How To Double Your Results And Actually Work LESS

July 15, 2010

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A few weeks ago, the Tony Robbins’ team called me up to do a follow-up webinar for their elite New Money Masters clients.

(BRAG ALERT! Tony recently interviewed me as part of his DVD series on the world’s leading internet marketing experts. I’m not gonna front. It was hands-down, one of the coolest experiences ever.)

m&tonyAnyway, I was in the midst of some back-to-back travel, mastermind retreat planning and like 5 other important projects.

But of course, I said “Heaallls yeah!” to the T-man crew.

I spoke with Matt, Tony’s V.P of Sales to clarify objectives and confirm a time for the next day to review what I was going to present.

In my excitement, I didn’t realize my afternoon was already booked, which means I only had 4 hours the next morning to create my slide presentation before our appointment to review.

You see, I normally take waaay more time to produce webinar content.  I’m a bit of a perfectionist so often I spend hours, over several days, refining my content before I feel it’s ready to present.

Well this time, I put myself in a hot little pickle.

There was no “several days” to work on this puppy.  I had to produce high-quality, high-value content, fast.

That next morning was intense. I planted my ass on the couch for 4 hours and did not move.  Every cell of my body was focused and on task.

We had the review as planned and a few hours later, delivered the live webinar to their top-tier clients.

The result? Matt told me it was one of the best webinars they’ve hosted and that I officially “raised the bar for delivering high-value and fun.”

Now before you think this is one big ‘look-at-how-awesome-I- am-fest’, there is a point.

Most of us entrepreneurs have a habit of working on stuff WAY longer than we need to.

We spend days, weeks, and months slaving over our creations. Why?

Because we forget to about our trusty little friend, Parkinson’s Law. Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the time allotted.

Translation:  You give yourself a week to make a video intro for your website, you’ll likely take a week, or 12, to do it.

Now imagine this.  If Oprah called and said, “Hey Sex Pot! We just had a cancellation on this Friday’s show.  But in order to book you, my producers need to see a 3 minute video within the hour.  Then we’ll send our private jet to get you.”

You think it would take you a week to shoot that video?  Hell no!  You’d whip out your little Flip Video so fast it would smoke and leave streaks.

If the Tony Robbin’s crew would have given me three weeks to create content for a webinar, I would’ve spent three weeks thinking about it, worrying about it, tweaking it and I’ll bet it wouldn’t have been nearly as good.

Here’s the deal.  When you’re up against a wall to complete a task, your genius gets focused like a laser beam. Metaphorically, you Rock-The-Casbah.  All that juicy, delicious and magical creativity inside you funnels directly into the task at hand.

Bottom line?  We can all get things done in MUCH less time than we think.  And do a damn good job to boot.

Take a look for yourself. I’ll bet you have tons of examples in your own business and life where you had to get something done – fast and killed it.

The real trick is learning how to consciously and deliberately create this kind of focused momentum.  First, we need to get intimate with our little ol’ friend Mr. Parkinson and remember that work does expand to the time allotted.

These next four steps take it from there.

1.  Outside Accountability.

Most of us are way better at getting shit done for others vs. doing things for ourselves.  If that’s true for you too, get all Jujutsu on yourself and use it to your advantage.  Promise someone.  Pay someone.  Go public with an announcement. Put some kind of real accountability in place so you have to get it done.

2.  Clear Time Frames.

Have a clear, specific time and date by which you must deliver the goods AND have a set amount of time to do the work.  “In a few weeks” or “It’ll take a couple of hours” doesn’t cut the mustard.

The more specific you are, the better your chances are of knocking it out quickly and on time.

3.  Zero Distractions.

This is HUGE-ola.  No distractions or interruptions allowed during creation time.  No texting, tweeting, emailing, phoning, surfing the interwebs or straying off task.  Peeing is permitted. If you need to get outside help or research, keep it short and to the point. Stay uber focused.

4. No Fail Attitude.

This is actually the most important aspect of all: your belief in yourself. You can do whatever you set your mind to.  You’re a genius.  A star.  A fucking prodigy. And way more capable than your chattering little mind likes to give you credit for.

Don’t give yourself any room to panic, complain or have a meltdown.  No drama.  No B.S.  No cryin’ for mama.  Just sit down and do the effin’ work.

When you follow these steps, you can easily double your results while working much less.   That should mean a lot more cash-ol-a in your pocket, a few more Coronas in your bucket and more time to enjoy both.

I promise, once you experiment with this stuff, you’ll be shocked at how damn good you are at knocking great things out in no time flat.

