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.)
Anyway, 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! 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 f*%king 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 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.
Diggin' this content? Sign up for updates…It's FREE!
Read the comments or Add yours
#4 No Fail Attitude is the key! Thanks for the reminder (again). Great post, Marie!
You’re WELCOME Teri!! Thanks for swingin’ by
This is awesome. Thanks so much as always for posting!
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..SoBo & SoBlue =-.
thank YOU Bethany.
Marie – I love the webinar story and the power of Parkinson’s Law.
The Zero Distractions one is definitely big for me. I still have a habit of multi-tasking when I’m working on the computer – I’ll have multiple windows open, tabs open, be hopping around from one thing to the next. Starting to get better at closing EVERYTHING except what I’m working on, but this is still a good reminder to get even MORE focused and eliminate distractions ruthlessly.
.-= Jess Webb´s last blog ..Being Yourself and Living Your Passions- A Blog Carnival =-.
Oh, and I’m loving the content and excited to see it coming more often!
thanks Jess! See if you can do ONE thing for like 30 – 45 minutes. Just like a workout, you’ll increase your tolerance for single-tasking.
Hi Marie,
What I love best about this piece is your writing style! It’s fun and free and flip and folksy and fluid and fantabulous and frolicking and ferocious. You write from the hip.
My fav lines:
I planted my ass on the couch for 4 hours and did not move.
No cryin’ for mama.
I can’t be this hardcore all the time.
I’d get totally fried.
thanks! Giulietta
.-= Giulietta´s last blog ..Have you worn other people’s faces =-.
aww thanks so much for the feedback Giulietta! I sooo appreciate it.
Off to attack some future web copy using the 4 steps but I just had to write in and say that I’m willing to bet you figuratively AND literally Rock-The-Casbah!
Ha ha! that WAS one of my fav songs as a kid. Must get it out and listen again!
Marie! Thanks for this post – it is just a good little boost, I really enjoy to get under my wings now
So the ONE thing -for a start- is to finish my preparation for my two hours I have to teach tomorrow till tonight 8, so I have the evening free for other stuff.
Thanks for the rock n roll – and I m looking forward to dance on with you
Warm greetings from Switzerland!
Stephanie.
Yay Stephanie* and you’re welcome!
Marie, we didn’t get the call from Oprah, we got the call from Fox News. They want to have my partner and/or I on the Fox & Friends show this coming Saturday morning to promote our Planet Bonehead project. I was already overcommitted with project work, but of course we said – how did you put it? – “Heeelllls Yeah!” So, I’m seriously moving through everything that needs to be done in as little time as possible. It’s amazing what you can get done when the pressure is on.
.-= Bob Donohue´s last blog ..Welcome to the Leading Edge =-.
suuuweeet Bob! Rock on with your bad self baby
Let us know how it goes!
The whole concept of something taking as long as you give it is so simple, yet so foreign to me. I started freelancing right out of college and I was so used to papers that would take weeks, if not months to do. Because that’s how long teachers told us to take.
Every since you mentioned this on one of the calls it’s been this huge epiphany for me! While I can’t pretend to do it all the time, I will reevaluation how long I think something should take, cut it in half and give myself that time to do it. If it really does take longer, than fine. But honestly? It usually doesn’t.
Thanks for reminding us, Marie! You’re a peach
.-= Marian Schembari´s last blog ..HELL NO I Won’t Censor My Blog =-.
Aww shucks Marian. You’re a peach too
Love that all this shiznit is working for ya. Makes my heart smile!
Hi Marie,
I totally agree– I’ve been using my “power hour” approach for years (started it with roommates in college”– I set the time for one hour and focus like mad at getting something accomplished. When the timer goes off I stop. Get up and do something completely different and refreshing (go for a walk, paint my toenails, listen to music and dance, anything but “work”). If I need to I set another power hour of concentration until the work is done.
These bouts of highly focused time help me consistently produce great work without letting my work bleed into all my time.
Noooice Lisa. I like the “power hour” approach… and, timers are hot.
This is awesome. I absolutely resonate with this entire post. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Over this past month, I’ve put my accountability in place. I get a nice little email or text from a friend who knows exactly when I need it. She challenges me to get stuff done and stay on track.
