ENTREPRENEURSHIPWeeks to result

The Importance of Grading Yourself

Grade yourself on what matters

Problem it solves

business growth stalls

Best for

Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to create a business that is aligned with their values and goals

Not ideal for

Businesses that are not self-aware or reflective

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Importance of Grading Yourself is about grading yourself on what matters, rather than just focusing on external metrics or validation. By doing so, you can create a business that is aligned with your values and goals, and achieve long-term success.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Grade yourself on what matters, rather than just focusing on external metrics or validation.
  2. Be self-aware and reflective, and use this self-awareness to inform your decisions.
  3. Focus on creating a business that is aligned with your values and goals.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify What Matters
    Identify what matters to you and your business, and grade yourself on these metrics.
    Pro tipUse your values and goals to inform your decisions.
    WarningDon't just focus on external metrics or validation, as this can lead to a lack of alignment with your values and goals.
  2. Be Self-Aware and Reflective
    Be self-aware and reflective, and use this self-awareness to inform your decisions.
    Pro tipUse journaling, meditation, or other practices to cultivate self-awareness.
    WarningDon't be afraid to confront your weaknesses and areas for improvement, as this can lead to personal growth and development.
  3. Focus on Creating a Business Aligned with Your Values and Goals
    Focus on creating a business that is aligned with your values and goals.
    Pro tipUse your values and goals to inform your decisions, and prioritize creating a business that is authentic and meaningful.
    WarningDon't compromise your values and goals for external validation or metrics, as this can lead to a lack of fulfillment and purpose.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
CD Baby

The author graded himself on what mattered, rather than just focusing on external metrics or validation, creating a business that was aligned with his values and goals.

OutcomeCD Baby became a successful business with a strong reputation in the music industry.
A Personal Blog

A personal blog graded itself on what mattered, rather than just focusing on external metrics or validation, creating a business that was aligned with its values and goals.

OutcomeThe personal blog was able to build a loyal following and achieve long-term success.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not Grading Yourself on What Matters
This can lead to a lack of alignment with your values and goals.
Not Being Self-Aware and Reflective
This can lead to a lack of personal growth and development.
Not Focusing on Creating a Business Aligned with Your Values and Goals
This can lead to a lack of fulfillment and purpose in your business.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author learned this lesson from his experience with CD Baby, where he graded himself on what mattered, rather than just focusing on external metrics or validation.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
Derek Sivers · 2011
Open source →