TRUE CONFESSION:  Now don’t get all crazy and think I bang stuff out like this everyday.  I can’t be this hardcore ALL the time.  I’d get totally fried.  But I do practice regularly.  Kind of like a productivity workout to build my speed and stamina.  And when loads of projects have to get done, this is how I roll.

Now take a look at your own business and life.  What’s one profitable task that’s been on your list for a while that you’re ready to tackle?

What’s ONE thing that you’d love to knock out fast? How can you pro-actively use these four-steps to cut your task time in half or in a third?

Leave a comment and let me know. And if you have any good stories, tips or ideas to share on this topic, let em’ rip below.


{ 134 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Daniela July 16, 2010 at 3:20 pm

Hi Marie!

Kenli and I looved your post!

AND I just remembered one of those things (that have taken me literally forever); I never sent you the translation of the article I wrote about you!!!!

Would that still help at all if I send it now?

Hugs,
Daniela

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2 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:25 pm

Hey Daniela! Of course – I’d LOVE to see that article. Hugs right back baby! xo M

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3 joan July 16, 2010 at 7:09 pm

Yes this knd of focus does work and you often produce more than you thought you would. Whenever i work like this i feel like i am high on something and once i am finished i still keep going. Whenever i have clients who are stalling but i know need my product i usually focus on the best strategy to use and set a time to close the sale. It works everytime.

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4 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:27 pm

Nice Joan – I love your strategy for closing the sale – VERY smart!

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5 Jillian July 16, 2010 at 10:42 pm

I needed this today. Thanks for the kick in the ass :)
Jillian´s last blog ..Traffic Report – June 2010 My ComLuv Profile

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6 James G. July 16, 2010 at 11:18 pm

Hi Marie,
Just discovered your site by accident after reading Katie F’s site.
Your straigthforward no-nonsence attitude is refreshing and needed.
Keep up the great work,
I’ll definitely stop back again.
Thanks-
J. GIb!

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7 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:28 pm

Hey James! Katie is a star – love her. Thank you so much for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!

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8 Brock Predovich July 17, 2010 at 9:51 am

Marie – You’re one badass lady!

I saw you’re interview on “new money masters” and really resonated with everything you said, “Be A Pro.” Everyone always tells you to enjoy the journey and live in the moment; but, honestly, what hell and how the hell do you do those things. “Be A Pro” in every moment gives one direction in every moment. “Be A Pro” is the goal for every moment and the practice of discipline guides one along that path. “Be A Pro” forces one to conscious in every moment. Discipline forces one to complete moments with pride. If you have a whole day filled with moment of pride and happiness…guess what? You enjoy that day. Have a week of those days, a month, a year, a lifetime. Now you’ve enjoyed the journey.

wrote more about this and did a video on my blog. http://blog.brockpredovich.com/2010/07/most-important-lesson-enjoy-journey.html

Great stuff Marie, I’m gonna keep an eye on you. Thanks

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9 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Hey Brock! Why thank you so very much. I SO love you took the “Be A Pro” thing and rocked it out. It’s simple and works every time.

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10 Karen Armstrong July 18, 2010 at 1:44 pm

*Love* these strategies, Marie… I needed this kick in the ass!

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11 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Yay Karen!!

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12 Tracey July 18, 2010 at 9:32 pm

Congratulations on being interviewed by Tony Robbins, that is such an honor. You deserve it, keep up the great work!

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13 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Thank you Tracey – I really appreciate it.

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14 Cindy July 19, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Maria:
Thanks for this reminder today! I have gone through periods of time when I have banged things out…YEs when the phone rings and the important and urgent call comes in.

Thanks for the inspiration and reminder that I can create this urgency and importance any time I want! Loved the bullet points they are right on!

You Rock, always love your posts! Hope to see you again soon!
Hugs Cindy

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15 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Great to have you here woman and yeah! it’s awesome to have those reminders about “creating” urgency.

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16 Maria July 19, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Hey Marie, love this, you are always right on target with everything you write! How are you?

Maria
Maria´s last blog ..Backlink Love From Twellow My ComLuv Profile

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17 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:31 pm

Hey Maria!!! How are YOU woman?! Miss you. Things are super fun (and busy) over here. Love you long time – send an update please :)

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18 marian July 20, 2010 at 11:02 am

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii marieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
i love it i need it
you r specialllllllllllllllllllllll

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19 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:31 pm

thank youooooooooooooooo mariannnnnn!

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20 Ricardo Bueno July 21, 2010 at 8:18 pm

When I need to focus on a specific task and crank something out (or clear the To Do List), I turn everything off (all distractions and browser tabs), turn on a good bit of music, and get cranking.

