Progress, Goals, and the Power of Routine

"Consistency and values create routines that build purpose" - Iñaki de la Parra

This piece comes from many deep and meaningful conversations with one of the most inspiring people I know and a close friend, Mateusz. His questions, insights, and honest challenges have encouraged me to open up here on Substack, to dig deeper into life, business, finance, and family, and to recognize how deeply connected they all are. Mateusz’s sincerity, drive, and intelligence have been a true source of inspiration, reminding me to keep looking inward and to keep finding ways to grow and improve.

I’ve also had to face the frustration that comes when family or team members don’t reach the potential I see in them. Sometimes, it feels like we’re speaking different languages, with me seeing possibilities that they might not yet envision. As someone who naturally believes in others’ abilities, it’s hard when they don’t see or act on what I think is possible. But I’m learning that this journey isn’t about being “right.” It’s about accepting that everyone grows in their own time, at their own pace, and trusting that they’ll get there when they’re ready. This is as much a part of my journey as it is theirs.

I’m dedicating this to those of us who set high expectations, seek growth, value family, and love endurance sports. I know firsthand that a strong drive can lead to success—whatever that means for each of us—but too much of it can sometimes work against us, especially with the people we care about most. That’s why I’m committed to grounding myself in my values and surrounding myself with the right people, systems, tools, and steps.

My approach is simple: know where I am, set goals for where I want to go, manage my expectations, and allow for surprises—both good and bad. Strategy is key, but taking action, learning, and improving? That’s everything.

Values & Principles:

My principles guide me in choosing strategies that align with my strengths—not only to enjoy life but also to manage risk and keep my goals realistic. It’s about living the life I want right now. This means having a clear understanding of my values, strengths, and resources—financial, human, and intellectual. This clarity helps me make decisions, build on others’ expertise, and deepen the areas where I already excel.

People:

Building a strong support system has been essential to my growth and sense of direction. The people I surround myself with—from mentors to close friends—challenge, support, and inspire me to become better, both in my personal and professional life. Here’s how each part of this network shapes my journey:

• Mentors-Coaches: I seek guidance from experienced people, choosing mentors who can support me over decades—those who have walked a similar path and emerged in a way I aspire to. It’s a kind of positive mimetic desire. They help keep me on track, providing valuable advice, feedback, and perspectives. It’s usually not what I want to hear, but it’s what’s best for me and those I care about.

• Accountability Partners: I regularly check in with others—whether family, close friends, or professionals from diverse fields I value. A supportive network that provides honest feedback keeps me focused and helps me grow into a better version of myself.

• Supportive Network: I enjoy connecting with select people who uplift me beyond just mentors and accountability partners. Being part of the endurance sports community has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve cultivated meaningful business relationships prioritizing purpose over profit. I believe it’s essential to build and nurture these kinds of connections intentionally.

Processes, Systems, Tools & Metrics:

Maintaining focus and tracking progress are essential parts of my approach to life and work. With clear goals, structured routines, and effective tools, I’ve built a system to keep moving forward steadily and purposefully. Here’s how I approach this:

• Measure Progress: I regularly evaluate my progress, using Notion to stay organized. Once a month, I check in to ensure I’m on track with my next 100 days. I am not the kind of person who changes plans constantly; I’d rather set the goal and the plan for 1,500 days with a decade approach. Below, I’ll show you my latest update in Notion (screenshots below), though I’ve kept a few priorities private (shown as blank or 'erased').

• Goals: I set realistic targets and review them every 100 days, quarterly, and yearly. My approach to goal setting is inspired by the four-year Olympic cycle, with a focus on mid-term goals spanning about 1,500 days, followed by decade-long periods for true, lasting change. I often underestimate what can be accomplished in a decade, but this long-term perspective is powerful, especially for building human, intellectual, and financial capital. For execution, I break goals down into 100-day chunks, keeping my focus clear and actionable.

• Time Management: I use my iPhone calendar to prioritize my time and stay organized. I prefer a routine, so my weeks and days follow a consistent pattern, minimizing travel whenever possible. This approach lets me steadily focus on my top priorities: family, business, and sports/health. I also build in a midweek recharge—typically on Wednesdays—starting my business obligations later to enjoy extra time for writing, reading, or a longer workout, especially in spring and summer.

Here comes the part I was sweating to share, but hey, better to be transparent than to fake perfection!

After sharing more here than I ever thought I’d feel comfortable with, I realize that life isn’t about always being “right” or trying to “win.” It’s about responsibility and staying true to the principles, values, and systems that define who I am and who I want to become. Trusting in these anchors keeps me grounded, and in that trust, I find a quiet joy, a sense of fulfillment that isn’t tied to outcomes. Real contentment, I see now, comes from being fully present, from living and appreciating each moment—even as I help others find their paths.

For me, the hardest part has been learning to think less and live more—to lean on trust rather than over-analysis, and to believe that each choice I make in line with my values is enough. This, I’m finding, is what it means to be content: to live with responsibility, joy, and openness, trusting in the life I’m building and fully embracing the slow, beautiful process of simply living.

I’m still digging for this myself, getting closer with each step but still working to reach it. This journey toward true contentment is ongoing, and I’m learning along the way.

I hope that, after reading this, you take a moment to reflect on what anchors you. May you find the freedom to think a little less, trust a little more, and enjoy each step of your own journey. I wish you the kind of contentment that comes from living in alignment with who you are and the quiet joy of embracing life’s process, one day at a time.