“Most people overestimate what they can do in 1 year and underestimate what they can do in 10.”-Jim Rohn

I get why we set annual goals. There are certain things we want to achieve every year or things that are fully within reason to knock out over a 12 month period. However, a decade is long enough to completely change your life. When I first started my podcast I had a goal of at least 1000 downloads in the first year. I got there, which was amazing. I was shocked to get 100 to be honest. Then I started looking at how many downloads most really successful podcasters had and how long it took them to get there. Here are some interesting numbers about the top podcasters in the business:

• James Altucher 6 years

• Joe Rogan 10 years

• Tim Ferriss 6 years

• Adam Corolla 11 years

• Average Years of all of them 8.25

The same correlation seems to hold true with many of the major influencers and authors I follow. They first came on the scene about a decade ago and are now at mass scale. They are making a great living doing what they love. Another benefit to this time horizon is removing so much of the frantic unreasonable deadline setting. I recently posted a blog titled “Give it 85% Every Time.” In most cases we end up performing at 100% of our ability if we remove the pressure of pushing for 100%. I think the same holds true here.

If you are able to push toward a goal hoping to move at least enough to be at whatever you deem to be your “attainment of goal” level a few points per day you will in fact do far more in that 10 years than you ever imagined. You put a timeframe in place that will benefit from compounding as well. Invest $1000 today and take it out in 2 years and you have shorted the compounding effect. So it goes with life and learning and achievement.

Lastly, a ten year timeline helps you enjoy the journey more. While I still battle anxiety about all the things I want to achieve with my writing, speaking and coaching I stop and realize it’s a journey. I’m having a blast figuring it out as I go. I hope you will, too.

You rule!

Jason