I've lost a quarter of a million dollars...

109 replies
This REALLY sucks. I've kinda just came to the realization that I've lost at least 250,000 (maybe more) due to two things. No matter what I do, I can't seem to shake them completely. While I've improved, I would like to improve more.

They are:

1. Distractions
2. Lack of organized effort.

Now, before I go any farther, I know there will be someone who will either want to say or will say: "Rob, how do you know you've lost that much? You really can't know."

That's true. I'm just basing that number on what I've made, combined with the average effort and time it took for me to get it and guessing on what the wasted time is worth.

Basically, as John McCabe informed me of the term, a SWAG. (Scientific Wild Ass Guess)

But anyway, that's not the point of this thread. The point is - I've lost money due to my inability to get rid of distractions and my seeming inability to get and stay organized.

Now, I'm a LOT better than what I used to be. But nowhere near where I want to be at. I know with a lot more focused action, I could be making a significant amount more than what I am currently.

So my question to you guys. What do you do to:

1. Eliminate Distractions
2. Organize your actions

Besides, I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this, so this could be helpful for a LOT of people - both successful and those starting off.

Rob
#dollars #lost #million #quarter
  • Profile picture of the author RAMarketing
    1. Lock the door to my office :-)
    2. Sort by priority and keep food and Diet Coke in my office (I don't work well hungry)
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
    I would lock my door...but unfortunately my distractions don't come from the outside. They come on my computer.

    My biggest distractions include email, skype, facebook, the news, various gamer forums, eh hem...the warrior forum...

    Rob
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    • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
      Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

      My biggest distractions include email, skype, facebook, the news, [...deleted...], eh hem...the warrior forum...

      Rob
      You saved me from spelling out all those
      Signature

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    • Profile picture of the author Steadyon
      Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

      I would lock my door...but unfortunately my distractions don't come from the outside. They come on my computer.

      My biggest distractions include email, skype, facebook, the news, various gamer forums, eh hem...the warrior forum...

      Rob

      TIP - When the distractions get too much from my computer, I just turn the computer off, and switch on the TV.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bentley74
        Great thread, Rob! I can totally relate - especially after spending 10 minutes just reading through this ONE thread!! (thanks a lot! lol)

        Assuming you know what needs to be done (i.e. you have a solid "big picture" gameplan, and know what needs to happen to reach your goals)...

        - Write out a simple to do list before you go to bed each night (or before you turn off your computer anyway)

        - Make sure your list consists of actions that will contribute to your business progress

        - Tackle the stuff on the list when you turn on the computer in the morning. Don't touch e-mail, forums, social networking etc stuff until everything is taken care of or at least until a given time (eg. noon)

        - Generally, set SPECIFIC times and time periods aside for the social stuff.


        Easier said than done? Damn straight! LoL

        But I know from experience that the days you are able to do this are also the days you make the greatest progress and feel REALLY good about (it's fun amazing yourself with how much you really can do in a given day!)

        As for organization (which I tend to lack) - what's helped me the MOST is mindmapping! I do lots of pencil 'n' paper stuff as well - but invariably it just leaves me with an office that looks like something straight out of "Hoarders", and no clue how to find the info I need, when I need it.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    Honestly one of my biggest distractions for a long time was World of Warcraft. Sometimes I would think... man I should really write another article or do some promotion... But I'd say "after this next dungeon."

    I finally grew tired of the game and my sites were in turmoil. Now I create sites about certain aspects of the game and profit via adsense. You could argue that it was "excellent product research" but in reality it almost cost me my business.
    Signature
    You're going to fail. If you're afraid of failure then you do not belong in the Internet Marketing Business. Period.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by BloggingPro View Post

      Honestly one of my biggest distractions for a long time was World of Warcraft. Sometimes I would think... man I should really write another article or do some promotion... But I'd say "after this next dungeon."
      I agree - I'm in a similar boat as you but it isn't World of Warcraft - it's various other games (like Minecraft) as well as web distractions.

      I do work quite a bit, but I know I would get things done in FAR less time if I cut the distractions out and actually had some method of organizing my work...which is why I'm looking at suggestions.

      Rob
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      • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
        Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

        I agree - I'm in a similar boat as you but it isn't World of Warcraft - it's various other games (like Minecraft) as well as web distractions.

        I do work quite a bit, but I know I would get things done in FAR less time if I cut the distractions out and actually had some method of organizing my work...which is why I'm looking at suggestions.

        Rob
        I think it just comes down to discipline and mind-set. You want to make more money right? Then you need to find that discipline to see your ideas through. I mean you could force yourself out of distractions by having software "ban" your use of certain sites... but your still in control of the software--meaning you could easily just turn it back off.

        I find when I'm getting distracted I need to take a break, go for a walk, focus my energy and just relax. Then come back refreshed. I used to work almost 8 hours a day on my online marketing stuff--and this was outside of my 9 to 5.

        It finally became a grind and pretty much just another job. So I'd look for a way to take a break and get on WoW or peruse Facebook for hours on end. It finally just came down to having the discipline of wanting to break through that next financial barrier.
        Signature
        You're going to fail. If you're afraid of failure then you do not belong in the Internet Marketing Business. Period.
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      • Profile picture of the author willN
        Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

        I agree - I'm in a similar boat as you but it isn't World of Warcraft - it's various other games (like Minecraft)....
        Rob
        Rob I have the perfect surefire solution for you. What you need to do is focus and organize yourself on.......

        ooooohhhh Minecraft........ Ill be right back
        Signature

        Newbies, you will want to check this out! I made it for you free of charge to help you get started here in the WF.
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  • Profile picture of the author RAMarketing
    Rob - https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d...pfapmjadbaldib I use chrome so that works for me; I tend to waste a ton of time on Facebook games :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by RAMarketing View Post

      Rob - https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d...pfapmjadbaldib I use chrome so that works for me; I tend to waste a ton of time on Facebook games :-)
      Interesting. I think I'll try it out.

      I actually created a piece of software that does the same thing, but it works for all browsers. It does so by modifying the hosts file to block specific websites you choose.

      Granted, I never really use the thing. lol

      Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author theseoguy001
    that is a lot of money, I have lost money due to distractions, but not that much!
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by theseoguy001 View Post

      that is a lot of money, I have lost money due to distractions, but not that much!
      It could be more, I'm low balling that number.

      Here is an example - yesterday I was creating a product for sale. What should have taken me 30 minutes to an hour took me 2 and 1/2 hours just to get the damn thing written.

      That extra 2 hours could have been used to write the sales page and set up the infrastructure for it all. I could be done with that project. But instead, it's spilling over into today.

      Grumble.

