Chapter 1: Understanding My Journey

I often find myself facing numerous challenges. Intelligence doesn’t come effortlessly to me. Financial privilege isn’t part of my story, and I don’t belong to the 'right' social groups. There’s no metaphorical silver spoon in my mouth. Yet, despite these hurdles, I can confidently say I have achieved success.

At the age of 43, I can reflect on various accomplishments, both influenced by external circumstances and driven by my internal determination.

None of these milestones came without effort. Nothing was simply handed to me. I was never the type of student or employee who grasped concepts immediately; I faced difficulties in learning and processing information.

However, I possess a few strengths that have propelled me forward: relentless perseverance and a strong sense of focus. When necessary, I can immerse myself completely in tasks, a trait that might align with some version of ADHD—though I find humor in that idea.

Another asset I have is the ability to meticulously track my progress. Sometimes, this tracking spans years. When I set a goal, I lean on two key tools: my capability for intense focus and my commitment to monitoring my advancement.

Section 1.1: The Struggles of Progress

At first, it can be disheartening to see minimal progress. However, months later, reviewing my records often reveals small but significant improvements.

Those initial small gains can evolve into more substantial achievements, leading to greater momentum. Over time—sometimes quite a long time—these efforts yield results, and I usually realize my objectives.

I’ve never met my goals within the timelines I initially set, and that’s intentional. I aim for ambitious deadlines, and when I don’t achieve them, I don’t feel defeated. Instead, I simply adjust my timeline and continue my pursuit.

For instance, rather than passing my CISM certification in a month as I had hoped, I accomplished it in seven months—but with a much deeper understanding of information security.

Chapter 2: Strategies for Success

The first video, "How to Make Consistent Progress With Your Goals," offers insights on maintaining momentum towards your aspirations.

The second video, "3 Easy Ways to Track Your Progress Towards Goals | August Goals Wrap Up," shares practical methods for effectively monitoring your advancement.