KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ!

44 replies
Newbie information overload and how nothing gets started.
Try and relate this to your attempt at starting online.

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
Somehow I feel better, even though I have had it!!

Last year, I was diagnosed with N.T.I.M.D. -

New To Internet Marketing Disorder

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,
I notice mail on the porch table that
I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table,
Put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
And notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back
On the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think,
Since I'm going to be near the mailbox
When I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table,
And see that there is only one check left.

My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
So I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Pepsi I'd been drinking

I'm going to look for my checks,
But first I need to push the Pepsi aside
So that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The Pepsi is getting warm,
And I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi,
A vase of flowers on the counter
Catches my eye--they need water.

I put the Pepsi on the counter and
Discover my reading glasses that
I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk,
But first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter,
Fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I'll be looking for the remote,
But I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
So I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,
But first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers,
But quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back on the table,
Get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to
Remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:
The car isn't washed
The bills aren't paid
There is a warm can of Pepsi sitting on the counter
The flowers don't have enough water,
There is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
And I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day,
And I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,
And I'll try to get some help for it,
But first I'll check my e-mail...
#read #symptomsplease
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  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    This is not just a disease, its an epidemic!

    Very well done!

    Bill
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  • Profile picture of the author edpudol1973
    Bottom line, focus... you need to complete what come to your hands first before starting another job.
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  • Profile picture of the author dwt
    With your writing abilities there is no excuse for you to not be successful online! Great post! I finally overcame this disorder myself when I stopped trying to perfect everything in my life. I focus on my business first and if other things don't get done for now, so be it. Let the house get a bit messy and get down to business!
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    • Profile picture of the author blogonator
      Thats exactly how i feel in my online biz sometimes..lol! You sum it up so nicely..Now, to go look for the cure..oh, there my glasses are..
      Signature

      Hasta la WinVista, Baby!

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  • Profile picture of the author peter gibson
    UPDATE from the CDC:
    "While N.T.I.M.D. has no cure, a surgical procedure is being developed that involves a removal of fiber optic cables thereby isolating the bacteria - known to most as Guruitus."

    In the meantime, liberal doses of "just get to work" in combination with Foo Fighters music has been known to slow the progress."

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  • Profile picture of the author GlynisG
    Originally Posted by Les Blackwell View Post

    Newbie information overload and how nothing gets started.
    Try and relate this to your attempt at starting online.

    Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
    Somehow I feel better, even though I have had it!!

    Last year, I was diagnosed with N.T.I.M.D. -

    New To Internet Marketing Disorder

    This is how it manifests:

    I decide to water my garden.
    As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
    I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

    As I start toward the garage,
    I notice mail on the porch table that
    I brought up from the mail box earlier.

    I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

    I lay my car keys on the table,
    Put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
    And notice that the can is full.

    So, I decide to put the bills back
    On the table and take out the garbage first.

    But then I think,
    Since I'm going to be near the mailbox
    When I take out the garbage anyway,
    I may as well pay the bills first.

    I take my check book off the table,
    And see that there is only one check left.

    My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
    So I go inside the house to my desk where
    I find the can of Pepsi I'd been drinking

    I'm going to look for my checks,
    But first I need to push the Pepsi aside
    So that I don't accidentally knock it over.

    The Pepsi is getting warm,
    And I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

    As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi,
    A vase of flowers on the counter
    Catches my eye--they need water.

    I put the Pepsi on the counter and
    Discover my reading glasses that
    I've been searching for all morning.

    I decide I better put them back on my desk,
    But first I'm going to water the flowers.

    I set the glasses back down on the counter,
    Fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
    Someone left it on the kitchen table.

    I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
    I'll be looking for the remote,
    But I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
    So I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,
    But first I'll water the flowers.

    I pour some water in the flowers,
    But quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

    So, I set the remote back on the table,
    Get some towels and wipe up the spill.

    Then, I head down the hall trying to
    Remember what I was planning to do.

    At the end of the day:
    The car isn't washed
    The bills aren't paid
    There is a warm can of Pepsi sitting on the counter
    The flowers don't have enough water,
    There is still only 1 check in my check book,
    I can't find the remote,
    I can't find my glasses,
    And I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
    Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
    I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day,
    And I'm really tired.

    I realize this is a serious problem,
    And I'll try to get some help for it,
    But first I'll check my e-mail...

    You really need to get some stuff done, Les .
    I think many people recognize themselves in this post.
    Now, do something about it.
    Make lists of what you need to each night before you go to sleep.
    FOCUS & PRIORITIZE
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    • Profile picture of the author Les Blackwell
      Thanks for all your comments, I didn't know I could write. That was me last year, very different now, keep watchin.
      Thanks again.
      Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author bottomline11
    Bravo!! and congrats on an outstanding post, you have illustrated
    the symptoms of the disease very well. Someone please make this thread
    a sticky.

    This should be required reading for all newbies .