And now, when I need to get something done fast…I’m able to wrangle a babysitter, pick up my macbook and mosy over to our business center office in no time flat. I jam out work in 1/2 the time because I have NOTHING distracting me.
With these 2, I’ve already noticed how much more I can get done and it propels me forward to create more in less time.
Now, onto getting the other 2 steps in place!
Anne
.-= Anne Samoilov´s last blog ..Simple Pilates-Inspired Computer Workout =-.
Hey Anne! Don’t you just love to mosy to places? It’s so delicious. Mosy on over to the other two steps and I have a feeling it will be a proDUCtive partaay.
Love this Marie and it’s so true! A few years ago, I wanted to launch an eBook. I wrote all the content – but it was a big hot mess and not at all organized into what I wanted. At the same time, my web designer was finished with my site, which included the book cover and pay button. I had her launch it and within 1 hour I had 3 orders – for a book that wasn’t done! I spent the next few organizing and editing and have since sold a ton and have received a lot of compliments on the content. If I wasn’t “forced” to get it done, I likely would still be sitting on that project years later!
.-= Melissa Cassera´s last blog ..Editorial Deskside Meetings =-.
Damn skippy girl! That’s my kind of selling
I used to do this with my English essays in college. I’d wait until the last minute and then plunk down in front of the computer, books in hand, and hammer out the tightest essay ever. I had a surefire formula for creating great writing and it didn’t involve multiple rough drafts. I’d say I was successful…at 16, I got published in college journals and tutored other college level students in writing composition. At the time, I didn’t understand how irksome that must have been, having this little 16 year old telling you how to write a great essay
Thanks for that reminder. I have two projects I need to hammer out and a presentation coming up as well. Now channeling laser focus!
oooooh girl! Sounds like it’s time to channel teen Sukie (that sounds naughty) to crank out some content.
ha ha hey marie, you’re such a great motivator! i think i’ve seen so many of your videos to the point where my narrative voice sounds exactly like you when reading your articles
hope all is well w. ya… congrats on the tony robbins!
.-= parkerlee | howtomingle´s last blog ..11 Ways To Find Your Pursuit Of Happiness =-.
muchas gracias parkerlee! Tony is one cool dude.
Hey now, put those binoculars down! Were you watching me last night? Yesterday afternoon I booked a speaking gig and needed to send bio, pic, and agenda. Last night before sending I wanted to tweak the bio and agenda a bit which should have taken about 8 minutes. Instead, I had the TV on with Psyche playing. So an HOUR later I got the job done.
On my calendar today is the note to mail out 20 “warm” referral letters before leaving town for the weekend. After this post, you can bet I’ll have my timer set for a power hour and crank those babies out.
Thanks for the reminder!
Amy
Ha ha…I use my special X ray vision to write all my posts
SWEET on pumping out those letters. Rock on Amy.
Marie,
I love this! Being a single mom of two, I find that I often have much less time than I’d ideally want for the projects, tasks, whatever, I’ve got on my plate. My coach and friend Judymay Murphy once gave a talk on How To Be Brilliant and in it she said that we’re not procrastinators, we’re incredibly efficient. You always get done whatever you need to in whatever time you have. So true.
I recently wrote a blog on “icing the kicker” and what happens when you get interrupted and pulled away from that “zone” / place of productivity. (www.nextonemancloser.wordpress.com)
God bless you Michelle! (My hats off to all the beautiful single moms out there!) Thanks so much for stopping by
Love it! keep it coming Marie!!!
Thanks You
Your welcomes
Preach it
I’m finding that the tighter time frame I put myself on, the better the content because I have zero room for filler – the only thing I can communicate is the meaty stuff.
.-= Dave Navarro´s last blog ..You Only Get Paid What You Think You’re Worth =-.
Amen brother! And you do have some pretty damn awesome content my friend.
I was just thinking recently about how much more focused and productive people can be when doing work for others as opposed to doing a project they are independently working on. I think many people have this issue, its a self value thing. Anyway, I loved this post, thank you for the reminder of how we can get things done quickly and well when we are focused!
you are welcome Yael!
Hey Marie,
Awesome reminder as it rang home hard. Your a lifesaver!
Thanks!!
glad to be of service Joani!
Oh if that isn’t PURE truth! Love this post and thank you!!!
