August 10, 2010 40 Comments

Sharpen Your Pencil

Pencil-Work

What goes into making success happen? Work. Work with a little bit of preparation and a lot bit of follow-through.

You want to write a book? Schedule writing times. Julien and I just scheduled an hour a day together for the near future for the new book.

You want to get fit? Plan ahead and have healthy snacks in the house. Plan your sleep schedule and get up earlier in the morning to work out when your metabolism wants it more.

You want to get rich? Spend less, earn more, and find ways to earn while you sleep. Saving, oddly enough, isn’t really the best of those ways these days, but that’s a post of another kind.

You want more attention? Blog, make videos, get out to events, go out and hungrily find the audience you need. Asking for retweets all day dries up eventually.

Sharpen your pencil. Use the pencil. Follow through.

It doesn’t get much simpler than that. But it sure isn’t easy.

Coming over the next few weeks, as I remember and as time permits, I’m going to write a bit more about this, including sharing some of my visual methods for building projects, and some of my methods for staying motivated and keeping on task.

It’s just as hard for me as it is for you, sometimes, but I’ll share some of how I combat that.

Thoughts?

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  • http://Firmology.com Philip Nowak

    I completely agree with you Chris. If you want to accomplish something significant, you have to take the little steps to get there. You can be a dreamer, but your dreams will never come true unless you establish specific actionable goals. Believe it or not, writing down your goals on paper or in a word document truly keeps you focused. It isn’t a good feeling when you reread your unaccomplished goals several weeks or months later.

    Not sure if you’ve ever shared this with your readers, but I find that tadalist.com by 37signals is very effective. I have a separate to-do list for work, personal and my startup. I try to accomplish a minimum of one task from each list every day. It’s so simple, but gives you a sense of accomplishment when a task “disappears” off of your list.

  • http://artlifework.wordpress.com/ AnaDataGirl

    Please do share!!! :)

  • http://www.youintegrate.com Kneale Mann

    Sticking with a plan, focusing on your work, not allowing the easy distractions take you away from the focus are human and virtually universal. I was researching material on a prospect when I felt I needed a QUICK break. Moments later I popped on here and read this post. Ah yes, as often is the case, Brogan kicks my ass. Back to work.

  • http://www.AlexGPR.com AlexanderG

    I agree–this is the time to be bold. Get off your ass and make your mark–and be sure to do it with a sharpened pencil.

  • http://www.newmediasideshow.com Marek

    Good advice. I'm really looking forward to hearing more on this subject. Especially how you stay motivated through your (slightly terrifying to mortals) workload. I always like to hear about other people's creative processes!

  • SocialSteve

    This sounds similar to what Emmet Smith said at the induction of the Football Hall of Fame. He said something like he had dreams. And the next step after a dream was writing it down on paper. And then turning that into a plan. Maybe there will be a social media hall of fame some day. :)

    Best,
    Social Steve

  • http://abasov.tumblr.com Mike Abasov

    >>You want more attention? Blog, make videos, get out to events, go out and hungrily find the audience you need. Asking for retweets all day dries up eventually.

    Like this part. A lot like what I've been thinking about recently. And doing too.

  • http://www.zackluby.com/ Zack Luby

    I guess the modern version of this would be stretching your typing fingers!

    Great post, as always, Chris. I have been thinking that the difference between people that are successful in entrepreneurial endeavors and those that are not is simple: The people that are successful actually try it. Whatever “it” is – they go for it. Kind of reminds me of the ebay ads from a while back – the “it” isn't the important part, it's the process that's key.

  • MJ Gagnon

    Success is the result of tiny daily actions.

  • http://twitter.com/NathanRKing Nathan King

    A sharpened pencil will get the ball rolling, but it won't guarantee the ball is rolling down the right path. Sure, planning your meals and workout times guarantees you at least get off your *ss, but there are billions of other factors that go into success.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I will tell you with a hundred circles, underlines, asterisks, and exclamation points that THAT ADVICE IS THE SINGLE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED AND MADE ME AS SUCCESSFUL AS I AM.

    There. Loud enough? : )

  • http://twitter.com/bgardner Brian Gardner

    Great post Chris – this resonates with a book I read a while back, which address the Training vs. Trying theory…. it's MUCH more difficult to “try” to run a marathon than to “train” for one and run it. The problem in our world now is that so many folks think there are quick fixes/answers for everything – and this holds true for anything. Even in the WordPress theme market, I see people who think that creating a theme and a site to sell it on will automagically equate to success and lots of money.

    Not true.

  • http://twitter.com/susangiurleo susangiurleo

    It really is that simple. Hard work and a sharp pencil? Sounds like 1985…. :-)
    I guess the tools change but the formula stays the same.

  • http://www.resultsrevolution.com/ Marianna Chapman

    Funny to read this now after having just written a post this morning (will be posted in a day or so) that made the analogy between marathon training (my own) and achieving goals in business. Too often we really do want a quick fix when the true secret to success is to bite off one tiny bite of the elephant everyday forever more.

  • Megan

    I totally agree – if you decide you want something in life, you truly have to do what it takes to reach your goal. It’s important to find your motivation and keep the drive going to achieve it. I’m anxious to hear more of your thoughts in regards to staying motivated – I’m sure we all could use a few extra tips or two!