      Rob
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      • Profile picture of the author Alex Nash
        Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

        It could be more, I'm low balling that number.

        Here is an example - yesterday I was creating a product for sale. What should have taken me 30 minutes to an hour took me 2 and 1/2 hours just to get the damn thing written.

        That extra 2 hours could have been used to write the sales page and set up the infrastructure for it all. I could be done with that project. But instead, it's spilling over into today.

        Grumble.

        Rob

        You are too hard on yourself Rob


        ~Alex Nash
        Signature

        Learn from your mistakes. Experience is priceless.

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  • Profile picture of the author Cool Hand Luke
    Misleading thread title is misleading.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by Cool Hand Luke View Post

      Misleading thread title is misleading.
      Sorry you feel that way. I'm looking at my math right now.

      Total Money Lost = ~250,000.

      Rob
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    • Profile picture of the author gudrunsmith
      Originally Posted by Cool Hand Luke View Post

      Misleading thread title is misleading.
      I think not! Because of the title and the opportunity I missed to make it happen I may lost even more money. I easy had allowed other to destruct me from completing my work or project, and how many times I found out that I had the right information already for years! Yes because I didn't organize my folder for max results. Yes, when I had done it right I had can cut years.

      Again the title is true, you can lose a lot of money by missing the important stuff.
      Signature

      Gudrun Marquardt
      Personal and Business Development
      http://gudrunmarquardt.com

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  • Profile picture of the author clenard77
    The only way you can cut out online distractions is by forcing yourself. You'll either do it or you want. Trust me, I know the feeling.

    I just moved my entire desktop to another room, by a window, so I could be in a "new environment." It's worked much better, but not perfect.

    Organization? Couldn't help you there, and you'd agree if you saw my desktop on my PC and my desktop that my PC sits on
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  • Profile picture of the author LuisHuete
    prioritize and make a to-do list on tadalist.com and set tadalist.com as your homepage.
    That way when you open a new browser. Your to-do list is in your face....

    I personally like to workout in the morning helps me focus. I also like to schedule my work and work in blocks of 50 minutes of un interrupted work then I get up and stretch, walk around eat something for 10 minutes.

    Work a couple hours like that and you will be surprised how much you can get done.

    I easily tripled my productivity. Used to be a big problem of mine.

    Hope some of that helps..

    L
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  • Profile picture of the author RAMarketing
    Here's another one for everyone: Becoming Incredibly Productive I don't know how long it will be free, donate if you want to/can (not mine, not an affiliate)
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Skinner
    LMAO... Gotta Love the SWAG!

    I know exactly what you go thru. To combat this, I pick ONE project and COMMITT to 14 days of action. I begin with an end in mind. Then work backwards from there determining the exact steps it will take to reach the end goal.

    Once I know that, I simply start from the beginning, take the daily steps, make adjustments, and continue to my end goal.

    The key concept here is COMMITT. Once you understand that, all other distractions simply become "background noise"....
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill_Z
    I make small goals.
    I close facebook and other crap that distracts me.
    I work for 1 hour and take a break for 10 mins and go to the distractions, then go back to work
    I close my email and check twice a day only. Once mid-way through the day, and once at the end of the day
    I close my Skype
    I get to a setting where my wife/friends/family can't just start talking to me as if I'm just surfing the web and have time to start chatting about B.S.
    The small goals that I do have for the day, I write them down. It started on paper, now I do it on Basecamp (37signals.com)
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      You can make more money - but you can't lose money you never had.
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      ***
      One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
      what it is instead of what you think it should be.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        You can make more money - but you can't lose money you never had.
        lol yes Kay, I realize this. But for me, it's important to put a dollar amount to my distractions.

        If I go... "Well, you know, I haven't actually lost anything. So really, my distractions aren't costing me." - I won't improve - ever.

        But there is, in business, a thing call opportunity costs. I have a choice between playing a video game or writing my next ebook.

        If I play a video game, I'm guaranteed not to make any money.

        If I write an ebook, there is a REALLY strong chance of making money.

        So, let's say that since I knew I could write that report in 1 hour and I make 1000 dollars with it, that's 1,000 an hour.

        If it takes me 2 hours, but still sell only 1000 dollars worth, I have now made only 500 dollars an hour.

        The opportunity costs associated with distractions such as facebook, the warrior forum, video games now has some sort of quantitative measurement. Those distractions "cost me" 500 dollars in productive time.

        Rob

        Edit: I also want to say that, based on the numbers above, if I complete the ebook in only one hour, I can then focus that other free hour on writing another book or doing something that will eventually equal money. Whereas before, two hours with sprinkled distractions is lost time.

        Time you can't back. You only have so much of it.

        Money you can always gain more of. So, time spent wisely can eventually free up time, because instead of leveraging time, you are leveraging money.
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      • Profile picture of the author RAMarketing
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        You can make more money - but you can't lose money you never had.
        Not with that attitude, quitter :-p
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      • Profile picture of the author oneplusone
        Consistent reminders may help you stay on track.

        Check this out:

        Focus Attention & Change Habits with the MotivAider | Behavioral Dynamics


        I use this myself ... I set it to vibrate every 20-30 minutes.
        Signature
        'If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.' Vincent Van Gogh.
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      • Profile picture of the author bobcath
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        You can make more money - but you can't lose money you never had.
        Kay don't you think its sort of a 'loss', at least a psychological one, I know what you mean, but I also know where Rob is coming from. Its reverse thinking isnt it? ...If I had done x I would have y, so because I didn't do x I have 'lost' the opportunity to earn y?

        As for focus Rob, I've just accepted that if I'm not concentrating enough, i.e. being distracted, that its probably the case that I'm relatively happy with what I've got. Maybe you are too and just think you want or need more, so you call the 'enjoyment' 'distractions'? Food for thought?

        Bobby
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        • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
          Originally Posted by bobcath View Post

          As for focus Rob, I've just accepted that if I'm not concentrating enough, i.e. being distracted, that its probably the case that I'm relatively happy with what I've got. Maybe you are too and just think you want or need more, so you call the 'enjoyment' 'distractions'? Food for thought?

          Bobby
          Interesting food. I agree to some extent. I am "happy" in the sense that my body is lazy and I like taking the easier path.

          I've gotten comfortable where I'm at. I don't want to be comfortable. I want more.

          So part of this is a motivating thing.

          Thanks!

          Rob
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          • Profile picture of the author iSoftware
            Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

            Interesting food. I agree to some extent. I am "happy" in the sense that my body is lazy and I like taking the easier path.

            I've gotten comfortable where I'm at. I don't want to be comfortable. I want more.

            So part of this is a motivating thing.

            Thanks!

            Rob
            Rob - check this Lee McIntype post out. It REALLY REALLY will be an eye-opener.

