Category Archives: Personal Development

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21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating – Eat That Frog!

I just got back from a staff planning conference in San Luis Obispo. This is the 4th year in a row that we have gone down in January to review the previous year, analyze what went well, figure out where we came up short and set goals and objectives for the next year. It is a great time to reflect and bond as a team. We took our whole staff of 17 and joined 18 other teams for over 250 participants at the conference. We spent the three days in breakout sessions, job specific trainings and being motivated by our organization’s top management. It was a successful event and we all returned charged and ready for the new year.

Speaker at Business convention and Presentation.

I was asked to lead one of the breakout sessions and had a lot of flexibility to pick my own topic. I decided to focus my thoughts on Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time. I have talked about it before in the podcast (check it out here).

Below you can check out and download my slideshow from the presentation, read my summary and notes from the book and take a self evaluation questionnaire I created- use the links below. I hope you enjoy eating that frog!!

 Red eye frog

  Eat That Frog Self Evaluation Questionnaire   Highlights & Summary from Eat That Frog

Eat That Frog Slideshow

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Working For Something You Already Have

I got up and went to work today…like I do most days. Don’t take that the wrong way, I like my job and I enjoy the people I interact with I questioned why I really do it? Fresh in my mind was my son watching the Lorax movie.  I overheard the Onceler character talking about his business: I’m figgering on biggering and biggering, and biggering, and BIGGERING, turning MORE truffula trees into thneeds! Which everyone, everyone, EVERYONE NEEDS! Do we struggle for something we already have?

Mexikanische Fischer

It caused me to stop and think about work and the pursuit of the next promotion or raise and why we want it; indeed, why we think we need it…do we? I’m reminded of a story I heard a few years back about a business man who was taking a vacation in a small Mexican fishing village. One morning as he was out enjoying the sunrise and the beach he noticed a fisherman coming up in a small boat with a very large fish. The businessman complimented the fisherman, asked how long it had taken him to catch the fish and what he would do with the rest of his day. The fisher replied it had only taken him a little while and he would spend the rest of the day playing with his children, enjoying time with his wife and later stroll into town to socialize with his friends.

The businessman immediately took the opportunity to offer some advice to the young fisher, “spend more time fishing so you can buy a bigger boat. Then buy multiple boats and hire a team of fisherman. Eventually you will be able to open a cannery and expand your operation. Someday you will be able to take your company public and sell it for millions.”

The fisherman was intrigued, “how long will it take and then what”? The businessman continued, “that’s the best part, in as little as 15 years you could retire wealthy, move to a small fishing village, fish a little, play with your children, enjoy the afternoons with your wife and stroll into town in the evenings to socialize with your friends”.

I call that, working for something you already have

Fisherman of Lake in action when fishing, Thailand

Why do you work? What goals do you have? I still work because (besides needing the money to live) I love to work and I enjoy my job. But it still gives me pause to consider if I am working for something I already have. Biggering and biggering and BIGGERING for the sake of biggering.

Question: What keeps you working every day? How do you stay motivated to excel? Leave your comments below or by clicking here

 

13 Life Lessons – Quotes From the Masters

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Goal Setting and the Rhythm Registry

How are you doing? Have you had a great week? Are you today where you wanted to be as you planned out your last year? Did you take any detours?

A Goal Without A Plan Is Just A Wish Concept

Why does most goal setting fail?

  1. It’s not a goal it’s a wish. I’d love to take a trip to mainland China but without a plan to earn the money, schedule the flights and hotels and brush up on lonely planet- I’m never going to get there. Can you imagine sitting down with Bill Gates or Warren Buffet or Elon Musk and asking them how they got to the top of their game and their response is “well….I just showed up to work every day and eventually I was a success”? No way! Like the cliché- a goal is a dream with a deadline
  2. Lack of Clarity. Most people only have a general idea of the direction they are going and because of that they will never get there. They don’t know the markers to determine if they are on the right path. When they drift, and we all do, they have no reference point to come back to.
  3. No accountability- When you struggle and don’t feel like working today what keeps you performing? Most goal setting fails because there is no process or plan to keep us on track.
  4. Insufficient encouragement and support. Most people keep their goals and plans a secret, never allowing loved ones and trusted colleagues to support and encouragement.

 Goal setting against red steps arrow pointing up against sky

Goal setting makes all the difference- to reach your potential, you need to be committed to your goals. While most goal setting fails, it doesn’t need to. You have the ability to make transformational steps this year and conquer all your goals. Here are the 5 ways that I keep myself committed and accountable.