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..What Foods Have What Vitamins =-.
Welcome Wendy!
Marie,
This post was just the kick in the ass that I needed! As a newbie to internet marketing, I spend way too much time lolly-gagging around with 5 tabs open on my laptop, cellphone at the ready, no one task getting my full attention.
Starting today, I vow to UBER FOCUS for at least 45 minutes on creating content. I will smile cheerily at dishes in the sink and laundry all over the place when this has been done!
Thanks for your fabulous words of wisdom!
Elizabeth
EXCELLENT Elizabeth…this is SO important for the stage you’re at!! Set timers – it’s good stuff.
marie i love this!
i have a lot of projects on the go and it has been a bit overwhelming, feeling like i need months and months before i’ll get anything done. so i woke up at 5am this morning, totally inspired, seeing how i can get the first one done by saturday. sarturday! i jumped out of bed and got going and got it mostly finished this morning. that gives me all of tomorrow for pouring the magic sparkles on it and by saturday it will be perfect
i love this approach and can’t wait to see what happens as i do it more often.
.-= andrea´s last blog ..creative journaling willing to let it all fall apart =-.
awesome Andrea! Come back and let us know how it goes…and rock on with your magic sparkles. (btw…send me some – they sound cool.)
Marie,
You effin’ nailed it again….LOL
Tony Robbins…awesome and impressive…….You are on fire your Hotness !
Would love to get a replay of that webinar.
KatrinaMarie
Thanks KatrinaMarie! Appreciate it
Thanks a lot for that stuff!
As for me, zero distractions point seems to be the most challenging and thus beneficial. And it surely call sfor switching the cell off…
Thanks a lot again! Good luck!
You’re welcome Olga. Yeah – that turning off the cell phone is huge!
Hell to the frickin’ yeah. I can’t tell you how many people have called me a nut job for doing this live event. And yet, here we are, getting ready to launch the single biggest “product” in my business career – and it’s working. Failure is NOT an option. It’s too expensive to quit!
Love it, Marie. Thanks for the post.
.-= Lisa Robbin Young´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
SWEET Lisa!! and GO girl GO with your event!!
Marie!
OMG…I’m brand new to your list and I just want to say I LOVE YOU! What a breath of fresh air.. finally someone who just be’s REAL! I love a woman who can just let her freak flag fly and just be her own voice and not worry about what people will think or how it comes across.. you just be you.. and how refreshing is that. So glad I found ya sista!!
.-= Darcy Volden Hoag´s last blog ..What If It All Worked Out =-.
WOW – thanks Darcy! I felt sooo much juicy love coming through every word. Honored to have you here
Tony Robbins! How freak’n cool is that!
That last part is so true. Man it would be nice if we could be laser focused at warp speed 24/7 without burning out. It does give you an incredible boost confidence though when your next “thing” comes around.
You can be all like, “Pssh… Whatever, I did that last thing that was twice as big in half the time. LETS DO THIS”
Totally Andy!! LOVE IT
Love this Marie, totally quotable!: “You’re a genius. A star. A fucking prodigy. And way more capable than your chattering little mind likes to give you credit for.”
- you rock. I’m so going to crack it on that important project i’ve been noodling on for the past week… cheers
.-= Satya Colombo – Fierce Wisdom´s last blog ..Time Does Not Exist =-.
go on with your bad self Satya! Can’t wait to hear all about what you’re cooking up!
Marie… absolutely Hilarious and Fabulously Funny… I haven’t
laughed so much in such a short time, I think we have a talk show!
Marvelously funny… my how your creative energy can enlighten
even the most of creative of minds. Oh… stop.. I’ve got to read it again.
Pause…- aha… ha..ha.. ha… ha … ohla…
Oh.. I know I will ad some Sassy Hot Salsa music in the backdrop
as I’m envisioning you speaking on the talk show commercial…
This truly is one of the most Crucial Power Principles for Success
Ever Written…!!! Bravo… Bravo…!!!
I Congratulate You on this Fabulous Work and Inspiration.
Focus and Singleness of Purpose… Bravo… Bravo…!!!
With love and kindness always-
Sincerely yours forever,
AJ – “one with life”
Why Thank You AJ!
isn’t parkinson’s a disease
yep. we’re talking bout’ the law.