            He talks about how he was comfy doing $100,000/mo. and how a few things got him wanting "more" and getting out of his comfort zone.

            Living The Internet Lifestyle... (In Orlando)
            I made a major decision on Friday after watching that video. You will be so glad if you do it....
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      • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        You can make more money - but you can't lose money you never had.
        True enough. But opportunity costs can still be horrific.

        One example I use is my (ex) $100,000 chair. I've lost at least that much sitting in that chair.

        And I think that is what Rob is talking about.

        I wish I had a good solution, but I'm in the same boat. One thing that does help though is treating the distractions like any other addiction ... I try and procrastinate on doing them .

        Marvin
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      • Profile picture of the author Suthan M
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        You can make more money - but you can't lose money you never had.
        True that

        If thats the case, i was a multi-millionaire when i was 8.. I could never lay still for a sec

        No offense to the OP, but Kay is right on the mark with it.

        No point looking at past mistake and regreting them, better look at what the future holds and making 'em shine.
        Signature

        Whats the latest movie you watched? Anything good?

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        • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
          Originally Posted by Suthan M View Post

          True that

          If thats the case, i was a multi-millionaire when i was 8.. I could never lay still for a sec

          No offense to the OP, but Kay is right on the mark with it.

          No point looking at past mistake and regreting them, better look at what the future holds and making 'em shine.
          I'm not sure but it seems people don't understand the term opportunity costs.

          Opportunity cost - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

          But the point of this post isn't to regret the past - it's to analyze and fix those mistakes so that my future is better.

          Rob
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          • Profile picture of the author Suthan M
            Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

            I'm not sure but it seems people don't understand the term opportunity costs.

            Opportunity cost - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

            But the point of this post isn't to regret the past - it's to analyze and fix those mistakes so that my future is better.

            Rob
            Hi Rob,

            Far from it: I actually do understand your point.
            It is just not the way i put these things in perspective personally

            I am just pointing out that i have a different take to it, and i think on this thread, we can look at the cup as being half full, and half empty at the same time. Both views are right
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            Whats the latest movie you watched? Anything good?

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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
    Banned
    Are you stark staring bonkers Rob?

    What, you mean to tell me you haven't yet mastered the art of wasting time with your left hand whilst getting on with doing serious zhit with your right hand?

    I'll send you my ambidextrous guide to wasting time AND making money at the same time writing with both hands on two separate keyboards. Yours for just $97.

    You can even add this to your next hotsheet for newbies, if you ask nicely.

    I guarantee there's nothing else quite like this information available anywhere online!

    I'll send it to your email address in a few minutes time, you can reimburse me later.

    Kindest regards,


    Mark
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    • Profile picture of the author bobcath
      Mark

      I'd love to see that too! Can you send to me

      Seriously you strike an intersting point that I hadnt considered, but actually do!

      I sit with an Ipad on one side and my PC in front of me and while I'm wrtiting an artilcle on the PC, for example, I'm doing 'distractions' on the Ipad!

      Nice one!

      Bobby

      Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

      Are you stark staring bonkers Rob?

      What, you mean to tell me you haven't yet mastered the art of wasting time with your left hand whilst getting on with doing serious zhit with your right hand?

      I'll send you my ambidextrous guide to wasting time AND making money at the same time writing with both hands on two separate keyboards. Yours for just $97.

      You can even add this to your next hotsheet for newbies, if you ask nicely.

      I guarantee there's nothing else quite like this information available anywhere online!

      I'll send it to your email address in a few minutes time, you can reimburse me later.

      Kindest regards,


      Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Franklin
    Interesting, I think then I have lost Millions, )

    Seriously, though, there are different personality types, try out this test to see where you (loosely fall) Personality test based on Jung and Briggs Myers typology

    Then depending on what your score is there are methods of developing and managing your time and efforts to maximize your application of time.

    It is not easy to "shift" your personality type, but once you learn how to do that, you can do it any time you wish, the only down side is that it take a lot of energy, (will, purpose) to do that type of personality shifting.

    But it is possible and you can develop methods that help you acquire these skills.
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    Bitcoin | Crypto | Blockchain Secrets |
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      The key is recognizing this problem and then DOING something about it.

      End of lecture. You can do it.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        The key is recognizing this problem and then DOING something about it.

        End of lecture. You can do it.
        Steve, you are one of the people I respect the most on this forum. Your ability to get sh** done always amazed me. I'm convinced that if I had 1/4 the work ethic you have, I would be much richer than I am now.

        And you're right btw

        Rob
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        The key is recognizing this problem and then DOING something about it.

        End of lecture. You can do it.
        Says Steven with 16,000+ posts.
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  • Profile picture of the author neodarth
    I've just lost $50 reading this thread

    Distractions, procrastination, our worst enemies! I don't even want to think on how much I've lost since I start this journey (or stop earning).

    Probably if I really get enough focus I will have my own VA writing this post meanwhile I drink piña coladas.
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    ==> Negocios Estables en la Web Internet marketing en español.

    ==> Internet Marketing Newbie Created for IM virgins
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    So my question to you guys. What do you do to:

    1. Eliminate Distractions
    2. Organize your actions

    Besides, I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this, so this could be helpful for a LOT of people - both successful and those starting off.
    Here's how I did it when I first got started back in 1999. I didn't start making any consistent money until I did the following (I still do some of these btw):

    1. I put away the TV. I had it put away for several years. After awhile I just didn't miss it. Only recently did I take it back out again. I think I watch like 2 hours of TV a week. Well, that's not true, it's NFL season right now so it's now more like 8-10 hours a week. lol
    2. I cancelled my cable.
    3 I nixed the unsupportive girlfriend and replaced her with a one who supported me all the way. Which leads perfectly into #4......
    4. I spent less time with people who didn't "get it" and made it a point to hang out with those who were action-minded like me. Masterminds are great, but if all you do is talk and take no action, they can be big time suckers.
    5. I bought a large whiteboard to put my projects up on with time lines and due dates. The smaller whiteboard was for jotting down ideas, mind-mapping etc.
    6. I invest in education; for me that's a never ending task as I continue to learn how to be more efficient.
    7. I outsource things as soon as possible so I can focus on the "big picture".
    8. I have written down my goals and posted them in LARGE font right by my desk. I also have them written down on 3 x 5 index cards and carry it where ever I go. I'm a bit anal retentive about certain things and this is one of them.
    9. I rarely log into Skype while I'm working.
    10. I've trained my friends and family that even though I'm a business owner to treat my time with respect while I'm working. So I no longer hear "what do you mean you can't come by right now? You don't even have a job." (Employee mindset vs. business owner mindset). I treat my business like a business so when I commit to a project or a time frame, I stick to it as best as I can.

