Life is a series of races — some more literal than others. Whether it’s pushing my body to its limits in an Ironman competition or managing my stock portfolio, I’ve found that tracking and measuring every step of the way is the key to achieving success. My journey has taught me that the tools I use, the data I track, and the goals I set are all intertwined in shaping a mindset that thrives on progress. If you want to succeed, the first step is understanding where you are, where you want to go, and how you’ll get there.
For me, that means tracking everything from my cycling wattage to my stock investments, using a variety of tools, and making intentional decisions based on data. Let me take you through my tracking system that keeps me laser-focused, whether it’s in the water, on the bike, or in the stock market.
The Power of a Vision
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of tracking, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This vision will guide your decisions and fuel your motivation. Each year, I create a vision board using Keynote. I compile images, symbols, and words that represent my goals. The power of seeing my aspirations visualized in front of me cannot be understated. It’s a daily reminder of what I’m working toward — from crossing the Ironman finish line to reaching my investment goals.
Alongside the vision board, where I select one key number for each year to achieve. This could be a financial target or a performance metric in my Ironman training, such as a personal best time in the marathon or reaching a specific wattage on the bike. The number becomes my focus, my guiding star. I couple it with an image that motivates me — often from past races or significant moments in my life. This number and image sit on my desk, always reminding me of what I’m striving for.
Tracking My Investments: Portfolio Performance
While many track their fitness goals, fewer people are as diligent about tracking their finances. But just like with training, the more you track, the better your results. I use Portfolio Performance to track my stock investments. It's a detailed and sophisticated tool that allows me to monitor the performance of my portfolio in real-time, measure the impact of specific trades, and make data-driven decisions.
By regularly reviewing my portfolio performance, I can quickly identify which investments are doing well and which aren’t. This helps me to refine my strategy, just as I do in my training. Whether it’s adjusting my asset allocation or rebalancing my stocks, having access to precise data is crucial in making informed decisions. This approach keeps me grounded and prevents emotional investing.
Fitness Tracking: From Smartwatch to Powermeter
When it comes to tracking my fitness, I use a variety of tools to ensure I'm maximizing my potential. A smartwatch is my go-to for tracking daily steps and overall activity levels. The data it provides is essential to making sure I’m hitting my baseline activity goals, such as ensuring I walk 10,000 steps a day or stay on track with my heart rate zones during workouts.
However, for more specific sports performance metrics, I rely on a powermeter on my bike. This device measures the wattage I’m producing during cycling sessions, which is invaluable for gauging my efficiency and pushing my performance. If I’m training for an Ironman, it’s essential that I track my wattage to make sure I’m building power while avoiding overtraining.
All of this data feeds into TrainingPeaks Coaching Edition, where I plan my entire training regimen. The beauty of TrainingPeaks is its ability to synthesize all this data into one clear, actionable format. It helps me track my progress over weeks, months, and even years. Whether it's endurance training for Ironman or preparing for a big investment move, having a clear roadmap to follow is key.
How Data Drives Performance
The best thing about my tracking system is the way it integrates different areas of my life. Tracking isn’t just about fitness or finances; it’s about performance. In my Ironman training, every watt I produce, every step I take, and every calorie burned is recorded and analyzed. These insights allow me to optimize my training and adapt as needed. If my power output drops during a bike ride, I can adjust my effort in real-time to avoid burning out. The same principle applies to my investments. When I see my portfolio isn't performing as expected, I make adjustments to my strategy and pivot where necessary.
This focus on data-driven decisions has been a game-changer. Both in Ironman training and investment management, the numbers tell a story. They reveal patterns, they highlight areas for improvement, and they help me make decisions with confidence. When I finish a race or check my investment report, I don’t just look at the end result. I review the data that led to that point and learn from it, constantly improving for the future.
Achieving Goals with Intentional Tracking
Having tools like Portfolio Performance, TrainingPeaks, and even simple daily reminders from my smartwatch might seem like a lot, but they serve one purpose: progress. The key to hitting big goals is breaking them down into smaller, manageable pieces. If my goal is to cross the Ironman finish line in under 12 hours, I can track my swim, bike, and run times, making adjustments along the way. The same approach works in investing. If my goal is to achieve a 10% return on my portfolio, I track my individual investments and make informed decisions to get closer to that target.
It’s not just about setting the big goal and waiting for it to happen. It's about taking consistent, small actions that align with that goal. Every piece of data, every step, every watt, and every dollar adds up. Whether it's refining my training technique or shifting my investment strategy, the process is just as important as the result.
The Final Push: Staying Focused and Motivated
At the heart of my tracking system is a commitment to staying focused on my goals. Tracking progress isn't always about seeing immediate results. Sometimes, the progress is slow, but with the right systems in place, you're always moving forward. Whether it's crossing the finish line of an Ironman or achieving a financial milestone, having a clear, data-driven strategy allows me to stay motivated.
Tracking systems give me the confidence to know I’m on the right path. They remind me that growth happens when we measure, analyze, and adjust. Whether in fitness or investing, every step — every decision — counts toward the bigger picture.
Final Thoughts
My journey in Ironman and investments is all about data, commitment, and constant progress. By using tools like Portfolio Performance, TrainingPeaks, and Keynote, I ensure that I’m always moving forward. With a clear vision, data-driven decisions, and consistent tracking, I know that success isn’t just a dream; it’s a measurable, achievable goal.
So whether you’re training for an Ironman or striving to meet your investment goals, remember: Success doesn’t happen by chance — it happens by tracking and refining your progress every single day. The results speak for themselves. Keep pushing, keep tracking, and watch your goals come to life. (No paid advertising)
