As 2010 winds down and comes to a close (and very quickly, I might add!), this is a good time to take a hard look at where you are vs where you want to be.
I've been analyzing my progress in 2010, with both personal and business goals, and making decisions about what I want to change in the New Year.
Change is not easy. On the surface it appears easy, but implementation is another story altogether.
In a burst of motivation we often attempt to change too much at once or take on more than we can realistically achieve. This is a surefire recipe for failure, which breeds feelings of overwhelm and defeat, making (real and lasting) positive change more and more difficult with each attempt...
“Change can be a difficult thing. Most people want to change their lives, in some way, but find it difficult to either get started or to sustain the change for very long.” – The Elements of Change
Regardless of my "failures" in 2010, I accomplished A LOT of positive change.
Even my failures are only my own personal goals, and are still within my reach to complete - and my achievements this year far outweigh those things I did not successfully achieve. In retrospect, my goals for 2010 required a much stronger foundation than I had when the year started. And putting that foundation in place is something I did achieve.
I'm currently reading Zen To Done: Ultimate Simple Productivity System by Leo Babauta (author of the Zen Habits blog). I am absolutely loving the simplicity of his system - the DOability of it, if you will.
One of the things that really stood out to me early on in the book is his suggestion to make strategic change. To change only one thing at a time, and to take the time to make that change stick. What really stuck in my mind was his thought-provoking statement on Page 5, regarding implementation of his entire system:
"In the long run, the new habits will stick better if you focus on them one or two at a time. And over the course of a year, you'll have mastered them all -- and I don't think becoming completely organized and productive in one year is such a bad accomplishment." -source
Certainly not! And as I look ahead at the New Year, I really like the idea of strategically implementing change over the course of the year - and all that I can accomplish by doing it that way. Slow, strategic, planned change... that sticks.
Considering that "flying by the seat of my pants" has been a method proven not to work, I'm putting serious thought into what I want to change in 2011 and how I intend to achieve that change.
Don't get me wrong - I have managed to start and maintain a successful business and the lifestyle I wanted "by the seat of my pants", but getting to the next level has proven difficult without a solid system & strategy. One that I can actually stick out.
Confession: systems & processes are my biggest weakness! 😛
For me, it's a matter of coming up with a plan that works (for me personally) and that is going to mean changing some serious (long-term) habits. From the way I process incoming information (mail, email, ideas, communications, etc) to the systems I use to track and achieve both my personal and business goals.
Our 4 Biggest Stumbling Blocks To Making Positive Change
After considering my own issues, and listening to your challenges as well, it seems that we all struggle with the same 4 basic things when it comes to taking our online business to the next level: consistency, time management, organization and focus.
Of course, there are other challenges as well - such as technical issues, learning curves, etc. But all of those can be more easily overcome. Our focus and how we manage our time, fall under the category of "habits" ("bad habits" for most of us -lol), and are much harder to "overcome" or change.
This is where Zen To Done has been a HUGE help for me already.
While I am only about 1/3 way through the book, and still processing all of the ideas, one thing I've picked up from it and started implementing already is "instant decisions". I've just started practicing this in the last week, basically making "quick decisions" on everything that crosses my screen or desk. The goal is to instantly process and respond to the constant "incoming" - whether I reply, delete, outsource, pay... whatever it calls for.
The goal of course, is to stop letting things pile up on me. So far this one simple habit change has proven to be pure magic! I'm finding myself with much less clutter (and much less stress over clutter & piles!) and things are getting DONE.
That alone was worth 10x the price of the book for me. I am glued to it and super anxious to implement more of his recommended habit changes. One at a time, giving them a chance to stick, of course. 😉
The Truth About Distractions
I recently asked this question on my Facebook Page:
Regarding Focus & Time Management... What's your biggest distraction?
The answers were quite interesting. It occurred to me while looking over the various responses, that we really need a distinction between true distractions... and procrastination. No accusations here. I'm including myself in that "we". 😉
A true distraction, by my definition, is something that interrupts you from creative mode. That might include family, your pet, neighbors, phone calls, instant messengers, computer or smart phone notifications, etc. Some of these we can control, some we cannot.
