The Exercise That Set the Tone for My Year: "10 Statements"
I want to see your life progress, so I'm going to share an exercise with you that helps me each year - it applies to anyone.
It's called “10 Statements.”
Last year, this process forced me to face some big decisions.
It helped me turn gut feelings into actionable plans.
Some steps were simple but took real discipline. Others were incredibly tough but necessary.
The result? Real progress. And now I work in 6-month intervals with monthly milestones that keep things moving forward.
Step 1: Write Your 10 Statements
Start with a blank page.
Write down 10 statements that reflect your goals. These can be about work, relationships, skills, or habits—whatever is most important to you.
We want these to be goals you would like to achieve this year.
Here’s an example:
- I have a new job.
- I have $XXX saved.
- I have 1,000 YouTube subscribers.
- I know where I’m going to live.
- I am engaged.
One of these statements will stand out.
It’ll feel like the priority. You’ll know it’s the one.
And here’s the thing—achieving that one goal often unlocks others.
Deciding where to live might give you the clarity to focus on a career change. Prioritizing a relationship might lead to big life decisions.
Step 2: Focus on One Goal
Take the ONE statement that feels most important and write it at the top of a new page.
This is your focus.
Let’s say your #1 goal is to move to a different city. You think that’s the priority. It’s the goal that might also lead to progress in other areas—career, health, relationships, etc.
Obviously, moving can be expensive and scary. But that’s why you give yourself a year (or more) to make it happen.
Your next page might look like this:
-
Move to [New City]
- Save $XXX for the transition.
- Set up interviews in the new city.
- Find affordable living arrangements in the new city.
- Give notice on my lease (or sell my house, etc.).
- Sell furniture on marketplace
- ...and so on....
Maybe you can pick up and leave, so this list will look different and focus more on what you do when you get there.
Obviously everyone has a different situation, but you get the idea.
These steps are actionable.
Some will feel simple, like giving a move-out notice on your lease. Others, like saving money or finding a place to live, take more time.
But they’re all achievable when you focus.
Why It Works
This exercise simplifies the chaos.
Instead of juggling a million things, you focus on the one thing that matters most.
The most important part is not chasing other goals. That's why we pick ONE.
Gary Keller (Founder of Keller Williams) said,
"What's the one thing, that by doing so, makes everything else easier or unnecessary."
By committing to that, you create progress and momentum.
So grab a pen. Write your 10 statements. See what jumps out at you.
Then take that first step.
