I have listened to the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill 3 times now and I’m about to start reading it. This book is a must for every investor and should be a stable in any business library. One topic mentioned in the book is an annual self analysis. I feel this is important and I am about to do my first true self analysis. Kinda scary to think I have spent nearly 1/3 of a century on this planet and never once stopped to take a true accounting of myself. 2010 is a golden year for me. Things are already going my way and doing a self analysis is one of them.

I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to post, but I will post the self analysis questions.
1. Have I attained the goal that I established as my objective for the year?
Yes and no. I did not complete my goals, because I did not have definite goals with timelines. On the plus side, I did make those goals this year.

2. Have I delivered the best service of of the best possible quality which I was capable?
No, I didn’t. I slacked off in my job somewhat in the pursuit of real estate. Thats not fair to my employer who is paying me. I decided that I will do better at my job this year and go above my work defined goals. In turn this will translate in better quality work in my own business.

3. Have I delivered service in the greatest possible quantity of which I was capable.
Again, no. I did not fill in available free time at work with other productive tasks. I did menial tasks to pass the time. Again, I will push to go above my work goals.

4. Has my spirit been harmonious and cooperative at all times.
No. While I have been ( my gratitude) of caring to much at work, I certainly have had many moments that were counterproductive to the workplace. Many rants with other coworkers that talk down about the company. This habit is not helpful to anyone. When these conversations come up, I will either try and change the subject or work towards resolving the issue.

5. Has the habit of procrastination decreased my efficiency, and if so, to what extent?
Yes. This is by far my worst habit. It takes me 5 hours to do a 3 hour project because of this nasty habit. I just need to sit down and accomplish my tasks, then kicking back is more relaxed and not procrastination at all.

6. Have I improved my personality, and if so, in what ways?
Yes. I am far more conscientious about my attitude. I am more upbeat and try to have a positive outlook no matter the situation. I am not letting myself concentrate on the negative. In an odd way, it has improved my self confidence as a by product. I have more faith in my ability to accomplish anything I want to.

7. Have I been persistent in following my plans to completion?
Hard to do when I never had solid plans. This year I have made strides into improving my ability to do this. It has improved, but I have ways to go before I can honestly say I complete all my plans.

8. Have I reached decisions promptly and definitely on all occasions?
No, but, I am improving on this. When I went to buy my house last year, I was going to wait for better timing. A good friend gave me some of the best constructive criticism to date. Simply, “Why wait?” Yes, why wait? Whats holding me back, go make it happen. I look at most items this way now. Why wait? No time is ever going to be perfectly right, which makes now the best time to make things happen.

9. Have I permitted one or more of my six basic fear to decrease my efficiency?
Yes I did. In one example, I let the fear of accomplishment and path of real estate from keeping those probate letters on my desk and not in the mail box. Silly I know, but once I mailed them, it was a huge weight off my chest. I guess I feared the calls and the unknown. Odd for me since I have little problem talking to strangers. Yes, fear stalled me on several occasions. I just need to tell myself, that I’m not doing anything irrational that hasn’t been done before.

10. Have I either been over cautious or under cautious?
Yes and yes. The over cautiousness is analysis paralysis. Notice the first 4 letters in analysis. I let that take over. Like many say, “ready, fire, aim”. Over caution stalled me from making decisive goals. Under caution cost me 6k in losses on my rentals this year. (not counting closing costs and down payment). I don’t regret the rentals, in fact I am happy to get such a good lesson at such a low cost. I’m not trailblazing here, and I need to take some solid advice from those in front of me. I heard the advice they gave to me, but did not listen to it.

There are 16 other questions I will answer in the upcoming days. This is just the start.

In other news;
I did not get the winning bid on the house. So be it. There will be more. I likely should have bid higher by 5k. The Realtor stated only one other offer came in at below list. I offered list price. Turned out 4 other offers came in. Shame, she probably cost her seller 5k by not allowing us to rebid. It was 145k with 30k repair. ARV 220k. There will be more and I am in no hurry.

I finally made the postcard for probate to my liking, but for the life of me I cannot get Microsoft publisher to print correctly. I’ll see if others are having the same problem. I’m sure someone has a solution. Bought another 23 leads today. I’m hoping at least 15 will have real property. No calls yet, but I’m sure once I get the postcard in the mail, the phone will start ringing.

Tis all for now.