Other answers on Facebook included things like email and... Facebook! While things like children and pets are not within our control, and may need our attention regardless of what we're doing, email and facebook are more a distraction of choice.
Meaning, we choose to distract ourselves - which boils down to procrastination.
Know the difference between distraction and procrastination, and find solutions for both. A few great posts from the ClickNewz archives you may want to revisit:
- Get Your Focus! How to Beat Distraction
- Staying On Track – From Start to Profit
- Staying Focused When You Work Online
One of the things that really works for me is to choose the right time of day to focus. On Saturday morning, for example, I got up at 6:40am so that I could get my priority tasks out of the way and spend the rest of the day with my family. Those quiet hours before my teen woke at 9am were very focused and super productive.
It's important to find that balance between focus time and family time.
Speaking of focus, if you haven't already, download the free Focus Manifesto by Leo Babauta (there's a free PDF version on that page).
What's REALLY Holding Us Back??
You may recall that we discussed this back in April, in my post titled What's Holding You Back From Your Goals?? It was a very candid look at where I was, going into the 2nd quarter of this year...
I have to tell you- the night before I was completely overwhelmed, and mentally exhausted. Just thinking about my goals made me *cringe* at the amount of work and personal investment it was going to take to achieve them. Ever felt that way? I call it “stuck” and it’s an incredibly frustrating place to be... -source
I invested in a guide and system by Dave Navarro and found it incredibly helpful. It got me on a serious roll in the right direction! Unfortunately, due to the "by the seat of my pants" way that I deal with things, *sigh*, it got set aside when I allowed other things to take priority... which is exactly what I was trying to work on! 🙄
What's really holding us back is... ourselves. Period.
Say it with me: "It's ME".
Now that we've all collectively admitted it, we can feel better knowing we're not alone - and move forward, getting busy on the fix. NOW is the time. The New Year is just weeks away (less than 3!), and we can start right now and get a head start on making real lasting positive change in our lives - and in our business.
I'm revisiting What's Holding You Back? by Dave Navarro, and diving back in. You may already have this gem on your hard drive. If not, you can download it instantly for only $27. I encourage you to join me in the challenge of completing the guide & exercise as we head into the New Year...
What Do You Most Want To Change?
I put a lot of thought into this question over the last week. There are a lot of things I would like to change in my life and in my business. I decided to sit down and put a "Written Goal for 2011" on paper. That proved to be easier said than done. It took me the entire day to create tangible goals for the year.
By tangible, I mean measurable. For example, instead of "lose weight" you should say "lose 25 pounds". If you don't know the exact measure of your goal, you can't know whether you've truly achieved it or not.
I started by making random notes of things I wanted to change or improve, and finally came up with a very simple list of goals. After I considered each of the goals, I made note of tasks necessary to achieve those goals - including the task of changing certain (bad) habits.
You may want to do the same, and then keep that written goal front and center this year. Put it somewhere where it will serve as a daily reminder, and work the associated tasks into your 2011 schedule.
I hope some of these thoughts & resources give you a head start on the New Year, and help you better prepare to kick off 2011 in high gear. It's time to cut out the negatives, and work towards max profit potential. And YES, it CAN be done in one year! That's MY goal - and I'm starting early... for a change. 😀
The countdown is ON!
Best,
Quick-Links To Lynn's Recommendations:
What's Holding You Back? by Dave Navarro
(PDF, instant download, $27, worth every penny!, I have it printed and in a binder - and keep it right here at my desk)
Zen To Done: Ultimate Simple Productivity System
(Physical book, $12.95 on Amazon, reading it - implementing it - *loving* it!)
Focus Manifesto by Leo Babauta
(PDF, free download)
The Discipline of Gratitude by Jeff Walker
(Awesome read, and great new habit to start!)
About Lynn Terry
“It’s ME”. There, I said it. And it's totally 100% true. I have an awful habit of getting in my own way and defeating myself. Definitely need to work hard and not do that in 2011.
