September 4, 2010 82 Comments

Numbers That Matter

old fire truck The other day, someone told me they were a bit down because their score on a social media site was low. I was quick to point out that the number had no bearing on the outside world. It was just something a site had decided about game dynamics within a single social network. It got me thinking about the numbers that matter, from a business perspective, but then even out into other areas. Here were some numbers I thought might matter more.

Numbers That Matter

  • Number of smiles you caused today.
  • Number of hugs you distributed today.
  • Number of meals you ate with people you love.
  • Number of times you promoted someone else.
  • Number of ways you encouraged others today.
  • Number of times you took a break for yourself.
  • Number of times you ate the right food.
  • Number of glasses of water you drank.
  • Number of dollars you put in a needy hand.
  • Number of opportunities you get to educate people.
  • Number of times you ignore the haters and grow.
  • Number of times you say positive things to yourself.
  • Number of times you say no so you can say yes to the bigger opportunity.

    And You?

    Can you add some numbers that matter in the comments?

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    • http://twitter.com/BruneianDollar Bruneian Dollar

      Number of times you inspire others today
      Number of times you make people laugh
      Number of times you make yourself laugh
      Number of times you love the people around you
      Number of times you love yourself*

      *Literally and figure of speech. We all need that release sometimes. :)

    • http://twitter.com/AronStevenson Aron Stevenson

      As a new dad with a six month old daughter, the numbers that are most important to us are

      Number of oz of milk drunk
      Number of hours slept
      Number of hours spent playing
      Number of stories read
      Number of nappies in stock
      Number of bottles washed
      Number of meals (puréed) frozen
      Number of lbs weight gained
      Number of smiles = Happy baby

    • Anonymous

      Number of times you say ‘Love You’ to your loved ones
      Number of times you ship on time
      Number of times you deliver on time
      Number of times you said ‘Thank You’

    • Anonymous

      Number of times you say ‘Love You’ to your loved ones
      Number of times you ship on time
      Number of times you deliver on time
      Number of times you said ‘Thank You’

    • http://www.esimplestudios.com Gabriele Maidecchi

      Generally speaking:

      Number of times you sit back and think “ok, I did this right”

      I find it extremely important and satisfying to be able to do this at least once a day, and a great way of self-motivating.
      It might be taken for granted but I believe people don’t do this enough, more often ’cause they don’t see the “good” in what they do rather than not doing anything good at all.

    • Anonymous

      I’ll go with, number of times you don’t care what other people think or say, simply because only you know what you’re doing….

    • @patgermelman

      Number of times you took a deep breath.
      Number of times you lightened someone’s burden.
      Number of times you said “I love you.”
      Number of times you enjoyed the sun on your face.
      Number of times you played with a 3-year old.
      Number of times you played with a 9-month old.
      Number of times you get to visit your almost 80-year old mama.
      Number of times you get a reply from a friend on social media.
      I love you guys. You know who you are.

    • http://twitter.com/mazakaro Rahul Gupta

      Nice article :)

    • http://www.kathyhogeveen.com/ Kathy Hogeveen

      Number of blessings you counted
      Number of times you paid it forward
      Number of times you forgave

    • http://twitter.com/togetherwf Susan Smith

      I would say the number of times this article get shared matters because they are numbers we all need to focus on. Excellent article Chris!

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    • http://twitter.com/RoyaleScuderi Royale Scuderi

      Love this! I am going to add:
      Number of times you laugh
      Number of times you choose kindness
      Number of times you feel gratitude for all life has given you

      Thanks Chris for an awesome thought provoking post!

    • http://www.conorneill.com Conor

      What gets measured gets done.

    • commoncents

      Geeze Chris, I’m still working on my ‘Bucket List’”.

      It’s a good list Chris. Keep it sincere. The needy hand part is vitally important and we have to give till it hurts….. always ensure that the needy outstretched hand doesn’t become someones’ pocket.. Also vitally important, is recognizing who the haters are and keeping them in sight but at arms length.
      Love your last comment, Fill your life up with the good stuff and see the bigger picture.

      I think this is good for life………….. The countless times we were a good friend.
      .
      .