  • http://www.newbizblogger.com Michele

    Hi Chris,

    Thanks for the straight talk…it really is a simple formula, we just make it difficult. Not that it’s easy but it all boils down to taking ACTIONS!

    Learn and then apply what you learn. And great point on planning your day…create a schedule and stick to it. The minute you notice getting off tract, stretch it out and refocus.

    OK, enough of my yapping…really appreciate your matter-of-fact approach. Thanks!

  • http://www.mikeslife.org Mike CJ

    Being extraordinary is about doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

  • http://twitter.com/JimConrad Jim Conrad

    You mean you don’t need all those fancy electronics to become successful? They do make you look good I guess. One thing to add to that schedule: EMOTION, EMOTION, EMOTION!
    If there is no emotion, what does it matter if you don’t follow through?

  • http://www.cars-repair.com Knowcar258

    good idea,a very good wordpress blog,i am also a wordpress fan,i build my web in 2001,6 years of experience in wordpress,i could be able to share
    my think with you if you want:D

  • http://www.thesacredseduction.com Rumio

    For me the secret of real success is just 1 word: LOVE. It’s the greatest driving force in the whole Universe. If you love your work you’ll overcome all the obstacles in your way with perseverance.

    I believe Chris you love blogging that’s why you’re a success. I remember in 1 of your very initial posts you wrote about the audiences; where are you? Here we are, driven by the power of love…

  • http://frankdickinson.me/ Frank Dickinson

    Short and straight to the point. Great advice Chris.

  • http://www.thewayoftheweb.net Dan Thornton

    Great advice. I’ve always found creating content, particularly writing, is something that I really enjoy, and have no problem fulfilling that part of my plans.
    Whereas financial matters have slid for years, to the point where my family and I can’t ignore them any more. And things are starting to change right now, mainly because we’ve given ourselves a pretty short and clear plan of things to change first, and we’re actually working through them systematically…

  • http://twitter.com/kyleplacy Kyle Lacy

    I like the straight forward approach to this blog. Good advice and good reminder. Sometimes we forget how to plan and to set things aside like working out or writing. If you want to accomplish your goals you have to plan to.

  • Mike Kirkeberg

    Right on success — except — you also have to throw in a modicum of luck!

  • http://anthonypiwarun.com/ Anthony Piwarun

    Chris, this is good advice on getting things done. All too often we have an idea and don’t stick to it because we lack planning.

  • Anonymous

    Love me some great tools. Bring em on! Kim the Tool Lady Lampe here ready to get some in my little hands. Funny how I would raz my husband for having too many tools. He he!!

  • Anonymous

    Love me some great tools. Bring em on! Kim the Tool Lady Lampe here ready to get some in my little hands. Funny how I would raz my husband for having too many tools. He he!!

  • Graceanna

    We have all heard that every journey begins with a single step. Thanks for pushing us to make that first step. Planning is great but without resulting action it is just pipe dreams.

  • Dara Bell

    I like your line on RTs dry up soon. I think they do I think after a while you need to build relationships and creat content perhaps. Marianna Chapmans comments are insightful and probably how most of us get stuff done. I think MJ has thesame approach.

    I agree with Susan Giurleo @susangiurlio. The tools if they are that important just change and the formulae stays the same, did she say that. Well it does! One thing that I reccommend is get yourself stationary that rocks! Bling your desk abit and visit a writing festival once in a while. I am headed to an avent with a writer I am friendly with Janice Galloway. I will attend another workshop, to mix in those circles.

    I like Mikes thought too. I really think it is about making the small things interesting and fun, having a writing buddy. I had a writing club too but that proved too egotistical.

    Thanks Dara

  • Anonymous

    Inspiring blog post Chris!

    Straight to the point, and I like the symbol a sharp pen!

  • http://socialmedianotebook.com Kapil Apshankar

    It really doesn’t get any simpler than this, Chris.

    The best solution to anything is almost always never the most expensive solution around. It’s the simple solution that saves the day – without being simplistic.

  • http://www.twitgift.me JeromeC

    Chris, please do write more about this post! I love to learn more about your ways of motivating yourself :)

  • Sohan Shenoy

    waiting for more on this, Chris,

  • http://twitter.com/mariosundar Mario Sundar

    Great post, Chris. I’d add:

    If you want to build reputation? create useful content, content, content. network, network, network. And, connect with the right friends. The RTs will follow and, frankly, they really don’t matter at that point.

    Look forward to your posts on motivation. My motivation is based on #s. To get back on the blogging bandwagon, I’ve set for myself the goal of tripling my readers’ engagement (comments, RTs, etc.) / pageviews over the next 3 months. I’m consistently focusing on blog posts that ONLY add value to my readers. This past week’s been a revelation to me! Great traction.

    The unexamined projects are just not worth doing – that’s my philosophy.

    Keep these posts coming, Chris. Love em.

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  • http://www.blackfridayplanet.com/ William Hushburn

    When work comes into the subject, I definitely have so many things to say. I’ve got loads of heavy work duties and the only solution for me to solve is just to keep in mind that its just part of my life. So everything will follow after that, I mean success over perspiration.

  • http://www.blackfridayplanet.com/ William Hushburn

    But I appreciate you posting this article, it makes me think.

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