Realizing that is so powerful, though. If you blame anyone else but yourself, you take personal responsibility out of the equation. When you accept the responsibility, you then have the power to change it - whatever your "it" is.
You're on a great roll and you really achieved a lot in 2010. It's been exciting to watch the progress and brainstorm with you on it in our private group. Here's to even more success in 2011! 😉 *cheers*
Lynn - as ever, right on the button. I really enjoy your posts because they are so relateable. Like you, the organisation/process bit trips me up, but I'm trying hard not to make that an excuse. So here's to 2011 and thank you for all your input so far.
Caroline
Thank you Caroline. I actually discovered this year that we are all very much the same - regardless of what level we are on regarding business & success. I set out at the beginning of the year to get some advice and coaching from those "above me", and learned that many of them deal with the exact same issues that I do - which are the same issues as you and everyone else.
I love having this platform to share what I learn along the way, and this wonderful community to brainstorm with. We all have the same common goal: to be more, do more, achieve more - regardless of where we each are individually at any given time.
Learning without taking action is useless. Just DO IT, DO what you are planning instead of planning ans seating home! Nice article, thank you!
Taking Action is definitely the key! 😉
jared hopkins i think that ur wrong because what if some people already done something like they were gonna plan and they have nothing else to do then what can they do and if they have children they can sit home but other than that ok. but if they learn and move up then they probably can take action. ARE YOU LIKE THAT HAVENT TAKIN ACTION YET ?
Excellent post Lynn, it's got me thinking about formalising a plan for 2011. 8)
I agree with you about changing one thing at a time. Make it a habit, when it's established in your life, we can make another change that becomes a habit and part of the daily/weekly routine.
The goals should be challenging but attainable. If the measurable target is too hard, we are setting ourselves up for failure.
I'm OK on the one change at a time tactic, that fits in with my aversion to work. 😉 However I'm missing an overall strategy and this post has made me realise I need one for 2011. This will take a lot of thinking about, good job I've still got a couple of weeks. 😆
John
That master plan is difficult for some (a character trait for some of us, perhaps) but oh so necessary. And once you can visualize exactly where you are going - and why - it makes managing your business SO much easier. Decisions become easy, because you can simply ask yourself: "Does this take me closer to my goal, or distract me from it?"
That one question has been a major save for me all these years. I have a long-term goal & vision. The thing that has stood in my way is "systems & processes" as I mentioned in the post. And it's not a matter of not knowing how to do it, or who to hire - it's totally a mental block. Which really frustrates me! 😛
I love the picture and the accompanying text! 🙂
I have also started making plans for 2011.
Based on my experience, things always happen slower than I'd like to, but if I take a long enough view, I can see that I've usually achieved what I set out to do.
I think it's my advancing age that has forced me to understand that reaching my goals will take time and there's often no way you can force things to happen faster. (It doesn't mean I'm not very frustrated when things take too much time.)
I have to dig out Navarro's book too..
It's frustrating for all of us. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just click a button and make things magically be done?! Of course! I would have to be the top affiliate for that Magic Button 😀 LOL
The image was a perfect match. I actually got it in the "dollar bin" at iStockPhoto.com
Creating a focused plan of action and developing a system of accountability is a great way for anyone to create change in their life.
Lynn- have you thought about using an accountability coach? Someone to help you stay focused on your goals?
Systems and processes are my strong point. Shoot me an email if you want to discuss some ways to develop ones that work for you. I am always happy to help a TN girl make good 🙂
Always enjoy your posts and your journey.
Thank you, Scott - and I may take you up on a consultation regarding my systems & processes 😉 I just recently took on two accountability partners, which is working out very well so far. You may have noticed I'm back on a roll again after having a bit of a dry spell for a few months. 😎
I may have to check out that book. After struggling for two years to build a solid web design and e-commerce business I know find myself with a growing client base and a steady income, but almost zero free time. The thing I'd most like to change is to continue to grow my income but to do it without working so dang hard.
