In 2024, your focus should be on one thing: "Follow Through."

You don't need to completely overhaul the system. You don't need to make it more complicated. You don't need to start from scratch. You simply need to do what you said you would do.

Up until now, it hasn't been due to a lack of desire, ability, time, or money. It has been due to a lack of follow through.

If you can break this endless cycle, without a doubt, you will see the version of yourself that you dream about. But breaking this cycle requires some hard realizations, tough choices, and a commitment to grit and discipline.

So, what's the first step?

Step 1: Do less, but do it better:

Eliminate things in your life that are not currently serving you. I'm not talking about skipping church on Sundays, going to the gym, or having date night with your spouse. I'm referring to the extra TV time you don't need, the energy drinks after 4 PM, or mindlessly scrolling on social media. The first step is often getting rid of unnecessary distractions that prevent you from focusing on what truly matters. If it doesn't contribute to what you said you would do, let it go. Some things should not be eliminated, such as being a good parent or friend, being a strong spiritual leader, or taking care of your health. Do less, but do it better.

Step 2: Redefine Your True Desires

The problem with desires and dreams is that we often get overwhelmed with too many things. The long list of things we want becomes endless and impossible to achieve. We like to talk about all the things we want to do because it makes us feel productive. However, we need to stop talking, sit down, and think about what we truly want. Make a list and narrow it down. You can only do so much. Focus on the highest priority items on your list and remove things that are not true desires but merely sound good. This will clear your mind and allow you to truly own your most desirable dreams.

Step 3: Identify Your Why

Once you have narrowed down your list, identify the reasons why you want to achieve those things. For example, "I want to pay off my debt so that I can be a better parent" or "I want to lose 20 lbs so that I can feel more confident and be a stronger leader." Knowing what you want is not enough; defining why you want it will help you stay committed. It will serve as a daily reminder when things get tough, and you are tempted to make the wrong decision.

Step 4: Take Action

There isn't much more to say about this point. You understand it.

The truth is, you have limited time and capacity. The reason you haven't followed through is that you haven't started yet. To start is to do and to accomplish. Why waste your time starting, stopping, and trying again repeatedly? The more you fail to follow through, the more you start to believe that this is who you are. So, the next time you think about starting something, don't even think about it unless you're truly going to do it. Otherwise, you're wasting your time and depleting your confidence for future follow through.

Every day that you fail to do something you said you would do, you internally reinforce an identity of someone who doesn't follow through. The day you start consistently doing what you said you would do, you begin to build a new identity.

With time, I believe your life will change because you will start to truly believe your own word.

- Ryan Husband, Founder & CEO, LRX