Self-discipline and the Easy Excuse
July 19, 2010 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
Vacations provide perspective, rest and, in my case, an opportunity to unplug.
Initially, I resented turning off the smart phone and leaving my high speed connection behind. In retrospect, I’m thrilled to experience re-fueling.
For those who can’t resist the lure of the electronic, my recommendation is to go where it’s not. With no cell coverage and nothing but a dial-up, I left my usual world behind. (Kicking and screaming, I’ll admit, but behind, nevertheless.)
Even after returning to “civilization” on day six, I managed to continue my recess from the digital world. Minimal check-ins assured me that no disasters were in the making. I decompressed further.
Today (after 10 days out of touch) I’m powering through a list of deadlines and projects. Call me crazy, but that usual high shoulder computer hunch is gone.
Thanks to a vacation read of personal development expert Brian Tracy’s new book, “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline,” I am more clear about priorities and on the lookout for the easy deterrents (excuses) I typically put in my own way.
“No Excuses” is divided into three parts: 1.) self-discipline and personal success, 2.) self-discipline in business, sales and finance, and 3.) self-discipline and the good life.
For those who like their personal development information in small, bite-size pieces, this book is perfect. It’s organized in an easy-to-understand style. Subheads highlight each of the 21 chapters. An action-list of questions follows, underscoring the information and reinforcing steps you can take to implement your own “no excuse” results.
I found the book quick to read, appropriately thought-provoking and persuasive enough to make me re-examine my self-discipline.
Motivational phrases such as, “If it is to be, it’s up to me,” are encouraged to promote responsibility.
All information is presented in Brian Tracy’s straight-forward, no-nonsense style through stories and examples, including some of his own experiences.
You could be disappointed if you’re looking for a quick fix. There’s none of that in No Excuses. Instead, a familiar conclusion:
“The first and best victory is to conquer yourself.” – Greek philosopher Plato (428-347 BC)
“No Excuses” from me today. How about you?
Fear Trumps Risk or Does Risk Trump Fear?
March 31, 2010 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to slip out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” –M. Scott Peck
When did you last feel uncomfortable in a business situation? How did you respond to that feeling?
Karen Van Cleve, IAC Certified Coach, Results Coach for Robbins Research Company and owner of Live Well Coaching, prompts people to notice how they approach discomfort.
For example, if you have put off a decision because the time isn’t right, consider chunking the problem into smaller details. Karen suggests asking, “Why is now not the time?” Or, you might say, “Is there a legitimate reason to wait?” “Is there something I am trying to avoid?”
If you feel you need more time, ask, “Specifically, how much more time do I need?”
“Where will the time come from?” For example, if you think that things will be different in the month of May, define “What specifically will be different in May?”
Children offer us the biggest mirrors for defensive behavior: anger displayed with tears or pouting expressions, blame that includes shouting, excuses or stonewalling. Emotion in these situations covers for something uncomfortable.
Every day dozens of entrepreneurs hang out their shingle. Some dive right into the fray, savoring the action from day one.
Others perfect their collateral, work on materials for behind-the-scenes, continue to research some aspect of the industry and in general, avoid doing the sales to move their business forward.
Does one action seem more natural to you than another? Recognition and awareness of your patterned response is the first step to changing it.
When you notice feelings of discomfort, pause and define your moment.
In the words of Brian Tracy,
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
Planning to plan?
February 2, 2010 by Mary Ellen · 2 Comments
JD planned during his corporate years. Once he began his consulting practice however, he was too busy to plan. Rushing from project to project, he juggled deadlines and appointments. Frequently, “marketing” appointments for his business went by the wayside in order to make more time for “cash customers.”
“Is there a better way?” nagged at him from time to time, but it was hard to argue with success. Sales seemed fine.
He continued to work on strategic themes for customers: website focus, messaging consistency, increased visibility.
And when it came to his business, the planning continued to wait. He struggled to find the time to do anything but work.
Had JD recognized the power of planning and commitment, he might have enjoyed aggressive growth sooner.
When he finally got around to planning , JD simplified his day-to-day tasks, thus adding time to his schedule.
For every 15 minutes spent in planning, you can reap 90 minutes of production time according to Brian Tracy in his book Time Power. Fifteen minutes a day may not sound like much if this is your framework: “What can I accomplish in just a quarter of an hour?”
Fifteen minutes a day totals 5,475 minutes or 91.25 hours in one year.
In real world terms, you might think of it as adding one day per quarter to your calendar. Now that kind of time found makes planning worthwhile.
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