In the late 1980s, Jim Carrey was a working comedian in Los Angeles, doing stand-up and small parts. By his own telling, he was broke.
He still believed in what he could do.
So he wrote himself a check for $10 million. He dated it Thanksgiving 1995. On the memo line, he wrote "for acting services rendered."
He carried it in his wallet until the paper wore thin.
Look at what he put on that check.
He named a number, a date, and the work that would earn it.
Nothing on it was vague. He could hold it against the calendar every time he opened his wallet.
By his own account, the $10 million came through just before Thanksgiving 1995, for Dumb and Dumber.
Seeing is believing, the saying goes.
Carrey reversed the order. He believed first, wrote it down, and kept working until he could see it.
He was clear about the limits, too. On Oprah in 1997 he said you can't just visualize and then go eat a sandwich.
What the check teaches leaders
A specific goal trains your attention. Once you know the number and the date, you start noticing which calls to return and which requests to turn down.
Teams work the same way. "Grow the business" scatters effort.
"Close three enterprise accounts by December 15" lets every person measure their own week against it.
Your part is to keep that target visible and to be seen earning it alongside them.
I learned this well during leadership and business development through complex markets working in Abbott Labs Neurosciences, and beyond.
Twelve weeks are left in this year.
Carrey gave himself years, so be honest about what twelve weeks can hold. One finished result can fit.
So can the first real steps toward a 2027 goal, taken now while most people wait for January.
This week: write your own check.
Put a number on it, date it, and add one line naming the work that will earn it.
Date it December 31 if you can finish it this year. If it needs longer, date it in 2027 and start the work before the holidays.
Keep it where you will see it every morning.
If you are leading toward a goal you have not yet put in writing, let's talk.
I have been there. I can help.
It’s been Three Weeks since I announced “Intervals Of Service”, my first book.
I have put my heart and soul into writing this story for interest and benefit to readers
Now FOUR publishers have expressed interest.
It would mean so much if supporting my pre sales book campaign speaks to you by ordering a copy for your own, for your peers, or colleagues and teams.
This let’s publishers know there is support for the idea, and me.
This is only my first book…more to come.
Pre orders are available now. View my campaign + video in this link:
If you are asking where your success can matter now?
I have been there, I can help.
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Make 2026 your best year yet.
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Until next time - keep it great,
-Ronnie
Founder | CEO | Executive Advisor & Coach, MBA, PCC - ICF level
Leader | Advisor | Speaker | Author: Intervals Of Service
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