    But take heed information overload does not just affect those new to
    internet marketing, it can affect those who have been engaged in internet
    marketing for years :confused:.

    You must be on constant alert for any signs of information overload, as
    one may relapse at any time. Otherwise you can wind up getting nowhere fast

    To a Great '09 For Us All
    Matt
    Signature

    "From Our Greatest Adversities Comes Our Greatest Successes" Marcus Aurelious

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  • Profile picture of the author NikkiM
    This is perfect, I am new to internet marketing, and I have felt the same way. As a person, in general, you have to learn to prioritize. As I am sitting here reading and replying to this post, I am looking at the plants that need watering.

    I think that as long as you can write down a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, and set an allotment of time for each task, you can get more things done.

    If you manage to find more things to do along the way, write it down, and move back to the task at hand.

    It is very important, not to get overwhelmed and don't get discouraged if all the tasks aren't completed by the end of the day.

    Focus on what you have accomplished and be happy for what you have done. After a while you will finish all you need to get done.

    Be Well, Be Happy, & Be Prosperous,
    NikkiM
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
      Les, Good post!

      I believe that all information products should contain the following Warnings.

      Warning:
      Laboratory Testing indicates that over exposure to the resources
      contained in this product may the leading causes of (I.O.S.)
      Information Overload Syndrome.

      Symptoms may Include:
      Multiple product ideas, Beginning new projects prior to completing
      others, Excessive mouse clicking, High volume liquid consumption,
      Mental Confusion and Insomnia.

      Recommended Treatment:
      Complete one project daily as directed by your Mentor and seek out
      Targeted Professional Help.

      Only Known Cure:
      Stop Procrastinating, Focus and Take Action.

      Hope that Helps,
      Have a Great Day!
      Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author knowmyrole
    what a read!!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Les Blackwell
    Thanks all for your kind words.
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author FreeMe.com
      That was hilarious, Les.

      Thanks for showing us that the funniest things are true life.

      If your reading this post... pick one thing and do it... TODAY!

      Signature

      Richard

      No Hype... Just Results www.FreeMe.com

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  • Profile picture of the author lienadla
    This is my current state, I really need to "focus" and finish those that I've started to achieve success.
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  • Profile picture of the author 123rlp
    This post Rocks it is so true,being new to IM you think you have to know and learn everything.It is very time cumsoming.Then you start to learn that every thing is so cheep to outsource why bother to learn it right away.We need to use the Henry Ford approach.Trying to learn everything like building web sites blogs traffic will keep you from the main goal making money.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Davidson
      Originally Posted by 123rlp View Post

      This post Rocks it is so true,being new to IM you think you have to know and learn everything.It is very time cumsoming.Then you start to learn that every thing is so cheep to outsource why bother to learn it right away.We need to use the Henry Ford approach.Trying to learn everything like building web sites blogs traffic will keep you from the main goal making money.

      Another great post!

      I have began to outsource my web building too as my webmaster skills are a disgrace.....must get my head around aweber tho....

      Good luck from one newbie to another!

      Cheers

      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Davidson
    Awesome Post mate!

    Cheered me up no end... you just summed up my 3 month IM career!

    Thankfully i have got over the worst of it now, but for sure it flares up again on a daily basis!!

    good luck

    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Nick Weinglass
    just out of interest, did you click on a banner as you were halfway through reading your email?
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  • Profile picture of the author reynald2790
    You have a great start in internet marketing. Do pursue your dreams in earning money in internet marketing world.
    Signature

    Hi! I am Reynald Laque Logan | Reynald Logan Dreams, 22 years old. Living in Dumaguete City “The City of Gentle People.” I am a pure Filipino Citizen. I am a Freelance Provider preferably working at oDesk.

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    • Profile picture of the author Corwinnx
      TW,
      It has been said that all energy is contagious. Therefore, I must concur with your hypothesis. I have a 3 year old and in ONE sentence, he can completely touch on 3 subjects, none of which have any tie or relation to each other in any way, shape or form. I am left to stare, mouth agape, in disbelief and wonder whether to laugh, consult his pediatrician, or resign myself to the fact that I have caught this... oh... look at the kitty...

      -Marcus
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      • Profile picture of the author TimothyW
        Originally Posted by Corwinnx View Post

        TW,
        It has been said that all energy is contagious. Therefore, I must concur with your hypothesis. I have a 3 year old and in ONE sentence, he can completely touch on 3 subjects, none of which have any tie or relation to each other in any way, shape or form. I am left to stare, mouth agape, in disbelief and wonder whether to laugh, consult his pediatrician, or resign myself to the fact that I have caught this... oh... look at the kitty...