Hey Brandon,
You need to scale. I know exactly where you are, because I used to be there myself. I actually started out in a service based biz. Check out this post from the archives:
How to Create Passive Income Opportunities In A Service-Based Biz (Without Pissing Off Your Clients): http://www.clicknewz.com/2243/how-to-create-passive-income-opportunities/
That may prove helpful as you create goals for the New Year 🙂
Excellent and timely article, Lynn. I have allowed myself and my business to get off track the latter part of this year, mainly due to distractions, some that were unavoidable and some that I have allowed into my life. I was thinking just this morning about how I need to get back on track and set some goals and do some planning, and then the link to your article *magically* appeared! Great timing! Thanks for the links to other resources, too!
I got off track around the 3rd quarter myself, so don't feel bad. Sometimes "life happens" (even when it's self-inflicted, like in my case -lol). Check out the Focus Manifesto - the free download - as a good starting point. I often find the motivation I need in a great guide or book!
Just correcting my Twitter address here...
Hi Lynn,
Timely post! personally I want to improve my focus this year. The great thing/problem about internet marketing is there are too many opportunities out there. It's too easy tospread yourself too thin over lots and lots of projects.
This year I'm ngoing to focus on the niches I'm already in rather than building new businesses. It will be difficult but I'll stick to it!
Joe Hughes
The one big thing I need to change in the upcoming year is follow-through. I'm great at starting, but then often fall victim to the next shiny object. This year is going to be all about focusing on current projects and not beginning new ones.
I tossed and turned all night wrestling with "what must I do ... what plan should I create ... what do I need to implement to make 2011 better than 2010???? Since I could not sleep, I decided to get up and check my emails and the first email my eyes fell on was this one!!!!! Aawwwweeee, perfect timing!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Lynn!!!! I don't know what it is but you always seem to hit the nail on the head and give me what I need when I need it! I'm looking forward to purchasing "Zen to Done" and making some positive changes and reach more personal and business goals, too. In the meantime, I think I'll read this blog post two or three more times!
Merry Christmas!!!!
Lynn,
Great post. I am reading Zen to Done based on your recommendation as well - but I don't know that I've made it as far because it's so easy to switch to my novel on my Kindle!
This year has been a great year in a lot of ways, but not as good as it could have been. Not only was it me, it was my thyroid! I thought I was losing passion for what I did and suffering extreme burnout, and it turned out I was slowly powering down.
Now that I've got my happy little thyroid pills, all systems are slowly powering back on again - but what I discovered is that I developed a HABIT of underperforming when I felt so terrible - and back then I had an excuse. Now I don't have an excuse, but I'm still in the habit of being less focused than before I got sick.
You've been a light in the darkness this year when I couldn't see my hand in front of my face - and it's every bit as much because you've shared your failures and difficulties as your successes. Everywhere we look, there's another person who seems to have superpowers - but when we see someone like you who has managed to achieve with your cape in tatters this year - it makes us feel like we mere mortals can do it too.
Thank you for being you.
Hey Lynn,
Great Post! I know the real problem, ME,ME,ME....boy that felt good, just adding a little humor in the "I know the real problem" line.
Ive known it was "ME" for a while now and Ive really been working on ME. I also have my wife and kids helping me,(I have their 100% Love and support in my business) which is awesome. I love online business, and with colleagues like you Lynn leading the way, we will all eventually reach our goals.
Have a Merry Christmas
an a even more prosperous New Year,
Ron
I'm overwhelmed with stuff I wanna say...few deep breaths...I am currently unemployed and rather than rush to find a job, I committed to taking most of December off to catch up, meditate, establish objectives through 12/31.
1. You are my #1 guru. I would appreciate support: I have approximately 20 noteboooks, 3 of which are filled with your "pearls." I feel secure with these, like I'm not having to worry about missing stuff. I have all the books, PDFs, etc. I need to get into ACTION as an affiliate. I can't do 18 hours a day & I will have a part-time job. What's an easier way to just jump into action for $$$? I APPRECIATE ALL YOU GUYS SO MUCH! Happy holidays! (to be continued!!!)
I found that indecision and proscratination somewhat run hand-in-hand in my world. Here is a great article about procrastination: http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/overcoming-procrastination.htm. Steve also has a good article about indecision: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2008/12/overcoming-indecision/.)