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FOOLPROOF! How a ruler, a pen, and $2 can make you money.

by Michael Oksa
63 replies
I've been having a great time reading through a lot of posts the past few days. The people here at the WF are awesome, and it is, for the most part, an enjoyable experience to read the forum.

One thing that always bums me out, though, is people who just can't seem to catch a lucky break.


They...
  • ...want to make money, but don't know how
  • ...tried following a guru, but it didn't work
  • ...are totally confused
  • ...don't know what to do
  • ...want a method that will make them successful
Well, here it is!


You are going to need a few materials:
  • A ruler or tape measure
  • A pen
  • $2
Step By Step Money Making Success Action Plan!


Step 1 - Sit in the place where you do your online work. (If multiple locations, repeat the following steps for each location)

Step 2 - Measure the reach of your left arm.

Step 3 - Measure the reach of your right arm.

Step 4 - Take your $2, it doesn't matter if it's cash, check, or credit card.

Step 5 - Go to your local discount store.

Step 6 - Purchase a pocket-sized calendar and/or notebook.

Step 7 - Return home.

Step 8 - Refer to Steps 2 & 3, and make sure that the calendar/notebook is always within reach.

Step 9 - Use the pen to write in the calendar/notebook.

The way I use this system is very simple. I write down a few tasks I want to do each day and then cross them off as I get them done. If something isn't done, it moves to the task list for the next day. Advanced users of this system can also write down ideas as they pop into their heads.

The secret to making this work is always having your pen and notebook within reach. Always.

Using a pen and paper to write stuff down really makes a difference.

Anybody can use this system to help them be successful. IT REALLY WORKS!

All the best,
Michael
#foolproof #make #money #pen #ruler
  • Profile picture of the author SlicedGenius
    Ha! Awesome post! Totally agree.

    Couldn't function without my notebook and diary!
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  • Profile picture of the author plambs
    Quality non-nonsense advice. Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author tabasc07
    Haha I love steps 2 and 3. But back to the real topic at hand, I certainly agree. A notebook and pen is essential! I believe writing down things is still the best way to retain information, stay motivated, hold yourself accountable, and to brainstorm.

    I could type all day, screenshot, or "ctrl+C, ctrl+V (cmd for mac users)" and still not get it as much as I would if it was written down.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Skinner
    This should have been titled "How To Write A Captivating Headline ...That Will Force The Reader To Click!"

    Well done my friend! 2 Thumbs Up!
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill_Z
    Pen? Paper? HUH???
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author Lucy Writes
      Love it! And it's sound advice. I've got to have my "to do" list. I'd be lost each day without it. It really keeps me on track.
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  • Profile picture of the author Changing Man
    Focus and time management - two of the most important elements to an online business.
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  • Profile picture of the author ckbank
    Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

    I've been having a great time reading through a lot of posts the past few days. The people here at the WF are awesome, and it is, for the most part, an enjoyable experience to read the forum.

    One thing that always bums me out, though, is people who just can't seem to catch a lucky break.


    They...
    • ...want to make money, but don't know how
    • ...tried following a guru, but it didn't work
    • ...are totally confused
    • ...don't know what to do
    • ...want a method that will make them successful
    Well, here it is!


    You are going to need a few materials:
    • A ruler or tape measure
    • A pen
    • $2
    Step By Step Money Making Success Action Plan!


    Step 1 - Sit in the place where you do your online work. (If multiple locations, repeat the following steps for each location)

    Step 2 - Measure the reach of your left arm.

    Step 3 - Measure the reach of your right arm.

    Step 4 - Take your $2, it doesn't matter if it's cash, check, or credit card.

    Step 5 - Go to your local discount store.

    Step 6 - Purchase a pocket-sized calendar and/or notebook.

    Step 7 - Return home.

    Step 8 - Refer to Steps 2 & 3, and make sure that the calendar/notebook is always within reach.

    Step 9 - Use the pen to write in the calendar/notebook.

    The way I use this system is very simple. I write down a few tasks I want to do each day and then cross them off as I get them done. If something isn't done, it moves to the task list for the next day. Advanced users of this system can also write down ideas as they pop into their heads.

    The secret to making this work is always having your pen and notebook within reach. Always.

    Using a pen and paper to write stuff down really makes a difference.

    Anybody can use this system to help them be successful. IT REALLY WORKS!

    All the best,
    Michael
    Everyone! Imagine where all of us would be if all of us treated IM like a full time job.
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    • Profile picture of the author PattC
      Simple advice, and right on target.
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  • Profile picture of the author Des Lau
    so true.

