Tracking Strategic Goals & Milestones

This week was a win. I finally started moving on the big projects I’ve been sitting on, even diving into some AI tools to help build out new functionality for this site. There is plenty more to come on the tech side, but first, I want to pull back the curtain on my goals for the month and the progress I’ve made.

The Big Picture

I’ll be honest: I have a "tall order" on my plate. My overarching goals involve:

1. Law School: Navigating the path to a JD.
2. Coaching: Obtaining a formal certification.
3. Growth: Finishing continuing education while scaling my personal brand.

To keep from burning out, I used AI to help me reverse-engineer these massive goals into shorter, manageable milestones. For March, the focus was all about scoping and preparation.

March Milestones: Mission Accomplished

I’m happy to report that I’ve checked off my March targets and am already leaning into April. Here’s what the groundwork looked like:

• The Law School Pipeline: I’ve initiated the intake process to see if the military will fund my legal education. The initial conversation is set for April. My current focus is preparing a "business case" to show how this degree benefits both my civilian career and my military service.
• The Next Book (The Edge Framework): I’ve completed the outline for my next book. It focuses on the Pillar of Self. In my mind, life is supported by three pillars: Self, Relationships, and Career. If you don’t take care of yourself, you simply aren't at 100% for the other two. Self-care isn't a luxury; it’s the foundation.
• Radical Accountability: Staying honest through these posts. If it sounds familiar, that’s because it works. Consistency is the only way to stay aligned with the vision.

Learning the New Landscape

Beyond the "to-do" list, I’ve started a course on Managing AI Projects. It’s a fascinating shift from traditional Agile or Waterfall methodologies. In this new era, we have to treat AI projects as data projects. The golden rule? Garbage in = Garbage out. If your data is messy, your results will be too.

Why You are Your Own Bottleneck (And How to Fix It)

We’ve all heard the cliché: "You can’t pour from an empty cup." It’s a nice sentiment, but in the high-stakes world of career building, military service, and maintaining a family, it often feels like a luxury we can't afford. We tell ourselves we’ll focus on "self" once the promotion comes, once the degree is finished, or once the kids are older.

In my upcoming book, I’m challenging that logic.

The Three Pillars of The Edge Framework

Through my work on The Edge Framework, I’ve identified three major pillars that support a high-performing life:

1. The Pillar of Self (The Foundation)
2. The Pillar of Relationships (Romantic, Family, Social)
3. The Pillar of Career (Your Mission and Income)

Most people focus 90% of their energy on the last two. They grind at work and give what’s left to their families. But here is the hard truth: If the Pillar of Self is crumbling, the other two will eventually collapse.

The Thesis: 100% or Nothing

If you don't take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health, you aren't showing up at 100%. You’re showing up as a fraction of yourself. That means your career gets a tired version of you, and your loved ones get the "leftover" version of you.

The Pillar of Self isn't about spa days or "checking out"—it’s about the radical discipline required to keep your primary engine running. If you want to be the best in your field and the best for your family, you have to start with the person in the mirror.

What’s Next?

I’ve officially finished the outline for this project. Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing insights on how to shore up your own foundation so you can finally stop being the bottleneck in your own success.

Are you building on solid ground, or is your "Self" pillar starting to lean?