2024 Goals – January Review

2024 Goals – January Review

If you are new around here, I have been intentional in setting goals at the beginning of the year (typically 5) and post-follow-ups at the end of each month, tracking progress. I do this for a few reasons, really, but the ones I want to highlight here are my own personal need to achieve them and setting a template for others to potentially follow.

To that end, let’s look at the 2024 goals I’ve established, and we are reviewing the progress for January. They are:

1. Continue to post bi-monthly articles
2. Continue to release weekly Podcast episodes
3. Expand the brand
4. Write extensively on leadership
5. Expand my book review series

2024 Goals January Review – Continue To Post Bimonthly Articles

Building and maintaining consistency – two articles a month

I have been doing this for over two years now, and I’m all about continuing the cadence. Achieving this goal has enabled me to start – and maintain – a weekly release of podcast episodes – more on that later. I wanted to be sure I could post articles and do podcast episodes, and I believe I have found the optimal schedule.

What’s more, the podcast is an extension of this website, so neglecting to consistently post looks unprofessional. And with a recent facelift on the site – dark mode that’s easier on the eyes – I want to continue tweaking things. Now that I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of video recording and editing, I’d also look for increased use of videos on the articles posted. Continued tweaking – that’s what I’d say it is.

This goal is a mainstay for the 3rd year in a row.

So, how am I doing so far, only one month into 2024?

Given that this year is a year to explore leadership – and I want to increase book reviews – the list of potential articles is rather deep. Already, I’ve been working on several articles at once, and this year should be a continuation of the last couple.

My latest article, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Personal Growth, was published and is a robust review of what I think is one of the best books you can read – AND it should be on everyone’s shelf, too. Start out the new year with new goals, track them with me, and surprise everyone with the end result.

2024 Goals January Review – Continue to Release Weekly Podcast Episodes

“You should start a podcast.” Something I’ve heard NUMEROUS times

I finally started the podcast in December – a milestone for us here at The Wealthy Ironworker. While last year the goal was to start it, this year it’s to continue with a release date of at least one a week – maybe (probably)  more as time allows. I have so many topics, series, potential guests, and ideas to carry it through the year FOR SURE.

You may notice an increase in the quality of the episodes – a natural outcome as we continue to gain experience. There is a tremendous learning curve, but there comes a point when we just need to jump in and start swimming. It has been like drinking from a firehose with all the changes in 2023. Things will only get better, though, and you will see more polished content as the year goes on.

You can find the audio podcasts here, and the video podcast page is located here. Likewise, you can also listen/watch on Spotify, iTunes, IHeart Radio, YouTube or Rumble if that is your cup of tea, too. I have a Twitter handle, and eventually will drop podcast episodes there but I have yet to really build it up.

So, how are things with this goal?

Well, at the time this article was published, I have 8 – 6 in the regular order and 2 BONUS EPISODES. The BONUS ones are shorter, and their intent is a bit different than those you’d normally consider in a series or season. What’s more, I have PLENTY to talk about – solo as well as with guests and spotlights – so 2024 is going to be a promising one, for sure.

Stay tuned, subscribe wherever you consume content – and drop by the contact page if there is something you believe worthy to explore.

2024 Goals January Review – Expand the Brand

2024  – it’s time to be more intentional about this

February 2018 – that’s when I started this website. So, for almost 6 years, this brand has grown organically – with NO promotion or intentional promoting. During that time, this website has reached thousands, as I’ve spoken with Ph.D. candidates, authors (I have a small feature in a book rolling out in April 2024), journeymen in the field, business owners – all through a fairly organic process. I wanted to establish consistency. I needed to be relevant. I needed to be dependable. I had to expand into the podcast space.

With that as the foundation, 2024 is the year we are more intentional about expanding things. We are on Twitter, YouTube, Rumble, Facebook, Instagram (yes, I was convinced to start a page), LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple iTunes, and IHeart Radio – and I’m open to the possibility of even more if it makes sense. Whether it’s videos (shorts and full episodes), business cards with a QR code taking you right to the Podcast page on the website, or rocking my own merch – it’s time to get busy.

So, what does this goal look like now that January is in the rearview mirror?

I’m glad you asked.

Starting out, I want to drop more podcast episodes to create dependability in the space. Since I’m new to the game – and I will continually get better with recording, posting, editing, etc., I want a little more experience before I go full blast.

