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Today, I’d like to pose an important question…
What are the things that prevent us from making real progress towards our goals?
One of the reasons many people don’t make real progress towards their goals, is the same reason that many of you won’t have read this post even up to this point…
A percieved lack of TIME!
and while we’re at it, I’ll also give you a second reason that is often closely associated to the first;
An increasing trend for ‘instant gratification’ – particularly online.
If you’re one of the minority who have read past the first few sentences, would you agree with these?
I began this post in this way, because I want to share what I consider to be my biggest road block toward real progress with my strategy online – and in so doing, perhaps help you to identify your road blocks and move forward.
I’ve spent days trying to figure it out and I’m pretty sure that for me, it comes down to what I see as a ‘percieved’ lack of time. Why percieved?
Well, it’s percieved, because it isn’t actually the case that I don’t have the time to do things. It’s percieved, because I know that I haven’t focused enough time on the tasks that I actually NEED TO GIVE TIME TO in order to move toward my goals.
Are you following me?
So now that I’d figured out what the problem was, how was I going to solve it.
The solution, although simple can most often prove to be practically impossible to actually achieve…
I know what your thinking! “what the hell is he going on about”? I’ll try and explain.
The solution to my percieved lack of time is to plan tasks that move me forward toward my goals ’step by step’.
Sounds Simple doesn’t it?
But in order to achieve this, I also have to do a number of other things:
- I have to CLEARLY identify my goals.
- Identify the separate tasks that move me toward my goals.
- Force myself to do the tasks that lead me to my desired outcomes.
- Follow this process repeatedly, until it becomes a ‘habit’ to do my tasks one by one.
I simply MUST understand that the process I’ve described is a step by step strategy. One task leads to the next and eventually, one at at time, I achieve my main goal/s.
I’ve posted this to motivate YOU to do the same exercise.
Take a look at what you’re currently doing in your daily activites and ask yourself this question…
What am I doing each day, that takes me nearer to my goals?
Try and (honestly) identify what is hindering your progress and substitute it for something that drives you toward your goals.
If you got something out of this post, perhaps you wouldn’t mind tweeting it.
Excellent points, Andrew.
It’s important to focus on one goal at a time, in my view, or you’re all over the place.
That, however, can be pretty difficult when starting out as one strives for something that brings results.
I don’t thing those that are serious about Internet Marketing are expecting instant results but, just the same, they’re more apt to have more then one thing on the go striving for results which can be detrimental.
That’s largely why I’ve hired a full time employee from the Philippines, that I discuss in my last post. Work and progress is being made while I focus on trying out other systems and work on producing my first product.
I’m more focused and able to plan things out much easier…something I was having a difficult time doing when I was trying it all on my own.
Cheers,
Rod
Rod Macbeth´s last blog ..The Path to the Four Hour Workweek…Outsourcing the Correct Way
Hi Andrew,
I too have hit the same road block and totally agree that we need to have achievable goals and break those goals down into clearly identified tasks.
Once you know what the tasks are, it is possible to overcome them one by one.
Mind you, it’s so easy to get distracted my the latest product offering.
Speak soon, (are you on Skype?)
John
John Tanner´s last blog ..Link Your Products To Kunaki Free Software Trial
Hey Rod,
Yeah – it took me a while to figure it out though. But at least I’ve done that now and know what I need to do to keep focused.
What tasks does your new employee do?
Nice to have you drop by.
Talk soon,
Andrew.
Hey John,
When you realise that nearly all those new offerings are mainly hype, you can ignore them.
I’ve unsubscribed to most of the lists, where I’m being bombarded every day or so. Where I get an email say once week or better still, 10 days or a fortnight, I don’t unsubscribe.
Yeah – I’m on skype, drop me an email – let’s talk.
Andrew.
At the moment she’s focusing on building a mini-net.
While she does that I’m looking at better ways of finding and promoting affiliate products. When I have that accomplished she will be taking over the task of affiliate marketing for me.
That, essentially, is how I’ll be proceeding. If a system is fairly easy I’ll just hand it to her and have her implement it. If not, I’ll work on it enough to get familiarized enough then pass it on to her. That way I’ll have enough experience with it to help teach her, if necessary.
Rod Macbeth´s last blog ..The Path to the Four Hour Workweek…Outsourcing the Correct Way
Andrew,
Great post! I think you are right about taking the time to plan out your strategy. I have found it so useful to do so and then post it on the forum so that I am held accountable. Writing it down and then actually implementing it one step at a time — keep track of progress — that is key. Good luck! -Norene
Norene´s last blog ..Weekly Wrap-Up
Andrew
Some great points. I’ve recently re-evaluated my activity and narrowed down the tasks so that I can approach them ina systematic manner, ensuring each one is completed before I move onto the next. I have found it has focused my efforts a lot more and I am become more productive. Next step is to outsource some of the tasks…..
