I Finally Did It...And I'm Darn Proud Too

12 replies
Fellow Warriors, today I did something that in 6 years of marketing online, I
have never been able to do.

As most of you know, I have a lot of activities that I do during the day that,
while productive, are on the low end of the productivity scale and could have
been left out of my day. I'm referring to some of my writing.

Well, today I was about to do some of that writing that I really didn't need
to do...and stopped myself.

Instead, I concentrated on finishing a short ebook that is going to bring
me immediate cash.

I finally totally focused on the most important thing and let some of the
other stuff slide.

I have never been able to do this. I always had to get that article for my
blog done or that article for EZA or whatever it was. Today, I said, screw
it and concentrated on the things that I knew were going to make me the
most money.

If I can discipline myself to "give up" some of the less important things
(because I am as anal as they come) then anybody can do this.

So look at your to-do list.

Anything on it that absolutely doesn't have to get done, kill it. Concentrate
on the items that are going to make the most difference in your day. When
you get them done, you can always come back to the things that aren't
so high a priority.

Too many of use nickel and dime our way to squeaking out a living online
instead of focusing on the things that put the real money on the table.
This has been one of my biggest mistakes, even though those little things
over time have added to my income. But had I concentrated on the big
things right away, I'd be a lot farther along than I am now.

So learn from my mistakes.

Take that list...Trim the fat off of it...and tackle the things that really
matter.

Tomorrow will be a better day for it.
#darn #finally #itand #proud
  • Profile picture of the author Mary Green
    You make good points Steven. People don't focus. That's one of the biggest reasons people fail. Lack of Focus, just those three words keep so many from being successful.

    Mary
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  • Profile picture of the author onlinetreason
    FOCUS is everything. Otherwise your going nowhere.
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  • Profile picture of the author zeppb
    Very good post Steven. I find myself losing focus sometimes and end up doing something in my to-do list that could of been put off for more important things. I had planned on trimming down my to-do list for this week and focus more on the more important tasks I should be doing first.
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  • Profile picture of the author InternetM39482
    Focus - the five letter word is a very important role-player in any body's success. If someone is damn focused to do something, he/ she will do it, no matter what. Good post
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    Thanks Steven,

    We all have heard "focus is key", but we often forget that if we dilute it by trying to focus on too many things, it becomes ineffective.

    The real problem is that we really feel like we are getting somewhere. To be honest, we do get somewhere, but it's only a half-step here or a quarter-step there - instead of arriving at any given destination.

    It's kind of like the difference between being busy, and being productive.

    All the best,
    Michael
    Signature

    "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author AndyCamden
    I agree. When it comes down to it, make a list of the top 3 activities that bring you the most money. Then allocate a majority of your time to doing those while also improving them.

    Glad to hear this Steve!
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  • Profile picture of the author Leanne King
    I use the Bethlehem Steel model - write down your 5 priorities for the day - do them and then write down the next 5 must do things. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to cross stuff my little lists and more importantly at the end of the day I have got the important stuff done.

    Leanne
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  • Profile picture of the author freudianslip27
    Excellent point Steve,

    I also find myself getting into habits where I'll spend time on something and it does not end up being worth my while. The only reason I continue is because i'm stuck in the habit.

    Sometimes I get involved in projects and even though they are failing, I just can't let it go. But IM is all about both failing and succeeding. We need to cut our losses and redirect our energies whenever it makes sense.

    Thanks for the reminder,

    Matt
    Signature

    WarriorForum Rules!

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  • Profile picture of the author Matt MacPherson
    The 80/20 principal is one of the first things people (should) learn when getting into ANY business. 80% of your success comes from 20% of the work you put in. Figure out (to the best of your ability) what that 20% is, focus on it and you've skyrocketed your productivity (and profits).

    Find out what generates the maximum ROI in your business and focus on doing TONS of it. Rinse, repeat.

    Regards,
    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author James Schramko
    80:20 all the way Steven ! Congratulations.

    I once had a boss who could not make a decision. He would never come back to me with an answer and it taught me something magical.

    If you ignore some things they would often just GO AWAY! The urgency seemed to dissapate away until it was no longer important.

    Well done.

    Regards

    James
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  • Profile picture of the author Jim Pearson
    Great post Steve.

    Only focusing on the money making tasks is key and for most individuals the hardest thing to do.

    I write a to do list and still get off track like everyone else from time to time. Your honesty should be a blessing and guide to all of us.

    Thanks for the post.
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    • Profile picture of the author IWilkins
      One of the people I respect in the fitness marketing industry (Dax Moy) just hammered a great point home to me:

      "You get paid for done"

      It's great to do all of the little tasks, and it's certainly better than doing nothing. However, if you're really trying to get ahead then it's time to focus in on the few things that will actually get you where you want to be, and crush them. Everything else is extra, and you don't get paid for extra.
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