    I've also come to realize that focus is a learned skill that can only improve with practice. It's something that requires real effort, but over time it becomes easier and easier (like any learned skill).

    RoD

    p.s. You can lose money you never had, they even have a name for it, it's called opportunity cost. Just a thought....
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    • Profile picture of the author Christine2011
      Originally Posted by Rod Cortez View Post

      Here's how I did it when I first got started back in 1999. I didn't start making any consistent money until I did the following (I still do some of these btw):

      1. I put away the TV. I had it put away for several years. After awhile I just didn't miss it. Only recently did I take it back out again. I think I watch like 2 hours of TV a week. Well, that's not true, it's NFL season right now so it's now more like 8-10 hours a week. lol
      2. I cancelled my cable.
      3 I nixed the unsupportive girlfriend and replaced her with a one who supported me all the way. Which leads perfectly into #4......
      4. I spent less time with people who didn't "get it" and made it a point to hang out with those who were action-minded like me. Masterminds are great, but if all you do is talk and take no action, they can be big time suckers.
      5. I bought a large whiteboard to put my projects up on with time lines and due dates. The smaller whiteboard was for jotting down ideas, mind-mapping etc.
      6. I invest in education; for me that's a never ending task as I continue to learn how to be more efficient.
      7. I outsource things as soon as possible so I can focus on the "big picture".
      8. I have written down my goals and posted them in LARGE font right by my desk. I also have them written down on 3 x 5 index cards and carry it where ever I go. I'm a bit anal retentive about certain things and this is one of them.
      9. I rarely log into Skype while I'm working.
      10. I've trained my friends and family that even though I'm a business owner to treat my time with respect while I'm working. So I no longer hear "what do you mean you can't come by right now? You don't even have a job." (Employee mindset vs. business owner mindset). I treat my business like a business so when I commit to a project or a time frame, I stick to it as best as I can.

      I've also come to realize that focus is a learned skill that can only improve with practice. It's something that requires real effort, but over time it becomes easier and easier (like any learned skill).

      RoD

      p.s. You can lose money you never had, they even have a name for it, it's called opportunity cost. Just a thought....
      Nicely done Thanks for sharing these tips!
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    • Profile picture of the author xav13r
      Originally Posted by Rod Cortez View Post

      Here's how I did it when I first got started back in 1999. I didn't start making any consistent money until I did the following (I still do some of these btw):

      1. I put away the TV. I had it put away for several years. After awhile I just didn't miss it. Only recently did I take it back out again. I think I watch like 2 hours of TV a week. Well, that's not true, it's NFL season right now so it's now more like 8-10 hours a week. lol
      2. I cancelled my cable.
      3 I nixed the unsupportive girlfriend and replaced her with a one who supported me all the way. Which leads perfectly into #4......
      4. I spent less time with people who didn't "get it" and made it a point to hang out with those who were action-minded like me. Masterminds are great, but if all you do is talk and take no action, they can be big time suckers.
      5. I bought a large whiteboard to put my projects up on with time lines and due dates. The smaller whiteboard was for jotting down ideas, mind-mapping etc.
      6. I invest in education; for me that's a never ending task as I continue to learn how to be more efficient.
      7. I outsource things as soon as possible so I can focus on the "big picture".
      8. I have written down my goals and posted them in LARGE font right by my desk. I also have them written down on 3 x 5 index cards and carry it where ever I go. I'm a bit anal retentive about certain things and this is one of them.
      9. I rarely log into Skype while I'm working.
      10. I've trained my friends and family that even though I'm a business owner to treat my time with respect while I'm working. So I no longer hear "what do you mean you can't come by right now? You don't even have a job." (Employee mindset vs. business owner mindset). I treat my business like a business so when I commit to a project or a time frame, I stick to it as best as I can.

      I've also come to realize that focus is a learned skill that can only improve with practice. It's something that requires real effort, but over time it becomes easier and easier (like any learned skill).

      RoD

      p.s. You can lose money you never had, they even have a name for it, it's called opportunity cost. Just a thought....
      Wow looks like i have a lot to learn from you. Hope some day I can do it to this level.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mar
    Good grief - you must have been reading my mind! I can get distracted at the drop of a hat. Sometimes, though, you do need time out to do the creative thinking. Don't give up on the creativity at the expense of routine .... you might end up saying that you just cost yourself a lot more money because you didn't create some more super products!

    Mar
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  • Felix Dennis says that anyone can become immensely rich. All it takes is all your time and effort. All of it. No personal life, no relationships. Nothing except grinding away at your work. You can have a life or you can be incredibly rich. You can't have both. (Unless, of course, it's handed to you.)

    Most people don't become rich because they like the idea of being rich but aren't actually willing to sacrifice everything else.

    I think distractions are just our brains telling us we're not willing to work as hard as we thought without gratification.

    fLufF
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  • Profile picture of the author WikiWarrior
    Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

    So my question to you guys. What do you do to:

    1. Eliminate Distractions
    2. Organize your actions
    Rob
    Internet Marketing is a real minefield of distractions and you can't really eliminate them as long as you're sitting at your computer. I struggled with this for a while when I went from running a mail-order business to trying to run an internet business. I went from hyper-focused, get-it-all-done-before-lunch, action man, to ADD, click-mad, info junkie in a matter of months, and productivity dropped to zero.

    There's plenty of tools, tricks and software out there to help improve productivity and time-management, but they will only really help when you have the right mindset to run your operations as a business. What worked for me was simply deciding to step aside from the information fire-hose to regain my focus and start thinking like a business owner again.

    That will usually bring you back to the basic things like:

    1) Take a 5-10 min break every hour to stretch, get a drink or just look away from the computer.
    2) Regular exercise is awesome for helping focus in the face of distractions. Plus, take a 30 minute walk to get some fresh air either in the morning or half way through your work day.
    3) Get organized by dumping all the loose thoughts/ideas into a mindmap like Mindmeister or other project management tool.
    4) Put your top 3 important tasks on a notepad/whiteboard near the keyboard and crank them out.
    5) Reduce overwelm by just doing one...thing...at...a...time. I'm guilty of this one sometimes when I think of a task or project and how much work or time it's going to take to get it done, I end up doing nothing or getting distracted. Using the one thing at a time 'rule' is great for bringing you back to the present, stopping daydreaming, and just getting on with what you need to do.
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    • Profile picture of the author troybh
      You got to put yourself in the zone. How and what it takes to get you there only you know best. Start working and have everything perfect ie. caffeinated, not tired, exercised, no one to distract you and just think how good it is gonna be to see the incremental gain from the steps you take.