    After working on my own the only thing than keeps me on track is my notebook and pen.

    I don't know what it is about crossing something off on the list, it is so damn satisfying
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Is there a plugin for that?

      Where can I outsource it?

      :p
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      • Profile picture of the author jetsetter883
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        Is there a plugin for that?

        Where can I outsource it?

        :p
        hahah "when will i see profits??"
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      • Profile picture of the author MikeTucker
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        Is there a plugin for that?

        Where can I outsource it?

        :p

        I had a TERRIBLE experience outsourcing this to some Italian guy!!!
        Shortly after steps 2 and 3 he said i owed him $1900 for his work!!!!

        ...Sure is a nice suit, though. And I swear my social reach is longer when people see me in it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Write on!

    you wouldn't believe the size of the pile of paper on my desk right now. Notes notes and more notes.

    You need to get busy and come up with V 2.0 of this post so I know what to do with this huge pile
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
    Nice one Michael. You should have made it into a WSO, while giving it free to the War Room!

    Jeff.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Yes taking action. once you actually not just read those two words, but do it, and actually start implementing stuff, even if you have to stay up to 2am in the morning, you will be surprised at the results.
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    • Profile picture of the author r30ducez
      Easy, to the point, practical, but so incredibly important.... Great Post!
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  • Profile picture of the author Fun to Write
    My alternative to the pen and notepad is the pen and colorful sticky notes...light yellow, dark yellow, pink and blue. Simply discard once the task is completed. Keeps my desk and computer pretty too!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kierkegaard
    Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post


    Step 6 - Purchase a pocket-sized calendar and/or notebook.
    Get the calendar cos by Feb 24th it's going to be half price.

    There you go a dollar saved is a dollar earned :p ...and you're making money already!
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    • Profile picture of the author AlphaWarrior
      Every day, I list 3 things that I am going to do without fail.

      The KEY is to do all 3 things, not just 1 or 2, but all 3. If you miss doing 1 of the 3 things, then the next time, you will skip 1 thing and eventually, you will skip all 3 things and the system is useless.

      The longer that you complete the 3 tasks, the more that you want to complete the list each day. You just don't want to break the string of days with completed tasks.

      The trick to keeping the system going is to list fairly simple things that you know that you will do. If it looks like I will not have time to do much, I will list 3 things that will only take a minute or 2 to do.

      It is amazing how much I get done over time by making sure that I do 3 simple things every day.
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
        Originally Posted by AlphaWarrior View Post

        Every day, I list 3 things that I am going to do without fail.

        The KEY is to do all 3 things, not just 1 or 2, but all 3. If you miss doing 1 of the 3 things, then the next time, you will skip 1 thing and eventually, you will skip all 3 things and the system is useless.

        The longer that you complete the 3 tasks, the more that you want to complete the list each day. You just don't want to break the string of days with completed tasks.

        The trick to keeping the system going is to list fairly simple things that you know that you will do. If it looks like I will not have time to do much, I will list 3 things that will only take a minute or 2 to do.

        It is amazing how much I get done over time by making sure that I do 3 simple things every day.
        That's a great way to do it, too. Keeping the list relatively short helps, and forces you to prioritize.

        No money can be made until action is taken, and anything you can do to help you take action will move you in the right direction.

        I wanted to keep my first post simple, but also wanted to mention that some days I use two lists. One is a "high priority" list, and the other is a "low priority" list. That way I have a back-up list for the times I get burned out on the priority list. In other words, I'm always doing something to make money, though it may or may not be a high priority item at any given moment...if that makes sense.

        It's cool that so many of us have variations of this method.

        All the best,
        Michael
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        • Profile picture of the author Bryan Zimmerman
          I've been doing this to one degree or another before I ever even got online. It works and it works well if you have a direction you are going in.

          People would be amazed at not only how much more productive they would be but also how much more money they would make if they would just plan out their days and stick to it. The amount of time people spend playing around on forums, twitter, Facebook, etc VS things that could bring them money is amazing, but until you actually check your times as to how much of that you're doing you never realize it.

          Try it out for two weeks, write down daily tasks and I guarantee you see a difference in more things than just your wallet Great reminder Michael!
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Hilarious!
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  • Profile picture of the author Parry
    Very powerful concept though very simple. One of the best books on the subject is Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy which is a bestseller that you must read if you want to do good time management.
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  • Profile picture of the author DreamWarrior
    It's the simple things in life that people forget to do, that will help them get things done and achieve some goals.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daystar11
    Fun but so true! I like AlphaWarriors modification, too- do 3 things without fail, every day, and soon you won't want to break your string of accomplishments. As I recall, in one of those motivational classics- maybe it was Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich", well it was one of the many I've read- there was a (true) story of a famous
    giant of business (a steel magnate, or something) who paid a productivity person multiple thousands of dollars to help make him more efficient in getting things done- and the advice he was given was to write down 6 things he MUST accomplish that day, and then decide which was most important, rank them in order, and go down the list and DO them. Usually the top 3 were the ones that got done, and it didn't matter if he got through the whole thing. This was a tremendous success, too.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by visualju View Post

      so true.