Speak soon
Tom
Hi Norene,
How are you?
You’ve got it sussed Norene – just keep doing that and you can’t go wrong.
Talk soon,
Andrew.
Hi Rod,
Thanks for getting back – I’m really very interested in what you’re doing here.
I must say, reading how you’re setting it out and how you’ve planned out the steps, it seems a great way of outsourcing.
I suppose the key to all of it, is the capability of the individual you take on.
I’m sure it’ll work out a treat – good luck.
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Hey Tom,
If you’re serious about outsourcing some of your tasks, have a look at Rod Macbeth’s last post (and above).
I think he has found something worth investigation.
Talk soon,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Hey Andrew,
This seems to be a common denominator for people at the moment. I think the fact we have had things to do to take us forward up until now, and now we have come to the end of our existing plan it kind of throws you into a spin for a couple of days!
I am at this stage again now, but putting my plan together as we speak
I am glad you have yours together now and are pushing forward!
Take care
Paul
Paul Wilson´s last blog ..My Press Release is Live…!
Hey Paul,
Your right. I actually think it’s necessary to go over your plan on a regular basis.
It’s also worth bearing in mind, that we don’t always get our plan right to start with – even with the best intentions.
In this case, we have no choice – we just have to go back to the drawing board and make it better, slicker and more focused.
Talk soon buddy,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Andrew,
Great post, and there’s actually some excellent comments from the guys on this post.
It seems I like many others feel a bit lost and stuck, I’ve come this far and feel pleased that I’ve achieved so much in such a short space of time, but now I think it’s time for us all to regroup.
One of my major issues with not chasing the money is that that’s what all my family and friends keep asking, “have you made any money yet?”, they simply see me wasting my time if I haven’t actually made anything by now. I know this is unrealistic but I’ll feel a lot better about this when I have actually got some money coming in from this, no matter how small.
Anyway, I’m going to be following through with this post, and I’ll let you know how I get on.
Rob
Hi Rob,
I think it’s an inevitable cycle that happens to everyone.
There are always ups and downs – good days and bad days, but if we can recognise when we’re having a bad day and do something about it, that’s all we can really ask.
Form this point we can then re-group, re-plan and move on.
I agree – there’s some excellent comments from the guys here. We’re lucky to all be doing this together.
Cheers Buddy,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Hi Andrew,
This is an excellent post and you know, before reading this, planning and goal setting where something that I have been working on this morning. And defining the direction that I want to go in and then creating that clear path to get there.
I know for sure now, that in order to move forward, I need to embrace planning and especially goal setting to move on to the next step. And keep that trusty journal, like Alex said, to chart the details every step of the way.
Take care Andrew,
Karen
Hi Karen,
I’m so pleased this has given you some momentum.
And yes, I am now religiously doing my journal. Like Alex does, with pen and paper. It’s actually quite therapeutic.
Take care and keep moving forward,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Oh yeah, I’m pretty good at planning, goal setting and making To Do lists! Now I need to become good at DOING them! LOL. I am easily distracted by certain things, such as information overload (must unsub from a lot more lists), perceived lack of time (don’t we all have just 24 hours?), social networking (valuable, but need to set specific times for that), and the good ol’ inferiority complex.
I do spend a good bit of time answering questions from my subscribers on my cat sites (not easily outsourced, as I’m the expert with the cat behavior answers), but I could outsource some of the drudge work. Isn’t there a seminar I could buy on that? LOLOL
Just kidding… I don’t need to buy yet another program I won’t have time to implement. I think we can learn so much from each other in here! And you have given me motive and clarity to make it happen more efficiently.
Thanks for a great post, Andrew. And thanks to everyone who commented, as I am learning from all of you, too!
Roberta´s last blog ..Do These Bother You? They Sure Irritate Me.
Hi Roberta,
I simply love getting comments like yours.
To know that my post has helped in any way at all is very satisfying to me and motivates me in return.
Keep plugging away Roberta and you’ll achieve your goals.
Take care,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Hi Andrew,
I think perceived lack of time is a big factor for me too. I know I’ve not been getting some of the bigger things done because I’ve been focusing on the smaller, easier tasks first. And I’ve also been trying to cram too much into each days plan.
When I look back at the end of the week, it seems like I didn’t have enough time to get everything done.