1- Tracking- Once I have set my major goals and direction for the year I break larger objectives down into bite size amounts by first looking at what I need to accomplish each month. Then, I break those monthly objectives down further into weekly accomplishments and finally I break those weekly objectives down further into daily tasks and routines.

This will be my 3rd year using Darren Hardy’s Living Your Best Year Ever Workbook for goal tracking and I love it. The workbook is a template for setting banner goals, monthly goals, weekly goals and daily routines (which he calls the rhythm register, a 10 point daily checklist of the most impactful habits needed to accomplish your goals)

For example, if your goal is to write a book, set that as a “banner goal” for the year. Then work backwards, in Dec you will publish and market, in November edit, in October write the final 100 pages, in September write the middle 100 pages and so on. At some point you’ll have to do some outlining and research- that can be January and February. I think you get the point. Then break the month down further, what will you do this week to make sure you are on track for the month? Finally, and here is the key, what will you do today? It all starts with today. Tracking is such an important part to staying committed to your goals. (Note:  make sure your goals are SMART. Find out more about making goals specific, measurable attainable, realistic and timely here)

2- Nightly review- What gets measured gets done, and improved. Each night, (7 days a week) I sit down before bed and read through my yearly goals, my monthly goals, my weekly goals and I check through my daily checklist. I put checkmarks for completions and circles if I missed. I tally them up for the day and for the week and discuss with my accountability partner (I will talk about next).

Along with that nightly review, I also write down the name of the most influential person I met with/talked to during the day, the thing I am most grateful for that day and my biggest “ah-ha” or learning experience. I do this because it forces me to evaluate my day and recall what is working and what I missed.

Nightly I also plan out my next morning routine. 6 days a week I get up at 5am and sometimes it is tough to get going. I find it much easier if I plan out what project I will tackle first and then lay out the materials I need to accomplish it- a laptop for writing, a book for reading or workout clothes for exercise.

3- Accountability partner – This single step has created the most significant impact in my goal achievement and focus. Every Monday morning at 8:30 I have a 30 minute call with my accountability partner. We review goals from the previous week and how we did and we commit to our goals for the upcoming week. I have often stayed up an extra 30 minutes at night to complete a task so I wouldn’t have to admit to my accountability partner that I failed. An accountability partner is a must if you want to be successful.

4- Encouragement and support from loved ones and friends – Carefully share your goals with those who will help you along the path. I say “carefully” because not all friends can and will help. Identify those that support your dreams. If you have discouraging friends… spend less time with them. Try to spend more time with those who care about your success. You become part of what you are around, so surround yourself with powerful motivating friends.

5- Motivation – A few weeks ago I wrote about determining if you are a “carrot” or a “stick” person. You’ve heard the analogy of the donkey pulling the cart? The farmer can either encourage the donkey with a carrot (reward) or punish him (stick). Are you motivated by rewards or punishments? (Read more at either familybeforefortune.com.carrot or www.familybeforefortune.com/stick). Personally, I am a reward person and my reward for getting this blogpost finalized is that I can spend the rest of the day kicking back enjoying the day with my kids and wife.

Setting goals is easy but real progress and growth comes from implementing and accomplishing your goals. These are the 5 steps that I go through to hold myself accountable and keep my momentum going forward. This year is going to be huge for me as I have set my goals and put into place the accountability to make sure I stay on task and focused.

Question: Do you have an accountability process? How do you stay committed to your goals throughout the year? Leave your comments below or by clicking here.

Free SMART Goals Poster

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5 Ways to Find a Mentor

Western Reef Heron peaking from under its wingDon’t wait for someone to take you under their wing.
Find a good wing and climb up underneath it. – Frank Bucaro

 

Mentors and mentorship are a hot topic these days. Everyone talks about the importance of finding and working with someone who has walked the path and had success; someone who knows the pitfalls and can warn you about them. I have been fortunate throughout my life to have many mentors that have been very impactful, setting me on the right course.

But how do you find a mentor? The types of people who make the best mentors are typically very busy. They have achieved a level of expertise and standing in their field because they have put in the time, made the connections and persevered through the difficult times. While they are generous and want to help they are often reluctant to accept a request to be a mentor. This may be because of timing or (maybe most often) it stems from a lack of understanding of what being a mentor entails.

Looking for a mentor is a proactive endeavor. I have never had the experience of a mentor calling me on the phone and offering to guide me down a path. I suppose if you have a really great product or if you have achieved a level of fame, complete with venture funding, a mentor might seek you out, But, for the rest of us, it is our responsibility to find the right mentor. So, how do you do it?