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    • http://reallifemadman.wordpress.com Marjorie Clayman

      Wow…Batman liked this post! I think you might be on to something :)

      The only thing I would ad is to take a moment to step away from numbers all together. One of my favorite movies is About A Boy. Hugh Grant’s character talks about how he divides his life up into units. So many units for working out, so many units for having his hair “professionally disheveled.” I think it’s a brilliant synopsis of how many of us live today. We are so involved in work numbers that we have to count to make sure we are taking deep breaths! Yikes.

      Take a moment and just reflect on the numbers of things you have to be grateful for. I guess that would be my addition. Do things without noticing, without tallying. Just enjoy them.

      • http://reallifemadman.wordpress.com Marjorie Clayman

        Oh man…I just noticed I spelled “add” as ad. My job is officially swallowing my poor pidley brain, and Disqus is helping me document the downfall. Aye aye aye.

      • http://reallifemadman.wordpress.com Marjorie Clayman

        Oh man…I just noticed I spelled “add” as ad. My job is officially swallowing my poor pidley brain, and Disqus is helping me document the downfall. Aye aye aye.

    • Anonymous

      This is the best post I have read all week. Thanks for the reminder on what is really important.

    • http://thedailyletter.com Dave Sohnchen

      Thanks for this Chris. I needed to be reminded of the numbers that actually matter, not the ones our culture tells us matter. Here’s one I’d add:

      Number of times you made a decision.

    • http://bladeronner.com Ron Dawson

      I needed this today. I’m writing this in my journal. Thanks Chris.

    • http://bladeronner.com Ron Dawson

      Number of times you spoke to and/or acknowledged God today.
      Number of times you told your kids they were loved.
      Number of times you SHOWED your spouse he/she is loved.
      Number of times you prayed for someone else.
      Number of hours you slept last night (I’m still working on this one. :)

    • http://evelynparham.com/ Evelyn

      Just like someone else has said, “I needed this today.” :)

      In the big scheme of things, numbers are just numbers, they really don’t matter. It is the simple things in that matters most!

      Number of times you call someone out of the blue and make their day.
      Number of times you say a kind word to a stranger.
      Number of times a child with a disability flashes that beautiful smile.
      Number of times you are polite to others, especially the elderly.
      Number of times we love just because….

      Thanks for this post and have a great Saturday!

    • http://twitter.com/MimiMeredith Mimi Meredith

      Look at these amazing comments. I know I’m overly sentimental, but this many voices lifting up so much goodness is making me a little teary as I start my day (I’m in AZ!). I’m going to add this link, because it nurtures the spirit of this. No one counted hugs, or measured outcomes–they just gave them away for free. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE Make sure your sound is on, or you’ll miss one of my favorite songs!

    • Katharine

      Number of times you give thanks to God
      Number of times you follow the promptings of your heart
      Number of times you give not to get
      Number of times your smile brightened someone’s day
      Number of times you let someone else go first
      Number of times of times you inspired
      Number of positive thoughts and words you shared
      Number of times you shared your strength
      Number of times you saw more clearly through your tears
      Number of times you were gentle, kind and loving
      Number of times you marveled at nature
      Number of times you make the most of every, every minute……

    • Scott Golembiewski

      The number of good referrals I give. Read the book “The Referral Engine” by John Jantsch

      Scott Golembiewski
      http://thedealerblog.com

    • http://evelynparham.com/ Evelyn

      I like this, I need to write this down! :)

      • Katharine

        What a kind compliment! I’m glad it meant something to you!

    • Cmciampa

      Well done. Thank you.

    • http://www.rasolved.com R. Anthony Solis

      Great post. When talking business with my colleagues or clients, I often here about the “numbers”. We try and remind each other that all it takes is 1.

      Also, do we know which numbers really matter? After much discussion, we all agree, its the numbers dealing with those inspiring us to do business; is what really counts.

      The minutes spent with our kids, wife and the people in our circle. We’re talking being “fully present” and not just a quick how do you do.

      Thanks Chris. :)

    • Anonymous

      Number of times you hugged your kid.
      Or told your spouse or significant other how much you love them.
      And told a teacher how much you appreciate them.
      Number of times you put the phone down and paid full attention to whomever you are with.
      Number of times you unplugged from the Internet.

      Great post, Chris. Thanks for the reminders!!