It is just a case of me not giving myself too much to do, and attacking the A tasks first, no matter how big they are.
I just thought I would post that here, as this post has made me think about it again. And maybe it will help someone reading through these comments who may have been caught in the same trap I have been?
Paul.
Paul Lear´s last blog ..How I Use MyBlogLog To Drive Targeted Traffic
Hi Paul,
Reading between the lines, I’d say you’re getting plenty done.
You don’t have to do EVERYTHING – just keep plugging away, step by step at your tasks (as it sounds like you’re doing) and you’ll be fine.
Thanks for the great comments.
Talk soon,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Hi Andrew, I really enjoyed your post.
I feel like this was me only a few weeks ago. So many nights I sat in front of the computer after slogging it out at my ‘job’, blaming a lack of time for getting very little done, when in reality it was down to my lack of concentraction and self pity.
Set realistic goals, achieve them and raise the bar, I recently posted at my blog touching on this subject, should it out if you get time.
Once again, thanks Andrew.
Take care,
Michael Appleton.
Michael Appleton´s last blog ..My Top 5 Must Have Wordpress Plugins
Hi Michael,
I’m really pleased about this post. It looks like there’s quite a few people who have got a lot of benefit out of it – including yourself.
You’ve hit on one of the main keys in your comment – set realistic goals and achieve them – easier said than done. But when you do set a goal which you go on to achieve, it works wonders for your next goal and next task – as I’ve said, ’step by step’.
Appreciate you dropping by and for your positive comments.
All the best,
Andrew.
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for writing such an important post. I have had this problem myself where you feel so overloaded, seem to be working 12 hours straight and still feel like you have got “nothing” done.
I am trying to leave myself only the most important tasks and outsource the rest, that way I am not “busying” myself with numerous easy tasks which don’t really drive my business forward.
Good stuff, I look forward to reading more from you.
David
David Walker´s last blog ..Find Your Passion and Success Will Follow
Hey David,
I’m interested in the idea of outsourcing myself.
I have heard that its sometimes not all its cracked up to be. I’ve understood from a few marketing guys I’ve spoken with. Apparently, unless you can manage to find people with some relevant skills, you can end up finishing the jobs off yourself.
Just a word of warning buddy.
Thanks for dropping by and talk soon,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Hi Andrew,
Great post, i’m sure this is relevant to 99% of people trying to make a living online.
You hit the nail on the head when you said there is “An increasing trend for ‘instant gratification’ – particularly online”
People want results, and they want them now. They seem to forget this is a business and you don’t build a business up over night.
People will make it a lot easier for themselves if they follow your simple but very effective step by step process. Eliminate all of the stuff you don’t need to do, focus on the stuff that you do, and make a clear plan of how you will get there.
Good stuff, thanks for posting this Andrew.
Cheers mate,
Paul
Hey Paul,
Appreciate your positive comments. You and I both know that its crucial to follow a plan that focusses on productive tasks that move you forward.
I dearly hope that my readers are also getting this vital message and act on it.
Thanks for dropping by buddy,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..Is Your Strategy Online, Right for Online Marketing Success?
Actually, I outsourced most of my traffic generation tasks to focus on working on my business, not “in” my business.
I pass most of my time planning, tracking and improving conversion rates now.
Franck
Franck silvestre´s last blog ..Ignition Eben Pagan Helps Beginners To Start Their Internet Business
Hi Franck,
Very sound advice and a sound strategy to focus on the productive areas that your time is most valuable in.
For many of my readers however, they’ll probably have to undertake most tasks themselves until they start to generate
some revenues to use in other areas (outsource).
It’s also very important to have ‘had a go’ at everything you actually outsource, because you a much clearer grasp of the
service you’ll be looking and expecting when you do outsource. You’ll know what questions to ask and how to guage
whether or not the individual can indeed deliver the service you need.
Thanks for the comment Franck – I think this bit of the thread will help many readers.
Andrew.
Andrew,
Great blog post. Looks like you’ve got some great points and when Rich Schefren speaks everyone should listen.
Goals and certainly achievable short term ones are key. The secret a friend of mine once said was to learn to set them, achieve them and then reset them again…
no matter how small they are…
Keep pressing on.
Rob
Rob Canyon´s last blog ..The Secret Society of ‘Blog Traffic Hurricane’… Here Is Where We Meet.
Hi Rob,
Very good advice and something I always try to do.
Set them, achieve them and reset them again – I like that, I’m going to try and remember that.
Talk soon,
Andrew.
Andrew Vaughan´s last blog ..“The Best Product Ever Released” – Alex Jeffreys.