      After working on my own the only thing than keeps me on track is my notebook and pen.

      I don't know what it is about crossing something off on the list, it is so damn satisfying
      That is so true, and seeing those corssed-off items pile up is satisfying, too.

      Originally Posted by Fun to Write View Post

      My alternative to the pen and notepad is the pen and colorful sticky notes...light yellow, dark yellow, pink and blue. Simply discard once the task is completed. Keeps my desk and computer pretty too!
      I love this idea! I can imagine crumpling up that little piece of paper and tossing it away. That may be even more satisfying than crossing it off.

      All the best,
      Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Dawn Wise
    Sometimes it's the simple things that make a big difference.
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  • Profile picture of the author DianaHeuser
    Love this post Michael.

    I have a black hard cover book for each of my projects, where all the "To-Do" stuff and other important information goes into. That way all information relating to a project is in one place if I ever need to go back to it.

    Of course the books have to be covered in pretty 'girly' paper

    Di
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      It's true.

      Once the idea is written down it becomes tangible as well as a "thing to do".

      Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author loi77
    Great advice, thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Scott Skinner View Post

      This should have been titled "How To Write A Captivating Headline ...That Will Force The Reader To Click!"

      Well done my friend! 2 Thumbs Up!
      Originally Posted by WilliamBlah View Post

      Absolutely agree! Two good lessons to be learnt here!

      Regards
      Will
      I think there may be another lesson here, as well. I could have just written "get a pen and paper and write everything down", but that message would have been largely ignored. Doing it this way keeps the reader's interest (hopefully) long enough for the message to sink in.

      One of my selling philosophies is that if you offer a solution that people need, then it's your duty to convince them to get it. Not so you make a lot of money, but so you help a lot of people. You won't get them to buy and then take action unless you write in a way that holds their interest.

      Arousing curiosity, calling it the "Step By Step Money Making Success Action Plan", and then having the payoff at the end seemed to work well.

      There are lessons all around us, all the time. Being aware of them and implementing them isn't always easy, but it makes a difference.

      All the best,
      Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Rough Outline
    hehe always have a notepad near me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    Michael,
    Could I write one to do list and then just spin it every day? Writing a new list each day seems like a lot of work.

    Seriously, the only way I sleep at night is knowing I have written everything down on my list for tomorrow. Otherwise, I keep going over it all in my head at 2:00 in the morning.

    Rose
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    • Profile picture of the author Onora Oz
      Originally Posted by Rose Anderson View Post

      Could I write one to do list and then just spin it every day? Writing a new list each day seems like a lot of work.
      Rose
      LOL nice one

      Great reminder, Michael, and great headline.
      I love my pen and paper. I just bought a Moleskine with "do. or do not. there is no try." written on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coachdirk
    Great advise
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  • Profile picture of the author dv8domainsDotCom
    And after we get our Handy Dandy Notebook, we sit in our ... ?


    Thinking Chair? That's RIGHT!!!

    "Cause when we use our minds and take a step at a time,
    We can do any THING... that we wanna do!"
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  • Profile picture of the author Vipin jain
    Its a great post for a fresher like me... Such a nice way to keep in mind all the stuffs which we have to perform daily.

    Its really a good idea to write down all the task on a paper in a systematic way and complete all your tasks in a timeline. It will help us to do the things on the right time and will make us punctual too... Thanks for sharing.

    Now from tomorrow I will write down all my task n will perform them according to requirements. It will also give us a coolness in mind if we do them in time and we will manage our life too by doing all the things on time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sillysoft
    Eww, hard copy. Who writes these days on paper?
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  • Profile picture of the author peptone
    You're out of date. We have software now. I like Goal Enforcer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    It has nothing to do with being out of date.

    Some people actually prefer pen and paper for a variety of reasons. It doesn't crash, it's easier to carry around, it doesn't have to be plugged in or recharged, nothing pops up in the corner of the paper saying, "You've got mail" or other such distractions.

    It's nothing but personal preference and what works best for you. For me, I'll stick with a pen and paper for to-do lists.