      Or the other option is just to admit your another IM loser like 95% of them and go play on facebook and have some fun like all the rest of the losers.
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  • Profile picture of the author rrm
    I have read, can't remember where, that if you are distracted by something it will take 20 minutes on average for you to fully refocus on what task you were working on earlier. Numerous distractions like email checking, family members wanting stuff, playing a computer game before finishing up your work, or just that impromptu kick back for a few minutes of daydreaming can cost big time.

    Just take off ALL your clothes (make sure the web cam is not on), throw them outside in another room, lock the door and make sure NOBODY brings you your clothes or lets you out of the room until you finish. Yeah, you will finish with fewer distractions!
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    • Profile picture of the author Mary McLean
      Originally Posted by rrm View Post

      I have read, can't remember where, that if you are distracted by something it will take 20 minutes on average for you to fully refocus on what task you were working on earlier. Numerous distractions like email checking, family members wanting stuff, playing a computer game before finishing up your work, or just that impromptu kick back for a few minutes of daydreaming can cost big time.

      Just take off ALL your clothes (make sure the web cam is not on), throw them outside in another room, lock the door and make sure NOBODY brings you your clothes or lets you out of the room until you finish. Yeah, you will finish with fewer distractions!
      Oh gosh...
      This is a Laugh out Loud thread to-day!
      I wish there was a LOL button so the clowns in here could be rewarded for their welcomed distractions of raucous belly laughs coming intermittently from "there she sitteth by that computer thing...still!"


      That's for all the belly laughs I've had to-day from you all.
      Thanks so much
      I only need 4 more today to remain death free, so they say.
      10 belly laughs a day will keep you in great health!
      Kindest...hehahahaheee! You are all so funneee:p
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  • Profile picture of the author MatthewNeer
    Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post


    1. Eliminate Distractions
    2. Organize your actions
    Love that man! That should be every IMers daily Mantra.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by MatthewNeer View Post

      Love that man! That should be every IMers daily Mantra.
      LOL - I hadn't even planned it that way. I'm totally "ripping myself off"!

      Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author oda
    Great Thread Guys!

    I started to see success for myself when I started to do work for other people.
    It Started with Fiverr gigs and has progressed into Ad management and offline stuff as well.

    It wasn't until I did other people's work that i Started to plan.
    Someone would ask me to write a few PPC ads for them and I found myself doing the same things for each gig and very efficiently too I might add.

    It was really weird, when i did OTHER people's work I was laser focused with a plan and a goal in mind.
    When I did MY own work I was all over the place and doing lots of little things without every really achieving anything.

    After some self analysis and a small investment in an A4 spiral pad and some pencils........

    I now work much more efficiently, i have a set task list that needs to be done each day and once that's done I then start to cruise the net and play games and talk on Facebook etc etc.

    Each day though I still have to stop myself from getting distracted, its a constant battle. You literally have to say to yourself NO, Bookmark it and you can look at that when you finished this and this.

    You need to be both the company owner and employee and realise that for many of us our business is directly related to OUR own personal productivity.
    IE: balancing what you NEED to know and learn with what you NEED to physically do.

    I hope this ramble helps someone.

    ODA
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

    So my question to you guys. What do you do to:

    1. Eliminate Distractions
    2. Organize your actions

    Besides, I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this, so this could be helpful for a LOT of people - both successful and those starting off.

    Rob

    I often make a concerted effort not to go to the Warrior Forum...

    But when I do, I try to hit-and-run. I make one great post or two, then leave.

    I removed all of the video games from my computer, so it is hard to find those distractions.

    And I put the TV on mute.
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  • Profile picture of the author lewm
    Your problem is self discipline. if you can't stop going on forums and facebook your problem is simply: not telling yourself you shouldn't enough.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by lewm View Post

      Your problem is self discipline. if you can't stop going on forums and facebook your problem is simply: not telling yourself you shouldn't enough.
      Yup. Self discipline has ALWAYS been an issue with me. And probably always will. I'm an idea's guy. Always have ideas, always ready to come up with more ideas.

      I'm also a super social "live in the moment" type of person. So this has always been hard for me.

      I know it's a battle I'll face my whole life.

      Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author sal64
    Hi Rob,

    Great thread.

    Here's a few things..

    No TV or distractions in the room apart from music.

    A 2nd PC with no internet for creating documents and stuff.

    Shut down email and only check it once per day.

    Any offers via email are put in a folder and viewed in down time.

    Best of success,

    Sal
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  • Profile picture of the author Wild
    When they asked William F. Buckley who wrote who knows how many books, gave speaches, wrote columns and managed to regularly put out an excellent magazine how he got it all done, he had a one-word answer: "Deadlines." That is the one thing that this IM business thing lacks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Says
    That's a very good SWAG.

    However, I don't think you can say you "lost" that much money as it has driven you to the point of where you are today I could say I've "lost" $350,000 because I've had $18,000 months but I average at $5,000 and didn't make $xx,xxx until 8 months into internet marketing.

    (I've been doing this for a little under 2 years, but I averaged 24 months)

    I do not view it that way though. Instead I think of everything I learned, the great times I've had, and the fact that dude.. I'm not working for that crappy trucking company, pizza delivery service, selling art on the streets, or working for that awful grocery store... Instead I've been having a wonderful time, helped a lot of people, and have had days where I have made more money than 3-4 months of working for those companies.

    Life is bliss, you just have to look at it that way

    P.S. Do you mind if I ask how much you make on average each month (you don't have to be exact) and then how much you made prior to internet marketing? I personally made about $800 - $1200 a month at most prior and now make much more, averaging at $5,000+ a month.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
      Originally Posted by Justin Lewis View Post

      That's a very good SWAG.

      However, I don't think you can say you "lost" that much money as it has driven you to the point of where you are today I could say I've "lost" $350,000 because I've had $18,000 months but I average at $5,000 and didn't make ,xxx until 8 months into internet marketing.


      P.S. Do you mind if I ask how much you make on average each month (you don't have to be exact) and then how much you made prior to internet marketing? I personally made about $800 - $1200 a month at most prior and now make much more, averaging at $5,000+ a month.
      To me, that is money lost though, as I like to think there are ways to increase my efficiency, which will decrease the time it takes to make the money, which improves my life.

      As for the money I make, I like to keep that private.

      In any event, I took the Myers-Briggs someone recommended earlier and I've done some thinking.

      I'm a VERY social guy - and I'm also quite impulsive. Always have been. I love to seek adventure and thrills.

      Talking with Mark made me realize that the thrill of making money isn't there anymore. I've never been real heavily materialistic...unless I've gotten large bouts of cash - in which I then get a thrill from buying something large. But that has changed as I realized that has caused nothing but financial problems for me and the items end up being useless.