I have taken small steps, though, in pursuit of achieving this goal. Things like wearing my merchandise more, expanding the footprint on various social media platforms, telling others more frequently – and this all contributes to the build-up.

In the end, it will be the content that carries this through, and I’m looking forward to seeing 2024 and all that is in store. This is THE year to grow things substantially. I’m really looking forward to it.

2024 Goals January Review – Write Extensively On Leadership

2024 – the year we thoroughly explore Leadership

While 2023 became the year of the budget, this year (and maybe the next, too) is reserved for Leadership.

Why?

For a few reasons, really. First, when planning out the year, I wanted something that was not only substantive but also comprehensive; that is to say, I wanted an area of focus. Leadership has been on my mind for a while now (more on that in the articles to come), and I want to expand on The 4 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. I believe what I wrote – I just want to flesh out the remaining leadership traits as they relate to or stem from those 4 qualities.

Secondly, I plan on writing this in my own style and experience – backed up with data wherever possible. Moreover, I don’t want to lean too heavily on other authorities, either. Instead, I want to take a unique look at leadership from two distinct perspectives; from the skilled trades point of view and whether my model is the best one for a more practical and task-oriented approach.

Third, I have a robust list of people I’d like to have on the podcast, and I want to capitalize on the time I have with them. If I am working on leadership, then the topic is front a center. I’m looking forward to some really good discussions. And based on how those discussions go, I expect I’ll tweak some articles as a result of substantive dialog.

Something else worth noting is while I hope to post extensively about leadership, I would expect a mixture of both podcast episodes and articles.

What does 2024 look like overall with January in the wings?

I’ve purchased or will buy several leadership books, with the intent of broadening my perspective and understanding. A multitude of perspectives helps inform your opinion – and leadership is no different.

For example, I have two books by John Maxwell to review – “The 5 Levels of Leadership” and “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” I am looking forward to reading them both; the latter being one of the most-read books on leadership out there.

I’ve also been thinking about “Start With Why,” by Simon Sinek, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen Covey,  “Extreme Ownership,” by Jocko Willink and Lief Babin, “Dare to Lead,” by Brene Brown, and more.

What’s more, there are more academic authors too. The three that immediately come to my mind are Barry Posner, James Konzes, and the juggernaut in the space – Peter Northouse.

I want to expand what I read, who wrote it, and deepen my understanding to then broaden the application to the skilled trades.

In any case, the first of many articles will be The Art of Intentionality. I’ve been working on it and hope to complete it soon.

2024 Goals January Review – Expand my Book Review Series

Reading is one of the greatest joys we have

I enjoy writing – I wouldn’t have stuck it out this long on the website if I didn’t. Additionally, I enjoy reading, too. It would seem, though, that there are a lot of people who don’t. Or, perhaps, they just can’t. Consider this from Literacy Inc:

“50% of U.S. adults are unable to read an eighth grade level book. 33% of U.S. high school graduates never read a book after high school. 80% of U.S. families have not purchased a book this year. 50% of books started are never read to completion.”

Then there is this nugget:

“Statistically two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. Students who don’t read proficiently by the third grade are four times likelier to drop out of school.”

As far as I’m concerned, those stats are a travesty. And while I cannot change anyone’s operating status, maybe I can inspire some through the pursuit of and achieving results in what I do – and that also includes reading good books.

Now, compare the above to this tidbit found on Medium:

“In the book “Me We Do Be: The Four Cornerstones of Success,” socio-economist Randall Bell says, “Those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 percent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three books.”

Well, this month saw The 15 Invaluable Laws of Personal Growth, dropped already, with several more in the wings. IF I read and review the books I want, 2024 will be an interesting year, here.

Stay tuned for more – and the next likely book review will be The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

Conclusion

Even good articles have to end sometime

January 2024 is starting off strong. Subscribe for monthly progress emails here at the website and on whatever platform you consume content, whether it’s YouTube, Rumble, Spotify, iTunes, etc. or wherever else you listen – and I encourage you to set your own goals and pursue their achievement. Otherwise, you are merely meandering through life, allowing it to simply happen to you. Maybe that’s you reading this, today. It could be you are tired of the status quo, feel the need to change, and are willing to pursue – but do not know where to start.

Wherever you are – or find yourself in these turbulent times – start by setting some goals and pursuing them, periodically evaluating where you are, and making necessary adjustments.

So, what are you waiting for? Set some goals and change your life.

2024 Goals January Review Done!