Traditional Metrics: Track everything, dashboard paralysis, vanity numbers
Purpose-Driven Metrics: 3-5 numbers that actually change decisions
The Reality Check: If a metric doesn't make you act differently, stop tracking it.
Formula: Total Revenue ÷ Actual Hours Worked
Include ALL hours (emails at 9pm count)
Include unpaid admin time
Include "thinking about work" time
Target: $200+ per hour
Red Flag: Under $100/hour means you're a poorly paid employee
What Counts: Complete disconnection - no email, no "quick checks"
Phone on airplane mode
Out-of-office that means it
Someone else handles emergencies (or they wait)
Target: 14+ days per quarter
Red Flag: Less than 7 days = burnout brewing
Formula: Largest Client Revenue ÷ Total Revenue
No single client over 30% of revenue
Top 3 clients under 60% combined
Target: No client > 30%
Red Flag: One client > 50% = you have a job, not a business
Formula: Tasks You Don't Touch ÷ Total Recurring Tasks
Includes fully automated processes
Includes delegated work (if any)
Excludes one-off projects
Target: 60%+ of recurring work
Red Flag: Under 30% = you ARE the business
Formula: Good Work Hours ÷ Total Work Hours
Good Work = energizing, meaningful, aligned with Persona
Soul-Crushing = admin, complaints, work you hate
Target: 70%+ good work
Red Flag: Under 50% = wrong business model
Leads in pipeline vs monthly needs
Danger Zone: Less than 3 months runway
Months of expenses in bank
Danger Zone: Less than 3 months
Actual hours vs quoted hours on projects
Danger Zone: Consistently over 120%
Hours worked this week
Revenue per hour quick calc
Energy level (1-10)
Calculate all 5 core metrics
Compare to previous month
One decision based on data
Full performance analysis
Adjust targets based on Persona
Kill or fix underperforming areas
If Revenue/Hour < $150:
Raise prices immediately
Fire worst client
Automate biggest time sink
If Days Off < 7/Quarter:
Block next month's vacation NOW
Set up proper out-of-office systems
Question if you own a business or it owns you
If Client Concentration > 40%:
Diversification becomes priority #1
No new work from that client
Find 3 new revenue sources this quarter
If Automation < 40%:
Document top 3 repetitive tasks this week
Pick one to eliminate or automate
Stop doing everything manually
If Energy Score < 50%:
List everything you hate doing
Eliminate, automate, or delegate within 30 days
Seriously consider business model change
Stop Tracking:
Email subscribers (unless they buy)
Social media followers
Website traffic
"Reach" or "impressions"
Number of products/services offered
Total revenue without time context
Why: They feel good but don't drive decisions
Can you answer these instantly?
What's your real hourly rate?
When was your last full week off?
What would happen if your biggest client left tomorrow?
What percentage of your work could run without you?
Are you doing work that matters to you?
If you hesitated on any: Your performance tracking needs work
🔧 Quick Implementation
Track every hour worked for one week
Calculate current revenue per hour
Note energy levels daily
Calculate all 5 metrics honestly
No lying to yourself about hours
Include that Sunday email session
Pick worst metric
Make ONE change to improve it
Set calendar reminder for monthly review
Set up simple tracking spreadsheet
Automate data collection where possible
Schedule quarterly performance reviews
Days 1-30: Measure reality (it'll hurt)
Days 31-60: Fix the worst metric aggressively
Days 61-90: Systemise tracking and improvements
Success: When checking metrics takes 5 minutes and drives immediate action
Performance metrics aren't about impressing anyone. They're about ensuring your business serves your life, not the other way around.
The Only Question That Matters: "Is this business giving me the life I want, or am I sacrificing my life for this business?" Your metrics should answer that question instantly.
Remember: A business that requires you to work 60 hours a week isn't a business - it's a self-imposed prison with crap benefits. Track what matters. Ignore what doesn't. Use data to buy back your life.
"If you can't take a week off without the business collapsing, you don't have a business - you have an expensive job with a terrible boss (yourself)."