Comments on: Why Focus on the Numbers?

By: Fetu

Fetu — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:02:54 +0000

I like annual total numbers. It it is very interesting and educational to watch the change over the many years of my life.

By: Shalini Bahl

Shalini Bahl — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:21:55 +0000

Numbers…hmmm…I was always 1st in school and college…reached higher turnovers than expected….highest salary as a PhD graduate in my school…higher attendance in workshops organized than anticipated. Were these outcomes of goals executed well or my goals? The former. I always found numbers to be distractions, but found them useful to learn from so I can improve my execution next time. Perhaps, it has to do with different personality types and what motivates us may differ across people.

By: Tai Yuni

Tai Yuni — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:32:24 +0000

Thank you for this Chris, your blog posts are always very inspiring and motivating. I certainly agree with both you and Hugh that numbers help put things in perspective and better define personal goals.

By: Hugh

Hugh — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:41:09 +0000

Numbers make your goals specific. In some cases, without numbers, how would we know when we attain our goals? Setting a goal such as traveling to as many countries as I can isn’t specific enough to be motivating or achieved. When do you know you reach your goal? That’s why the numbers matter. Not always, but often.

By: Darshan Chande

Darshan Chande — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:24:24 +0000

Yeah, certainly, the numbers are very important. As it seems to me we can’t possibly be free of numbers anyway as long as we have got working brains. And there’s nothing harmful about the numbers, unless one gets overly obsessed with them. It’s to be understood that numbers are an excellent tool of measurement, quantification; but it’s important to have enough mindfulness to not let numbers take control of one’s mind.

By: Trackback from The Simple Dollar

Trackback from The Simple Dollar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:01:34 +0000

[...] Why Focus on the Numbers? I really like using numbers to express the specifics of a goal. It gives me a metric for success. Of course, it doesn’t mean much if the number itself doesn’t represent something worthwhile. An example: setting a goal of a number of hours of piano practice provides the real accomplishment of becoming a better piano player. Setting a goal of a number of hours of exercise provides the real accomplishment of being in better shape. (@ the art of nonconformity) [...]

By: Trackback from The Sixthman Blog

Trackback from The Sixthman Blog — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:44:25 +0000

[...] – maybe even create some friendly competition? I was reading Chris Guillebeau’s blog, Why Focus on the Numbers, and it got me thinking about, you guessed it, numbers, and how they are important to [...]

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:22:13 +0000

I think that you definately need a purpose too when travelling. Whatever it is for example, eating the best fish or drinking different wine in each wine producing nation. Purpose is what makes our soul feel great!

By: EarthGipsy

EarthGipsy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:32:48 +0000

Agree, agree, agree…need goals, focus, accountability and to be able to measure achievement.

By: Hannah

Hannah — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:52:09 +0000

Great post, Chris Being specific is less stressful and more satisfying. Otherwise a target or goal just feels abstract and unachievable. Good luck with the last 49!