      Shelly
      @shellykramer
      http://v3im.com

    • http://www.goshorty.net/ SouthSideShorty

      I loved these, Katharine. And I love your spirit!

      • Katharine

        Thank you so much! I appreciate your taking the time to respond!

    • http://www.goshorty.net/ SouthSideShorty

      Chris, the opportunities to educate and promote, encourage, hug and smiles are absolutely priceless and those are the numbers that really do matter.

    • http://twitter.com/jasoncrouch Jason Crouch

      Chris – This puts things in perspective very quickly. I’m thankful that I learned this lesson relatively early in life. I’m not here on this planet to gain followers, or make as much money as possible. I’m here to help people, and to show my family how much I love them. Period.

      It helps me to consider what my kids will remember about me. Is it my work? If so, I have failed them. If it’s good talks and my unconditional love, I am successful.

    • Mckra1g

      Number of times you stopped to say thank you.

    • http://Cate.TV/ Cate.TV

      Numbers of times you don’t pay attention to the numbers :)

    • Amy

      Number of days you have your health. Just ask someone who doesn’t.

      Amy Parmenter
      TheParmFarm.com

    • Anonymous

      Great post, Chris. And fantastic comments, especially Marjorie’s, which really resonate with me.

      To all this, I add: Number of times you pause to be mindful — to be grateful for being alive.

    • http://twitter.com/penguinasana Megan Keane

      Love the post and the comments it has spurred below. To this list I would add:

      Number of times you made a decision to focus your time and energy on that which matters most to you

    • http://tijuanabecky.livingproof.us Becky

      Number of times you helped someone or said encouraging things to them.

    • http://gregcryns.blogspot.com/ greg_cryns

      The number of pages I read in a non-business book today.

    • http://www.hanifinloyalty.com/ billhanifin

      Chris,

      Like a beer commercial, your post today “don’t get no better than this”. During the last holiday season you posted about how you were keeping the foot on the pedal during the holidays while others might be taking time off. I took issue with that and commented to that effect.

      This post makes clear that there are more important things in life than our twitter follower count, etc.

      As I observe influencers in the market, I sometimes hold my breath to see what views they will express. In my opinion, you have “influenced well” with today’s post.

      Keep working hard, but keep a balance and remember that when the chips are down, it is our families that will still be there with and for us.

      Congratulations!

    • Anonymous

      The number of times my daughter says “aww my mum”

    • EJ Ellis

      Chris,
      You have my ear more than anyone else in social media because you continuously write these kinds of posts that demonstrate the most important business traits of all:

      1. a sincere respect for your responsibility as a leader, and
      2. a commitment to lead humbly with generosity and respect for others.

      For this, I thank you. Have a lovely Labor Day with your family.

      Warmest regards,
      EJ Ellis

    • Tami Heim

      I always appreciate the value you add to my thinking in every post. When one like this comes through the stream, I am especially delighted. Thanks for bringing balance and perspective to the conversation. I am grateful for your leadership in the place and space. Your heart makes a difference. Well done!

    • Tami Heim

      I always appreciate the value you add to my thinking in every post. When one like this comes through the stream, I am especially delighted. Thanks for bringing balance and perspective to the conversation. I am grateful for your leadership in the place and space. Your heart makes a difference. Well done!

    • http://bit.ly/b3dtHS Katie @ SM Workshop

      I love it! This made me smile just reading it, so thanks for sharing! Those are the numbers that count the most. :)

    • http://bit.ly/b3dtHS Katie @ SM Workshop

      I love it! This made me smile just reading it, so thanks for sharing! Those are the numbers that count the most. :)

    • Ferg Devins

      the numbers of your friends and family to give them a quick call to keep in touch voice to voice

    • http://7lavas.com/ Luay Rahil

      I made a commitment few years ago that I will never eat another meal alone, it does wonder to your life, try it.

    • Brenda_xD

      I liked this. And so true!! :)
      Follow me Twitter.com/Brenda_xD
      I’m friendly! :)

    • http://twitter.com/inspiredtrain Jerry Evans

      12. The number of times you should promote others compared to self promotion.

    • Klhansen Str

      Number of times you listened to someone sharing their dreams. (Without criticism.)

      You may never know how a smile, a helping hand, or positive feedback will help someone fly.

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