        -Marcus
        Yes, I think this is all very real, repeatable, clinically-provable. I think, when you have a young kid around, he/she naturally brings YOUR MIND back to the days when YOU were that age. It is natural, and cannot be helped. The constant immersion in that world + way of thinking DOES rub off on the parent. If the parent had ADD (what was called 'hyperactive' when I was a kid) WHEN HE/SHE was THAT AGE, then that phenom will RE-EMERGE when a 'critter' with your dna and at THAT AGE is whizzing around your house 24/7.

        Again, that's my excuse any way. I HAVE noticed that it's much tougher for stuff to 'stick' to my brain these days (my daughter is now 5-1/2). I LOVE being around her -- but her mindset IS contagious! That has its benefits AND its drawbacks. More smiles -- less money.

        -- TW
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  • Profile picture of the author Pat Spence
    Focus and discipline are always the hardest skills to master. When so many things are demanding our attention it's really hard to say "no".
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  • Profile picture of the author eholmlund
    Originally Posted by Les Blackwell View Post

    I realize this is a serious problem,
    And I'll try to get some help for it,
    But first I'll check my e-mail...
    but not before you spend a few hours surfing the warrior forum ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author ezeeforall
    Hey Les. I'm kind of new to internet marketing myself, and man can I relate to your post! Getting distracted, going this way, then that way is a sure way to fail, plus it really tires me out! Thanks for all the wonderful replies to this topic. FOCUS at one task at a time until it is completed...watering those flowers will just have to wait.
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    • Profile picture of the author Barbara Eyre
      Quit looking through my windows, Les!
      Gawd - that was so close to how my days have been lately - online and offline.

      I don't have kids to blame it on, though the dog and cat might drive me to drink soon. heheheh

      Frankly, I blame all this on being a true Gemini - always seeking new activities to do. I bored with things about half-way through. It's weird. It doesn't matter who much I love doing whatever it is I'm doing. I always need new stimulation. You should see all the cross stitch projects I have started, but never finished.

      Online is the same as offline. I keep trying to break through this, but haven't found the right formula for myself yet.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kim Davis
    I am new to internet marketing. Even the lingo can be a killer. With floods of information coming from all directions, I sit in my chair, spin it around a few times in the opposite direction to unwind the head spin. I have decided to create the 5 Minute Club. Take on 5 minutes of work at a time and check in with myself and see if I can accomplish another 5 minutes. We have all heard of the 5 minute man, well I have declared myself as the 5 Minute Woman. I am the president of the 5 Minute Club and I am presently the only member...
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  • Profile picture of the author jestershaw
    WOW!!! Best post I have read all day. This is one of those 'POSTS' that inspire me to keep going. To keep chugging along. To keep.....
    Signature

    Shawn Tester
    Site: www.zenzyn.com

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  • Profile picture of the author DebbiePenner
    Boredom. That's the main cause, I'm thinking. New Marketers don't have the activity in their downlines or bank account to keep IM interesting, so they flit from one task to another in hopes if they don't make money, they'll at least succeed in entertaining themselves.

    If only there was some way to help new recruits see some success right away....

    At any rate, Les, I was wondering if I might use your content in a couple of social site blogs etc? I'd be glad to include your name and a link of your choice. Really. It's that good.
    Signature
    The Ultimate Funded Proposal Here's the Turning Point You've Been Looking For. Really.
    Photo-Lifestyle - Clean Photo Blog, Just for Fun
    HubPages - A Few of My Articles.
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  • Profile picture of the author leschwaar
    Wow, have you been watching me? Spot on. Thanks for the wake-up call...
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  • Profile picture of the author Adaptive
    Hilarious true to life post, Les!

    Thanks for the reminder to focus on concentrating on the #1 priority and always keep from...

    ooh, shiny!

    Regards,
    Allen
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  • Profile picture of the author kenboss
    I was going to reply to this post but it took me so long to scroll down to the bottom I forgot what the post was....:confused:

    thanks Les ... thank God I'm not the only one with the attention span of a goldfish.

    And seriously - when you write something that well, holding up the mirror - it puts us all on the first step to recovery: i.e. Recognizing the Problem!

    cheers
    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author koolwarrior
    Banned
    Les, I love a good allegory/story to help teach simple values in this marketing business.

    Good show! It's so good, that I'm posting a linkback to this post from my blog, so that my readers can finally 'WAKE UP' as to why they're not making any money online, and still broke as a joke.

    Thanks! BTW, I clicked 'Thanks' (And I don't do that often on here, either)
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    Very Funny!! ...and very true for many of us. You write a good story.
    If more newbys would read your post, maybe so many wouldnt fall into the same trap.
    _____
    Bruce
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  • Profile picture of the author yzal
    Brilliant story, it could be well used in a sales page.
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    • Profile picture of the author JRLiem
      It's very good story & still happen on me
      I think it's because I am still looking for what kind of IM should I focus on, affiliate, adSense, selling item on eBay.... I found a bunch of product offered.

      Frankly, I am still choosing one of them : which will get me rich quick is that my problem, to get rich quick, so that I can not focus?

      thanks
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