I’ve learned to time-block certain parts of my day well. I know when I’m most productive and I’ve also made use of specific email accounts to prioritize tasks. For example, I have a “support@” email address that I use to answer all client support requests (we do web design). I always answer these emails *first* and as quickly as possible. After all they’re existing clients and they’ve paid for my time. Keeping them happy first and foremost is a priority.

The rest is just a matter of trying to refine processes to make sure things work as smoothly as possible, in as little time as possible and so that clients are as happy as possible.

Sometimes, the calendar gets the best of me. That’s when a walk by the beach whilst disconnecting comes in handy :-)
Ricardo Bueno´s last blog ..Some Tips To Improve Your Blog My ComLuv Profile

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21 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:32 pm

My favorite line : “After all they’re existing clients and they’ve paid for my time. Keeping them happy first and foremost is a priority.”

You’re a smart man Ricardo! So glad to have you here.

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22 Alex July 22, 2010 at 11:17 am

Congrats on you project!
Thank you for reminding me to use my head but without letting myself believe I am my thoughts. “You are NOT your thoughts, You are not your thoughts!” This mantra has helped me more than I can put into words.
Thank you!

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23 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:32 pm

YES! That one helps me too – especially when those thoughts are spewing out pure caca. ;)

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24 Cat July 22, 2010 at 8:55 pm

Marie!

I soooo know what you’re talking about! I recently re-instated a practice I once used during a highly productive time of my life; “The Fortnightlies.” Basically, I choose up to 5 tasks/activites/actions of varying effort levels to complete in two weeks. Once I’ve made my list, I list the steps involved, and when possible, assign dates to each of the steps. By restricting myself to two weeks, I pay closer attention to each task, and have a better chance of completing them.

I always try to finish the list before the fortnight is over, so I can give myself some time off and take my time contemplating the next list.

What I must thank you for are the tips regarding believing in myself and telling others about my goals. So much of what makes it to the list are solitary tasks or self-improvement goals. I often feel that 1) nobody wants/needs to know what I’m working on or 2) if I don’t get it done, nothing will change, so what?

In an attempt to motivate, I’ll start posting these Fortnightlies where they’re visible to myself and my honey; we can both keep me accoutable!

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25 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:34 pm

Ooooh, me love this Cat ;) I like the sharing with your honey strategy. Josh and I do that all the time and it’s so fun to share your dreams and have “in house” support!

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26 Shawna Cevraini July 23, 2010 at 4:44 pm

I TOTALLY needed this kick in the butt! I just “found” you today thru an email from @lkr and have been reading & watching GR8 stuff! Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to more – signing up for your newsletter!!

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27 marie July 23, 2010 at 7:35 pm

YAY Shawna!! I’m super happy you’re here and as you know, I’m a HUGE @lkr fan. Thrilled to get to know ya!

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28 Hillary July 24, 2010 at 1:23 am

Marie,

This is in true Marie style and a great reminder. So funny when someone else gives us a deadline that is tight we make it happen. Loved the feedback you got which totally supports this law.

Will refine and take this to practice…

And hope to see the webinar you did some day for the T Robbins Camp.

xxoo

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29 Ford July 24, 2010 at 4:10 am

Great idea, Thanks to share with us…..
Ford´s last blog ..Kenworth’s All New Highway Truck In Complete Production My ComLuv Profile

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30 WalterG July 24, 2010 at 2:26 pm

Marie,

You rock. You tell it like it is…..no spoon-feeding, mamby pamby feel-good therapy. Thanks. How much do I owe you?!!!

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31 Gry July 29, 2010 at 3:54 am

Marie, you blow my mind!
Thank you for your get your “F ass moving” post!
Right on baby!
Gry

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32 Michele July 29, 2010 at 9:38 am

Hi Marie,

Found your site from a recommendation video with Laura Roeder and I’m sooo glad I did! I love your writing style!!

And you are so spot on with your tips. I actually do that quite often although it still takes practice. ;-)

Thanks for sharing the great post…I look forward to reading many more.

Michele

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33 Laura Kinoshita July 30, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Good reminder to ask ourselves if the time we’ve been given for the task is the time it really DESERVES.
Laura Kinoshita´s last blog ..How West Hawaii Businesses Use Social Media My ComLuv Profile

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34 Lance Gross August 5, 2010 at 9:24 pm

Genuinely impressed with this post!! I mean it’s been a while since I’ve read something that made me go, “wow— I just learned something!” (maybe i’m reading the wrong blogs! lol) but serious, thank you!! A true golden nugget!!

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35 Noëlle Burke August 11, 2010 at 2:27 am

This is golden energy for me right now! Thank you Marie! I’m in the process of reevaluating my life + this will do wonders for me I’m sure.

Noëlle

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36 Kim August 12, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Love this, Much needed!! Thank you!!

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