Long-term success is built upon vision, discipline, hard work, innovation, consistency and self-reinvention. Some people seem to be naturally driven and clear. I don't fall into that category, and neither do many of my clients. I know what I have to do to be successful, but doing it all the time isn't easy.

Even with coaching support, how can I provide a system and structure that facilitate "keeping on the rails" to my vision? To help, I've developed a self-evaluation tool designed to check in, measure progress, inform action, and help me stick to my plan. It's a customized weekly review.

I use it myself, and I've introduced it to my clients as a way to be their own coach in between our coaching sessions. Here's how to customize one for you:

	Week-Ending
Dimension	04/03	04/10	04/17	04/24
Networking	5	7	8	8
Speaking	3	4	4	6
Only Have Good Days	6	7	9	8
Continuous Learning	5	5	6	7
Delivering Value	7	8	9	9
Infrastructure	5	6	6	7
Publishing	4	6	6	6
Total	35	44	48	51
Average	5.0	6.3	6.9	7.3

1. Start by developing the dimensions on which you will measure yourself. My dimensions include:
   • Networking: sales initiatives, referrals, pipeline development, marketing plan, etc.
   • Speaking: getting assignments, generating excitement, sharing content, etc.
   • All good days: consistency in delivery and development.
   • Continuous Learning: training/education, reading program, peer coaching, etc.
   • Delivering Value: exceeding client expectations
   • Infrastructure: accounting, technical support, travel agent, scheduling, building/grounds, etc.
   • Publishing: magazine and newsletter articles, books, client newsletters, etc.
2. Develop a grid for tracking. A simple spreadsheet with space to write in your rating works fine, and I recommend an associated graph to make your progress visual.
3. Rate yourself on a 1-10 scale periodically-once a week, or as often as you need it. Track progress by calculating your total and your average. A sample grid for several recent weeks is included to the left.
4. Develop action plans to improve your rating for each dimension. My goal is 9.85 or higher on each scale. Be accountable for following up on your actions.

Though the rating is mostly subjective, I developed my key success factors for each dimension to guide my rating. "Number of actions," "percent of actions completed from the plan" and "referrals for the week" determine my network rating. Good days is measured by "percent of actions completed from plan" and "results obtained per day." Make your milestones measurable and take a few steps on the thousand-mile journey each day.

The weekly review has increased my effectiveness, and my income. I've found that it keeps me in touch with the essentials aspects of my business in an urgent and compelling way.

It's simple, once set up, and so quick that I don't mind doing it. I graph my progress, and find the rising line motivates me to further action. Try it! If it works for you, share it with your clients.