      I'm actually quite envious of some of the people who say "I earned my first 100 bucks!" - You can see the excitement when they make their first sale. I remember those days. It was FUN.

      After I earned so much, I really lost that excitement - which I think I've really discovered my problem:

      Money doesn't motivate me.

      So what does motivate me? I'm not sure...this is all very ironic because when I started this little quest earlier today, I was sorta pissed at myself due to the money lost.

      Now I'm not so sure what my goal will be. But I'm thinking that it is going to do more with Empire Building than just "pumping out the cash".

      idk - I'm rambling now so I guess I'll leave it stew for a while.

      Rob
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      • Profile picture of the author Justin Says
        Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

        To me, that is money lost though, as I like to think there are ways to increase my efficiency, which will decrease the time it takes to make the money, which improves my life.

        .........

        I'm actually quite envious of some of the people who say "I earned my first 100 bucks!" - You can see the excitement when they make their first sale. I remember those days. It was FUN.

        After I earned so much, I really lost that excitement - which I think I've really discovered my problem:

        Money doesn't motivate me.

        So what does motivate me? I'm not sure...this is all very ironic because when I started this little quest earlier today, I was sorta pissed at myself due to the money lost.

        Rob
        I see where you are coming from at saying that it's money lost, but just as you stated inside of your post, I don't think money is the reason we should be motivated.

        What's the one thing that all marketers have in common, one way or another?

        Heck, what's the one thing that EVERYONE has in common in our world today?

        We are all looking for freedom.

        Sadly, money is a way to find freedom for many people, but it's not a requirement.

        I heard of a story of a dude who lived in Hawaii, he flew there from the US where he hated his job. He literally lives off of the beaches and walks around the islands all day.

        And truth be told, he loves it.

        That's freedom.

        I'm not saying that you have to go live under a rock to be free. I'm just saying money shouldn't be the motivation. Your dreams and passions should be.

        My dream/passion is to be able to travel around the world, ride my motorcycles, and still be able to afford the things that comfort me (food, shelter, security, health).

        That's my motivation.

        So the thing you need to think about is this: "What is your passion?".

        Once you figure out your passion, print out something that relates to it, stick it behind your computer, on the wall, on the ceiling, anywhere, and make it a reality.

        I soon plan to get a picture the size of one of my walls of a motorcycle, on the beach, next to a Hawaiin styled hut, with the stars partially visible.

        These all relate to my dreams, so find out yours.
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  • Profile picture of the author focused
    If your primary distractions are internet related, you might set up a reasonable
    max allowed time to spend on each activity.
    Then stick to you prescribed limit.
    But start your day with a to-do task first.
    Then you always start the day right.
    You may then actually get so involved in working on your to-do task,
    that you don't even think about the distractions.
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    • Profile picture of the author Don Luis
      Banned
      $250,000? Wow!

      I lost $250 and I thought it's the end of the world for me.

      Guess I need to count my blessings and see the bigger picture. There are indeed folks who have lost far more money than me. Thanks for reminding me of that...

      Sarcasm aside, I hope you will be able to recoup your losses in the future. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Terry Hatfield
      What works best for me is to set goals. You can decide to make a certain amount of money each day and then determine what steps you need to be doing each day to accomplish your goal.

      It really comes down to making sure you are assigning yourself enough work each day to be productive.

      Before I started using goals and daily actions plans it was basically hit or miss how much I was going to get done for the day. I've been using goals for years now and it is really the only way to go.

      Also, being self employed you find that you want to play first and work later when you get around to it. This is a recipe for failure because of course when you start playing you end up deciding to keep playing the rest of the day. So for me I find it best to do the work first each day or I am lost.

      Set some goals and a daily action plan to achieve them. Then set a specific time that you will work each day that you will start working and treat it just like a job.

      But overall, having a goal with a daily activity list is the secret to being laser focused and super productive.
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    • Profile picture of the author mrdomains
      I´m guessing you already make enough. So the question to ask is... do you really need those extra 250 grand?

      The trick is to level out on a standard of living which allows you to burn time on distractions, to ease off, to live.

      Steady growth just for the sake of it is a ratrace like any other. So relax, you are probably doing the right thing by having some fun.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
        Originally Posted by mrdomains View Post

        I´m guessing you already make enough. So the question to ask is... do you really need those extra 250 grand?
        No, I don't need that extra cash.

        To me, this is more like a "game". The money is like the score. The whole thing reminds me of the game Civilization.

        I kinda want to build an Empire.

        Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    If that's all you've lost, you're not nearly as bad off as most people are
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    • Profile picture of the author frankm
      I've lost billions by not inventing Facebook... same logic.

      If you'd made your extra 250k you might be complaining that you'd lost thousands of hours of family or socialising time that you can never get back.

      Faraway hills are always greener.
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  • Profile picture of the author satrap
    Rob,

    Thank you for posting this. I really really badly suffer from both of these issues (Distractions- Not taking Organized actions).

    I recently started doing something to combat the second one. I write a plan of action (what needs to be done by priority) for the next day, every night before I go to bed. So far it has been very helpful, it helps me stay focused and get things done. Of course I do slip here and there.

    Now only if I could get rid of distraction!

    By the way, great catchy title. I honestly was coming here to say how sorry I was that you had lost that much money and wished you could recover somehow. Lol. I am glad it wasn't the case, although it still is important the way you described it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Ward
    Nice subject line bait. :p

    I understand what you mean, though. While my figure isn't even close to 1/4 million, it's pretty frustrating to think about how much further ahead I would be if I didn't waste as much time as I do. Appropriately enough, I was right in the middle of some website work when I decided to click over to this forum, and now here I am. :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author H.Miller
    I just have to shut everything down. I put my cell phone in another room so I won't be tempted to answer it. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. It is just really hard to stay 100% focused when there are so many other things I can do on the internet.
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  • Profile picture of the author moffaz
    My 2 biggest distraction are lack of focus and afraid for action!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
    Use parental control software...lol block everything but what you need to work. Make a random password then throw it away.
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  • Profile picture of the author LOM
    Prioritize by writing things down. Have a list of MUST be completed today. Don't over task yourself with 25 to-do list. Something simple like 5-8 items that are reachable an shows progress towards your goal. That's what I do every night before I lay down and read Think and Grow Rich for the 500th time! When you wake up no matter what you do throughout the day know that those items need to be done that day. It works for me...Write it down!
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  • Profile picture of the author grandstar
    I suffer from adhd so being diostracted is second nature and I am not on medication. Best advise is to have a to-do list and stick to doing the imnportant things first. Once you've done the important things you'd find out you haave more than enough time for non essentials.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trapped
    Same thing happened (and still happens, but not as often) to me, distractions killing me big time! And again, it is the fault of online games (mainly the Zynga poker - damn them) which I had to literally stop playing (and as of today I don't play anymore) if I wanted to be more productive and complete my daily tasks on time.

