A benchmark is a point of reference by which something can be measured. In surveying, a “bench mark” (two words) is a post or other permanent mark established at a known elevation that is used as the basis for measuring the elevation of other topographical points.
There is one way to ensure success in the future and that is to reduce or eliminate the number of mistakes, poor decisions and failures in your life. Keep in mind that each of these can be very positive for the person who routinely examines their life decisions and actions. The problem is most people don’t. The vast majority of people just truck along not connecting today’s issues or challenges with yesterday’s poor judgment or choices.
Establish benchmarks in your life to guide you consistently toward your goals. Benchmarks can give you a number of critical advantages as you move from one day to the next on your journey. Some of them are:
1. Accountability.
2. Re-commitment.
3. Re-evaluation.
4. Proper direction.
5. A measuring device.
6. Renewed belief.
7. Growing passion.
8. Integrity of purpose.
9. A warning sign. Lofty benefits? Maybe, but essential if you want to achieve any measure of continued future success while enjoying the success you achieve?
A benchmark can be analogous to the road signs while driving on a long distance vacation to an area you have never been. It can also be a warning signal that something is amiss. If you are not careful, you may never make it to your destination. Or you may spend extra hours lost looking for the right road.
Here are a few benchmarks to consider as you begin your career, relationships and life 2008.
1. What are you going to do differently this year to accelerate your progress?
2. What measurement guidelines do you have in place to ensure you are heading in the right direction?
3. What records do you need to keep to ensure you stay on track?
4. To whom can you give permission - to hold you accountable?
5. Do you have a plan B if plan A doesn’t seem to be working?
6. Are you going to spend regular programmed time in reflection and re-evaluation?
7. Do you know where you want to go and WHY?
8. Do you know what you will do when you get there? Let us believe that regularly measuring activity and learning which activities generate the greatest degree of success with the least amount of pain and stress is one of the best ways to ensure that the time and effort you put into your career, business or life will yield outstanding positive outcomes.
