

Here is a self-assessment you can take. Answer “True” or “False” to the questions below.

1. Since I started the 12-step program, I have checked my e-mail less than three times each day.
2. Of the 10 projects I committed to stop doing, I have done none since.
3. I have written down two to three major objectives for each day, and spent 80 percent or more of my time only on those objectives.
4. I have said no to at least five requests I would have said yes to in the past.
5. I have not tolerated the piercing of any boundary I have set.
6. I have calculated my time’s value, and have spent each hour of each day on activities of equal or greater value.
7. I have not let any distraction enter my declared family/personal time.
8. I have stuck 100 percent to my health and fitness plan.
9. I have stayed out of all meetings that were not in alignment with my major objectives.
10. I have not conducted any personal business during productive work hours.
11. I have stayed out of all gossip and negative conversations.
12. I have slept at least seven to eight hours each night.

How’d you do? I’d say if you are on track with two or three objectives, you are doing pretty well and are already starting to experience some great personal transformation. What if you only got one… or struck out completely? It’s exactly why we are pausing to check in here. What’s important is to not let this slippery slope continue.

If you have fallen off the wagon, it’s important to dust yourself off and get back on. It’s a new month and an opportunity for a fresh start. Imagine the big “Reset” button being pushed, and you are starting anew. From today forward, the goal is to say true to all the questions above each day, each week and each month. Every day you get out of bed and your feet hit the floor is a chance to go 12 for 12.

Use this week to get yourself back on track and back into the rhythm of stress-free, high-value productivity. We will continue with Step 4 next week.

Follow Darren behind the scenes of SUCCESS: www.twitter.com/DarrenHardy