  1. Look for people in your industry or with similar interests and create opportunities to interact. Do you go to the same charity events, sit on similar boards, go to the same church or do your kids attend the same schools. Why not?
  2. Reach out to experts who write on your interests- one misunderstanding with mentors is that they have to spend a certain amount of consistent time mentoring you. This is not true. A mentor could spend 5 minutes responding to your email. That may be the only interaction that you have with your mentor but that five minutes could be valuable. Many of my mentors have never known the impact they have had on me through their writing or podcasts.
  3. Ask for referrals. Talk to people in your industry or to family and friends. Who do they mention as inspiring? Is there someone that consistently comes up in conversation?
  4. Workshops and industry conferences- you should try to attend conferences within your target niche. See what other people are saying on your topic of interest. While there you will be inspired and may have opportunities to become acquainted with or listen to experts in your field. Or, you may interact with someone who isn’t an expert yet, but is up and coming. One of these people could make a great mentor.
  5. Online- do not overlook the power of an online mentor-mentee relationship. Through various social channels you will encounter people who have walked down the path you are walking and can offer to assist with the learning curve. The web has opened up opportunities to be mentored from places not geographically close to you.

Mentoring Concept

Over the years I have had a very strong relationship with one particular mentor. He is one of the most successful people I have ever met and worked with. We originally crossed paths when I was sent out to do some consulting with him. It turned out he was more of an expert than I was.

Rather than feeling threatened or embarrassed I embraced the opportunity to listen to his suggestions. A couple weeks after that initial meeting I called him up and asked if I could buy him lunch and discuss the topic more. He said “no”; he would buy lunch. Since that day we have met many many times.

As my directions have changed so has our mentoring relationship. We seldom talk about the original topic and he now advises me on life and my new opportunities. That one phone call has changed the way I approach life and I am more successful today because of my mentor. It all started with finding a wing to climb up under and not waiting for the mentorship fairy to come along.

 Question: What has been your experience with mentors/mentees? How do you approach the relationship? Leave your comments below or by clicking here.

 

 

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The Slight Edge: 47 Can’t Miss Highlights

by Jeff Olson

What one simple, single, easy-to-do activity can you do, day in and day out, that will have the greatest impact on your health, your happiness, your relationships, your personal development, your finances, your career, and your impact on the world? Your slight edge.

Slight Edge

In every podcast episode that I create I spend the first segment talking about a book on my bookshelf that has had an impact on my growth and thinking as I travel the journey to success. Last week in FBF episode 008 I took a look at the Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. This week I wanted to share 47 “golden nuggets” from the book.

I do a lot of reading on my Kindle Paperwhite (which I love and can’t live without). One of the reasons that I love the Paperwhite so much is that I can read in the dark. The technology is such that the screen is front lit, not backlit, which means I read for long periods of time without hurting my eyes. Another reason I love the Paperwhite is I can highlight portions of the text that jump out to me and then Amazon stores those highlights and notes for me. I can print them off, attach them to Evernote, email to a friend or even include them in a blog post. (If you are curious how to get your notes off a Kindle device click here)

So, without further ado, here are the 47 most impactful passages from my reading of Jeff Olson’s The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness.Slight Edge