Marie-
Always brilliant oh sexy one! You are so right and Rock on! Thanks for the reminder.
K
Hey Kristi! Thanks so much for swingin’ by lady
Oh I would love to have heard your info!!! I am so excited for you!
I have learned as a mom of 3 and owning my own business, get it done in the first and the last couple hours of the day. I function really well, first thing. And then my creative juices for writing seem to come out at night, but I could spend all day trying to write. All I need to do is wait, sit down after everyone is asleep and it just happens.
Ooooh Hannah. I’m with you woman. I get the late night juice often (like now!) thanks for swingin’ by!
Marie!
thats awesome on the T team!
Thanks for this… my whole life I have been a master procrastinator…
I have been able to whip things out in college at the last minute that were masterpieces! Now in biz, I thought I could pull this trait out but I either lost my touch or I need to apply some of the above with laser focus to get shit done.
I’m in a current state of immobilization with all this time on my hands! Maybe I need to bump up my deadlines and apply some accountability! Thanks for always being spot on!
Lisa
YES – too much time on your hands can be a hot mess. Structure and deadlines help big time.
I needed to hear this message today Marie. Thanks for the kick in the butt!
.-= Jan Marie Dore, The Women Entrepreneurs’ Success Coach´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
My pleasure!
Honestly Marie, you and Lisa really are the inspiration behind my madness lately. With everything else in my life that could be a huge distraction, I have mustered through and thrived. I have gotten more done since working with you guys than I have over the last year. Thanks for reminding me that I can do it. I needed to hear that today. I guess from time to time we all do.
xoxo
Kimberly
.-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Cottage Cheese Thighs and a Dimpled Derriere…What is a Girl to Do =-.
yessssss, woman, yesss – music to my ears. Big ups to you for IMPLEMENTING all the juice we share in the program. Keep rockin’ Kimberly
My problem is with the outside accountability aspect. I often announce I am going to do something and don’t end up doing it, so not only do I not get it done, I end up losing credibility to myself AND others and look like a flake. When I’m making the announcement I guess I am thinking “I HAVE to make this announcement so I won’t cop out” and I guess I just think of it as a strategy that hasn’t worked in the past and just made me feel bad about myself so that is what I am expecting in the future. How do I break out of this pattern and break that association? Is there a more powerful way of getting yourself to commit to things?
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..Fresh Beatboxin’ Stylez For The Whole Family To Enjoy =-.
I would start giving your word and keeping it on a small scale first. Like waking up when you say you will. You need to build up trust with YOU first. Then roll it out to the juicy Universe. Go for it girl – you can totally do it.
Great post Marie. You give great reminder:)
Ha ha….I had to read that twice it was so good!
Love this article…it rings so true to me and thanks for the oh-so-direct commentary…
anytime, Jen!
Hi Marie–
Congrats on WOWing the Tony Robbins team. I remember when he was the fat man in the bathtub, literally (his strory). How you got it done so fast explains the adage, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it!”
Of course you’re right; the hazard is the Fry Factor.
Stay Cool!
XO, Patrice
heellooo Patrice! Miss you lady and yes, busy beavers tend to knock stuff out!
xox M
Marie,
Article and photo is great – and I LOVE LOVE LOVE you being part of Tony’s DVD series !!! I remember you very well from Ali’s Blueprint and I loved reading your book – so proud of the path you are taking, Marie.
Warmest,
Catherine, Switzerland
Thanks a million Catherine! Means a lot to me
Love to you in Switzerland!
I find I always do my best work when I don’t think I’ve left myself adequate time to do it in. When I wrote my first blog post I did it in 20 minutes. I had been putting off for weeks thinking I needed to create some retreat for the “huge undertaking of starting a blog.” And then the idea for the post came to me, I sat down when I had literally only 20 min. before I had to scoot out the door, and voila…I had a post that was just about ready for post (minus a few typos.) You know what they say, if you need something done, ask someone busy to do it. I find that I do my best work when I don’t have too much time to do it in. Focus is so key and I really agree (and need to discipline myself more) around the no distractions. Thanks for a great post Marie!
That’s what I’m talkin’ bout woman. Now it’s just about time to get you out here to Sag so we can get our yoga on together (and beach time!) xoxo M
Thanks a lot for your enthusiastic and useful post Marie!