    My first attempt was to just remind myself of what I need to do and try to respect those deadlines and schedules for myself - big time failure.

    Then I thought about high school, when the bell would ring it meant time to get in class and do what has to be done. It was the perfect solution to me, so what I did is quiet simple; i used the iPhone's built-in calendar to add events for the day (or for the entire month or year if those were daily routine tasks that I should be doing). I set them up to alert me 15mins before I start the task and then a second alert on the time when the task was supposed to begin.

    At the beginning it wasn't as easy to follow, but now it works like a clock and every time I hear the iphones sound and vibration I know that I got 15mins ti complete whatever I am doing and get ready for the next task.

    The last task of the day? Just a reminder asking me if I deserve a cold beer or if my day was a complete failure.

    This is what has helped me deal with distractions. Truth is, I never liked to be bossed...and now I am bossed by my own iPhone, we do need someone (or something) to keep us under control and keep us focused, in one or another way.

    Cheers,
    Astrit
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Rob -

      My point is - opportunity costs are in the future.

      You can look at what you are doing (wasting time perhaps) and say "if I quit doing this, I can increase productivity and earn more money".

      Nothing is accomplished with "had I not done that, I would have earned more". Can't unring that bell.

      I know there are things I do that are time "wasters" but I also know I can make good money with regular hours and fun people in an offline job. If I'm going to take on the hassle of earning a living online, I'm not going to give up things I enjoy doing. I like to read 2-3 hours every day so I do it. I could make more money working on sites in those hours - but my mind would starve. Not a good tradeoff.

      I write a couple thousand words or so and then come to the WF and blow a bit of time. I could write faster, work more efficiently - I could also burn out.

      It's a balancing act and you have to choose your own balance point. There is no freedom in working for yourself if you don't allow yourself a few freedoms like the right to goof off once in a while.

      kay
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      • Profile picture of the author Ryan David
        I agree with Kay. I guess it depends on the nature of the distraction. I don't have ADD or ADHD or anything and I still can't avoid distractions for very long. I think that's human nature. I remember Rich Schefren saying that a survey of CEOs said they have something like 15 productive minutes a day. And that the average person only "works" 45 minutes or something. I know for sure that's my case.

        I agree with organizing your actions....distractions are a tough one (for me anyways).
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  • Profile picture of the author Karan Goel
    Rob,

    I think you might be having a third problem as well: negligence!!

    If after losing $250k you came to realize that you lost so much, then I think you neglected what was going on.

    No offenses!

    Karan
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  • Profile picture of the author Kate C
    You need to time yourself when you do something so that you can account for your time. When you get up in the morning, make a list of the things that you want to achieve that day, for example submitting your site to rss feeds. You estimate how much time you might need for that and set that time aside. When you start the actual process, set your timer and make sure you finish in that time. In order to avoid frustration, give yourself an extra 30 or so minutes to allow for distractions. Ideally, your phone should be turned off during that time. The other thing you need to do is make a weekly calender and allocate things to do for each day and make sure you do those things. Be true to yourself and you will do great.
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  • Profile picture of the author Riggs
    So really your distractions didn't result in you losing money, they simply influenced you to make less.

    Just a SWAG.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elizabeth Fee
    I just commented on my first thread about how time management has been my biggest hurdle thus far. Action equates to progress, so without it, you'll never meet your goals. It's one thing to realize that, another to actually do something about it.

    Thanks for starting this thread -- it looks like there are a ton of great recommendations out there. Gonna go back through and re-read the thoughts as I definitely need to eliminate my distractions.

    Elizabeth
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  • Profile picture of the author johFF
    Well, I don't have anything in office expect my Mac. Everyone lose focus from time to time, but all you need is to make priorities.

    I make a big list on my wall. And then, mark what is important for today and what is not. And it's important to keep up with schedule. When you lost one day, you can't make it up tomorrow.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    I skimmed the thread so not sure if this was suggested or not yet. But you need to read the 4 Hour Work Week. It is a book that if you take the ideas seriously can help. We all know most of us will never get to the point of working less than 1 hr pure day but we can all use it to work more in the time we do put in. And maybe work less in the long run that way.

    I'm not sure what links are allowed but i am not an affliate on any site for it anyways. Just google 4 Hour Work Week and buy a copy.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnD2000
    Excellent thread Rob! Thanks for kicking it off and contributing so openly.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author georgerey
    Use time management. Focus one task at one time and do it well.

    The problem I used to face is email checking. I check my email every 15 minutes and that has been completely distracting.

    I now close my outlook when I'm working on any task and promise myself to open it only twice during the day.
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  • Profile picture of the author AndyBlackSEO
    I always find that I get the most drive or ambitious attitude when you are thinking about your goals. Thinking what it 'might' be like to own that two seater sportscar, that new house, swimming pool or even just living your 'ideal' lifestyle. Procrastination usually kicks in because it's easy for it too and when those 'goals' are at the back of your mind.

    To overcome this simply print a few pictures out and place them next to your monitor. Photo of your dream home, car... Whatever! Constant reminders of what life 'could' be like can help you achieve the success you strive for.
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  • Profile picture of the author skyseer
    So my question to you guys. What do you do to:

    1. Eliminate Distractions
    2. Organize your actions

    I faced the same problems myself. It's tough, really tough to overcome them. Then, I found 1 way that works. But, it goes backwards - solve problem 2 first, then problem 1.

    2. Do something. Anything that moves you in the direction you want.
    1. Promise to do that thing for only 1 minute.

    The "magical" thing about this is that after 1 minute, you will continue with it for the next 30 minutes or more until you finish that task. That has been my experience. But, my problem is - wait a minute, let me finish the next dungeon, then I will do my 1 minute ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author CoolAndAwesome
    Forget email, skype and facebook. Just don't turn them on.
    And turn off the phone.

    Then work for a set amount of time, or until set list of goals is accomplished.
    Ideally, until you really can't work no more.

    Then, cool off by checking emails and replying, and then totally chill using whatever distractions you like.
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  • Profile picture of the author sshusain
    Very true, distraction is the biggest obstacle for IMers

    Shahid
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  • Profile picture of the author whatihave
    Banned
    Distractions are the worst. Focus is key.
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  • Profile picture of the author mkl3377
    "find a hungry audience and give them what they want" - Why Imers dont do that for themselves.