47 Can’t Miss Highlights: Slight Edge

  1. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson (attrib.) at location 227
  2. You already know how to do everything it would take to make you an outrageous success. All you have to do is keep doing the things that have gotten you this far. at location 422
  3. To find the path to success, you have to back up one more step. It’s the understanding behind the attitudes that are behind the actions. at location 522
  4. Yes, you have to know the winning how-to actions, and you have to possess the winning attitudes—but what generates all that and keeps it all in place is your philosophy. Your philosophy is what you know, how you hold it, and how it affects what you do. at location 524
  5. A positive philosophy turns into a positive attitude, which turns into positive actions, which turns into positive results, which turns into a positive lifestyle. A positive life. at location 527
  6. There are two prevalent types of attitudes: entitled and value-driven. A value-driven attitude says, “What can I do to help you?” An entitled attitude says, “What have you done for me lately?” An entitled attitude says, “Pay me more, and then maybe I’ll work harder.” A value-driven attitude says, “I’ll work harder, and then I expect you’ll pay me more.” at location 537
  7. Successful people fail their way to the top. at location 560
  8. Your philosophy is your view of life, something beyond feelings and attitudes. Your philosophy drives your attitudes and feelings, which drive your actions. at location 561
  9. A great deal of personal development material out there that will make you a happier, more productive, more successful, more fulfilled. at location 592
  10. The things that create success in the long run don’t look like they’re having any impact at all in the short run. at location 1043
  11. Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. at location 1078
  12. Every decision you make is a slight edge decision. What you’re going to do, how you’re going to act, what you’re going to read, who you’re going to chat with on the phone, what you’re going to eat for lunch, who you’re going to associate with. How you’re going to treat your fellow workers. What you’re going to get done today. at location 1309
  13. How long will it take? Chances are it will take longer than you want it to—and that when the time arrives, you’ll be astonished at how quick it seemed. at location 1331
  14. “I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.” —Coleman Cox. at location 1437
  15. I’ve seen people who have really taken personal development far, who are very developed, but have never moved beyond that. To me, that’s just a waste of that knowledge. at location 1984
  16. Greatness is always in the moment of the decision, at location 2351
  17. The predominant state of mind displayed by those people on the failure curve is blame. The predominant state of mind displayed by those people on the success curve is responsibility. at location 2429
  18. John Burroughs put it, “A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.” at location 2438
  19. People on the failure curve tend to focus on their past—and it pulls them down. People on the success curve focus on their future. at location 2479
  20. Devote some serious, focused time and effort into designing a crystal-clear picture of where you’re going. at location 2496
  21. No matter where you are, at any moment you can choose to step onto the success curve. at location 2603
  22. “There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is the definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.” —Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich. at location 2606
  23. Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. at location 2644
  24. The knowledge of what one wants. at location 2665
  25. When you are formulating goals and creating a vision for your future, it’s important to be careful whom you share them with. at location 2681
  26. Our world can be harsh on people who talk about an improved reality. Visions and visionaries make people uncomfortable. at location 2697
  27. The size of the problem determines the size of the person. at location 2710
  28. The size of your income will be determined by the size of the problems you solve, too. at location 2714
  29. Either you let go of where you are and get to where you could be, or you hang onto where you are and give up where you could be. at location 2739
  30. You are either going for your dreams or giving up your dreams. Stretching for what you could be, or settling for what you are. There is simply no in-between. at location 2740
  31. Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do, and that often means living outside the limits of one’s comfort zone. at location 2746
  32. Gandhi put it this way: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” at location 2756
  33. Plenty of people invest a good amount of time and effort accumulating knowledge, but still end up living their lives on the failure curve. Why? Because mastering the slight edge and moving onto the success curve is not only a question of the quantity of your learning but also the quality of that learning—and especially whether it includes any doing. at location 2917
  34. How do you determine the choices and decisions that your subconscious makes for you in carving out your life path? The same way you learned to tie your shoes: you create it first with intention, with your conscious mind, and then repeat it over and over, in slight-edge fashion, until it is handed off to your subconscious—at location 3086
  35. You can also define a person by the heroes he or she aspires to emulate. Who are your heroes? Who are you modeling yourself after? at location 3178
  36. Ask yourself, “Can I become like them? Are these people doing the kinds of things that I aspire to do and living the kinds of lives that I aspire to live? at location 3185
  37. Whatever goals you aspire to, seek out people who have achieved the same or very similar goals or who are well along that path, and go camp on their doorsteps or do whatever you can to associate with them, emulate them, and let their grasp, understanding, and mastery of the subject rub off on you. at location 3186
  38. It’s virtually impossible for you to have a positive philosophy. If the five people around you are consistently complaining, living in the past, blaming others for their difficulties, and thinking and acting in a generally negative way, then what are the odds of you finding your way onto the success curve? Slim to none. at location 3216
  39. Do your conversations focus more on the future or on the past? at location 3235
  40. Longevity experts are now telling us that keeping a positive outlook is just as critical a factor to health and long life as diet and exercise! at location 3248
  41. Successful people look at a problem and see opportunity. at location 3712
  42. There aren’t many millionaires who bowl over 100. Why not? Because they left the bowling league behind to build their fortunes. at location 3740
  43. For a goal to come true: You must make it specific, give it a deadline, and write it down. You must look at it every day. You must have a plan to start with. at location 3837
  44. The power of a plan is not that it will get you there. The power of a plan is that it will get you started. at location 3923
  45. If you want twice the success, double your rate of failure. at location 3930
  46. What one simple, single, easy-to-do activity can you do, day in and day out, that will have the greatest impact on your health, your happiness, your relationships, your personal development, your finances, your career, and your impact on the world? at location 4091
  47. Sigmund Freud was once asked what people need in order to be able to live a full and happy life. His reply was three words: “Lieben und arbeiten.” Love and work. at location 4211

This has been one of my favorite blog posts to write as I reviewed my notes and highlights from The Slight Edge. It was a powerful book and really shaped my philosophy this year and my efforts to firmly plant myself on the success curve.

Free: 5 Easy Steps to Retrieve Your Amazon Kindle Highlights