I experienced this in the past and it worked wonderfully! It’s how I can give my best. That was like a big and positive tension for hours or days until the work is done.Then almost nothing else mattered, I was able not to sleep or very few hours in this period, my place was a total mess and I didn’t care because I wanted to achieve this one thing. Even when the work was totally new and seemed impossible at first, I was confident, commited and succeed.
My problem now is to be able to find this state again AND to restaure my confidence because when I started new studies at the university, I faced tasks very long to accomplish (about 8 subjects and 300 pages each to digest in 3 months)and I was in this productive state all the time because I was so motivated but my health and relationships became seriously injured and I failed, which doubled the tension and the work to do for the next period.
It’s actually hard for me to relax as long as I didn’t succeed and if I’m forced to do it physically (because I’m exhausted), I tend to loose confidence and have bad self-image and fail attitude.
Well, anyway, I’m trying to sort this out on my own but it would be cool if someone had suggestions…
Maybe I need to stop thinking and to have more fun in life, in order to be less obsessed with work… I admire your cool and fun Marie! it has always been a big challenge for me!!
Thanks a lot !
YES – more fun girl. MORE FUN.
And take care of your body. Nourish her with outrageously healthy and tasty food. Get her moving. A lot. And of course, feed your soul with the most delicious and heavenly morsels of music, words, ideas and images you can find.
xo
M
Thank u! It’s the way I’m on but your words are very inspiring, even if english isn’t my first language!
!!
And it reminds me this should be a priority too So I went karting for the 1st time in my life today and after a little bit of anxiety and feeling guilty,
I had a lot of fun
I went to work just after that, and I noticed my interactions with people at work were much more fluent and lively, yeah!!
This kind of experience, the positive tone you have make me find out a entire new and cool world where I’m not comfortable in yet because I always thought the only possible and allowed fun was at work!
Xo
Aurélia
Marie,
Love the reference to Parkinson’s Law. Puts it all in perspective!
SWEET Julie!
Marie, I love your work! and to be honest am not the most successful would-be Entrepreneur you have ever met. You see, I am guilty of all of the above. I kick my arse everyday to stay in line and in focus. Problem is – “too many have too’s”! Yeah they real world gets in the way. So all I want to do is be a successful on-line Affiliate Marketer with heaps of landing pages selling other peoples incredible product. But, there are so many different sites to choose from, I get frazzled! I will never give up and now that I have found such a sexy hot, cool, chick, such as yourself to follow, I am already on my way to finding the perfect formula. Thanks a million Marie. x
Hey Lady! Be good to you. And start with getting ONE product cooking with gas. Choose the one you most LOVE and that you’ve got fire and passion around. Keep rocking and keep us posted.
Wonderful tips, thank you!
You’re welcome!
Marie,
THAT IS AWESOME!
Thanks for posting.
When our band was asked to perform on MTV we still had no music video…our genius jumped into action and we produced an awesome video for under $5000 from concept to finish in 1 week. Pretty amazing.
You are so right and I will reference that experience now that you reminded me how we can all do that.
SWEET Kenli! Love stories like that!!! Miss you guys and hope to see you soon
Everything comes back to a wedding metaphor in my business, so bear with me… Years back I had a terrific editor I admired while we both worked at a bridal publication. When *she* got engaged & started to plan her *own* wedding, she went against everything we told our readers. “I’m going to do it in a few months. Tops. If I give myself a year or a year and a half’s time to plan it, I’ll use the whole time stressing over details.” She stuck to her word & had a gorgeous celebration. I knew I admired her! And you… Thanks, Marie.
Love this one Lisa Marie!! Great story
….thanks for reminding me of zero distraction, but I actually checked my emails quickly and found you! great positive distraction….thanks Marie
Wow, Marie!
Congrats on being tapped by Tony Robbins! I’ve been to a lot of his seminars (was a group leader at Life Mastery in Hawaii in 2001 when he mediated a whole peace process between a Syrian and an Orthodox Jew in the the audience on the morning of Sept 11. One of the most amazing experiences of my life). What you say is so true. When I’ve left things for the last minute, and the pressure is on, I can’t believe the results sometimes — which has taught me to procrastinate. Better to have a short deadline from the beginning.