    Rob, you are lucky enough that you make enough in passive income that you dont need to work everyday and still have a paycheck. Which is more than 97% of us can say. So i say feed your body what it wants. Some of the stuff you listed(facebook, forum, email, games) many times it is just procrastination. But sometimes it's BOREDOM. You have done so much IM that you're bored. IM is no longer more interesting than the other stuff. So what should you do? Make all the other stuff more boring than IM. So wanna play Minecraft? Go play it continuously for as long as you can until you are bored of it. Do the same thing with all your distractions until your bored with them. Then you will be eager and want to work on IM. Thats when your enthusiasm, and interest, and new ideas will start to flow again and you will be 100% involved again in your business.

    You didnt lose 250K. You learned a valuable lesson. Minecraft, email, facebook, etc. causes you to lose self control. Valuable and costly lesson. Now that you know about it -

    What you gonna do BOB???
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  • Profile picture of the author waynewetzel
    thats right!!!!i agree with you (focused)
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  • Profile picture of the author go4wealth
    At the time of my writing this post there are currently 91 posts so if one read them all that would be a huge distraction.. fortunately I did not read them all so I only had a little distraction or somewhere in between:rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Nereah
    I must say it is really hard, but having a to do list will certainly keep you focused as Focused says above.
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  • Sure, there are opportunity costs but there are also found opportunities.

    I just got home from Walgreens, where they had a whole aisle of books and toys on closeout. I had to wait for my prescriptions anyway so I whipped out the iPhone and did some pricing. I walked out with enough stuff I can list on Amazon to pay for the whole trip (including prescriptions) three times over. A small opportunity recognized and capitalized on. And yet if I'd gone into Walgreens to source closeout toys they wouldn't have been there.

    Opportunities are all around. It makes me wonder how many more I've missed.

    fLufF
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary McLean
    I think you are on the right track, as you have identified your challenge.
    They say identifying it is 90% of the deal done!

    I found Nap Hill's 9 motives very good, as I've just had to realign my own values and find those that don't serve me anymore and in-load new values that now will suit my newly defined motives that will impel me to achieve that which I desire.

    Being a mum, one can tend to stay in Mum mode, whilst attempting other things.
    I found those values worked with kids, but not now that they have flown the coop!

    So, check out your growth and you will find you have outgrown your previous value systems and your goal motives will also have changed.

    The 9 motives that drive man to do or be anything on this earth are these:
    The emotion of Love(of a principle, a cause, world compassion etc, Can be for family, romantic, etc as long as it's all encompassing)
    The emotion of sex
    The desire for material gain
    The desire for Self Preservation
    The Desire for freedom of body and mind
    The Desire for self expression and recognition
    The desire for life after death
    The desire of revenge
    The emotion of fear

    That's it!
    So, I'd think you are on a growth juncture!
    See your "perceived loss" as an investment in a great seminar of learning, which will continue until you get the lesson and move upwards.
    That's what life is all about.
    It never takes away unless it provides the seeds of an equal or greater opportunity.
    So, Go for it young fellar!

    Your next headline can be...

    "I just discovered a way to make $500,000 in just over a year"!

    Kindest...
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  • Profile picture of the author Volwin
    Thats alot of money, hang in there man
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Dodson
    What keeps me focused isn't the elimination of distractions or "buckling down" to my work. The only thing I need to succeed is to feel the love & appreciation for what I do. Essentially, it's just a strong feeling that pushes me to accomplish what needs to be done for the day. It takes away my body's need for sleep and puts me "in the zone" - a magical place where absolutely anything is possible.

    Once I've spent a few minutes at the start of each day doing this, I become unstoppable.

    Without this process, I'm no different from a ship that has set sail with no destination. That's where boredom starts to creep in, I get sleepy and start to regret not following everyone else on the road most traveled.
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  • Profile picture of the author gtownfunk
    Wow, I totally feel you. It seemed like I was reading my own post. Discipline is hard to achieve when you have ideas and new things to try every single day. Patience is impossible, that's another thing I'd love to have zapped into my psyche.

    gtownfunk
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  • Profile picture of the author dee4d
    I personally think the title of this thread is on point. We really lose a lot when we waste valuable time, actually, it can't be measured in terms of monetary value. Any time spent wisely is such a great investments, and even if the rewards are not immediate, what is done will be resourceful in future.

    I still spend much time on a task and wonder whether it is worth it, but I believe it makes me sharper.
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    • Profile picture of the author maile15
      I think this is a generation problem! In this time a lot of kids forget to focus on just think but more to work on multiple things at the same time, without learning to prioritize. Start to focus on one problem at a time and you will see you will get forward!

      The Book "Eat the Frog" helped me a lot with that.

      "What is the most important thing every morning what would make a significant change to your situation!"
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  • Profile picture of the author RobBritt
    Focus Focus Focus.
    I had a note taped to my monitor for the longest time, 'being busy does not mean the same thing as being productive" we've all left a lot of money on the table I would imagine. I was recently told to set a kitchen timer to keep to a schedule. Gotta get one that's quiet. That tick tick tick tick would drive me crazy..
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  • Profile picture of the author stopper
    To organize your actions try decide on what you will do the next morning last thing before you go to bed and to limit distractions give your self 20 minutes of doing basically nothing empty your mind relax and give in to any distraction for 2- minutes
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  • Profile picture of the author BuyLandOnline
    If it's internet related, just keep that dollar amount going through your head. "If I don't work, I lose money." Simple as that. If the money motivates you, that should be enough.

    As far as staying organized, find a system that works for you. The old filing cabinet, folder system isn't for everyone. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary McLean
    Oh Rob, building an empire is an awesome dream!

    Is the empire for your own status, family wealth and legacy or a Steve Jobs type passion empire?

    All are worthy ideals going from the last one to the first one in benefits to the world.

    Good on you for saying so.
    I know it is a struggle to change from one level of comfort to another area that is tugging at your heart strings and not understanding the call from within at first.
    This maybe that time for you.
    Perhaps you need to take a day out in the bush or by the beach, in solitude and listen to the call from within, to determine your next moves.

    How exciting for you!
    Nature is not capricious in that she taunts you to desire something and not provide you with the answers. She provides the help to achieve the desires envisioned arising from within.

    Our challenge is to realize what is going on and get going on it ASAP!

    Clearly defining the new call that's bubbling up from deep down, will allow all the tools (people, stuff, money etc) you'll need to achieve that aim, to arrive just when and as you need them.

    I'll Razz you on if you need it!
    Set up a Razz for Rob website and give us all your site address and we could all encourage you upwards and onwards by dropping in weekly to Razz you on!

    Kindest
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  • Profile picture of the author Monster
    You may delay, but time will not. ~Benjamin Franklin
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