    Rose
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  • Profile picture of the author Manoj
    Has anyone tried this? I'll wait for a review

    Recently, I was thinking about getting a whiteboard to do something like this. I agree with you it has that Zeigarnik effect to force us in to taking action.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Gee, Michael - forgive me for not writing that down, but it didn't make my to-do list - I already have my notepad sitting in front of me. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - but I always get stuff done at the least.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    Manoj,
    I do use a whiteboard for the writing projects I'm working on for clients. I write down the number of articles or pages and the date the project is due. That way I can see at a glance what I need to be working on and how long I have to complete each task.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWaters
    I have often read that many successful people do this. They make a list of the things they want to accomplish for the day and they simply go thru the list.
    Don't put things that will prove to be an unproductive time-suck on that list!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Penberthy
    Great post, funny but true!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    This does one other thing not mentioned yet. It sets your goals apart from your regular stream of consciousness. According to some psychologists, this lets your subconscious mind know it's important to you and it will work on those ideas instead of something else that impressed it. Where do you think those ideas that "come out of the blue" come from?
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Where do you think those ideas that "come out of the blue" come from?
      I always figured the blue had something to do with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
    Yep, I do this as well. Do three things each day and at the end of the month you've accomplished 90 important tasks.

    Better yet, write down the night before 3 things you're going to have your assistant do the next day and free up your time to do other stuff
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman View Post

      I've been doing this to one degree or another before I ever even got online. It works and it works well if you have a direction you are going in.

      People would be amazed at not only how much more productive they would be but also how much more money they would make if they would just plan out their days and stick to it. The amount of time people spend playing around on forums, twitter, Facebook, etc VS things that could bring them money is amazing, but until you actually check your times as to how much of that you're doing you never realize it.

      Try it out for two weeks, write down daily tasks and I guarantee you see a difference in more things than just your wallet Great reminder Michael!
      Excellent points, Bryan. precious007 said that this was about "self-development, time management and being organized" and that "it won't necessarily "Make You Money". I disagree. Like you said, if you doubt its ability to make you more money, try it for two weeks and see what happens.

      .


      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      This does one other thing not mentioned yet. It sets your goals apart from your regular stream of consciousness. According to some psychologists, this lets your subconscious mind know it's important to you and it will work on those ideas instead of something else that impressed it. Where do you think those ideas that "come out of the blue" come from?
      I hadn't considered that aspect of the technique. It shows that there are layers of complexity underneath the surface. Unfortunately, I think too many people will ignore the advice because it sounds simple, and so simple that it couldn't possibly make a difference. Anybody who thinks it doesn't really work should give Bryan's challenge a try.

      .


      Originally Posted by Ron Douglas View Post

      Yep, I do this as well. Do three things each day and at the end of the month you've accomplished 90 important tasks.

      Better yet, write down the night before 3 things you're going to have your assistant do the next day and free up your time to do other stuff
      Hmm...let your assistant do it? What an awesome suggestion. Thanks Ron!

      All the best,
      Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Janice Sperry
    Where are your screenshots for proof of income?


    Actually I love the simple reminders that bring me back down to earth. It is easy to get swept up in always thinking that just because it is high tech it is productive.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Janice Sperry View Post

      Where are your screenshots for proof of income?
      Great! Another thing for my to-do list.

      ~M~
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  • Profile picture of the author ExpertSEOServices
    Great advice. I am always making lists of things to do each day. Its a great way to stay focussed on things and to keep you on the right track.
    I agree a pocket sized notebook is essential.
    I started out with a big A4 size list but really you should be able to manage your tasks and not overwhelm yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ken Leatherman
    Michael I just added going to the dollar store to buy pen and notepad to my pink sticky note, stuck to the bright red sticky pad which is stuck to my yellow legal pad, which is not full of 3 things I didn't do today.

    But my assistant wrote me a reminder to pay him so he could liste the 3 things on his to do list which he hasn't crossed off of this last week.

    "Show Me The Money"

    Ken

    The Old Geezer

    P.S. Good post Michael and thanks to all who have added some humor and good thoughts to my day.
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  • Profile picture of the author bobcath
    Thaks for the reminder Michael. For a long time now I'd been trying to organise my to do lists with complex systems, doesn't work for me at all!

    I've now discovered an iphone app which is very simple and serves as my 'pen and paper'. I've always got it with me so saves me carrying round the notepad and pen, but the principle is similar (except the $2 step!!).

    Less is more...thanks for the simplicity!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jetmir
    This is a really important factor that anyone who wants to be successful should consider. It'll make your business more organized and your life too.

    Thanks!
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