I recently wrote a blog post that has a cute and inspiring 6-minute video from the BBC show “Faking It” . A punk rocker has to learn to be a symphony conductor — and convince the pros he is one — inside a couple of weeks. It demonstrates your points about accountability, time frames and zero distractions. I also add the component of a mentor of an expert to model, encourage and/or inspire you –if you’re lucky enough to have one.
Check it out! (I’m a member of commentLuv but couldn’t figure out how to change the default post, so please visit this one)
http://davincidilemma.com/2010/06/how-to-succeed-at-anything-new/
Lisa
.-= Lisa Rothstein´s last blog ..Coulda Woulda Shoulda – PART TWO- How to Overcome Coulda Woulda Shoulda Thinking =-.
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
Hey Daniela! Of course – I’d LOVE to see that article. Hugs right back baby! xo M
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.
Nice Joan – I love your strategy for closing the sale – VERY smart!
I needed this today. Thanks for the kick in the ass
.-= Jillian´s last blog ..Traffic Report – June 2010 =-.
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!
Hey James! Katie is a star – love her. Thank you so much for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!
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
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.
*Love* these strategies, Marie… I needed this kick in the ass!
Yay Karen!!
Congratulations on being interviewed by Tony Robbins, that is such an honor. You deserve it, keep up the great work!
Thank you Tracey – I really appreciate it.
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
Great to have you here woman and yeah! it’s awesome to have those reminders about “creating” urgency.
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 =-.
Hey Maria!!! How are YOU woman?! Miss you. Things are super fun (and busy) over here. Love you long time – send an update please
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii marieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
i love it i need it
you r specialllllllllllllllllllllll
thank youooooooooooooooo mariannnnnn!
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 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.
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!
YES! That one helps me too – especially when those thoughts are spewing out pure caca.
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!
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!
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!!
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!
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
Great idea, Thanks to share with us…..
.-= Ford´s last blog ..Kenworth’s All New Highway Truck In Complete Production =-.
Marie,
You rock. You tell it like it is…..no spoon-feeding, mamby pamby feel-good therapy. Thanks. How much do I owe you?!!!
Marie, you blow my mind!
Thank you for your get your “F ass moving” post!
Right on baby!
Gry
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
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 =-.
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!!
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
Love this, Much needed!! Thank you!!
I love JUST DOING IT! Especially by turning off the chatter in our minds. Thanks, Marie. All us SG’s love your wisdom!
.-= Leah Fisch´s last blog ..Communicate- Prioritize- Follow-through =-.
This is an awesome post! It’s so true. And without forcing ourselves to put it on the line, sometimes we never end up producing anything.
I have been procrastinating getting my new site, blog, twitter page, facebook page, and youtube site up and live for months now. I finally got them all going and i hate how they are not perfect – but they are up. And the fact that they are up and people can see them makes me work on them and get things fixed quickly.
So let’s all stop taking three weeks for a presentation that can rock after a few hours.
Thanks, Marie.
Marie
This line of yours struck a chord with me:
“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.”
I soooo needed to hear it. There’s a huge important job I have been saying I gotta get done,… every day I try to do it, then I let myself get sidetracked with other [albeit also important] things and I end up saying, “Ok, tomorrow,….” That’s just not working!
So, this is it! I’m up against the clock here. I obviously need that deadline to push me. And I’m going to act on Cat’s idea from her comment (#24). I am giving myself 2 weeks from tonight to get it done done done! I will figure out the steps I need to take and plan out time for each. It will be such a relief when this is off my shoulders! Thank you both!
Got it all covered except for the zero distractions – impossible with kids (almost 2 and 3.5). Even when daddy gets home, it’s all about dinner and family time before they go to bed, and then mommy is fried from the day of being a stay at home parent. Working on that balance as we speak!
Thanks for these excellent reminders Marie. And thanks for being the coolest teach in the biz school. You really put the zing into learning even the most down-to-earth business and life skills.
Wow. Wow. WOW! I decided to start kickin’ some ass this week with writing and other projects. This great advice changed my week! I knew I could get shit done, and fast, but I never know how to control it! I feel like a super hero! I edited 225 pages and designed two workshops. I can see now the only thing in my way, was fear, baby, just fear. And now it feels kind of good to be scared! It means I am doing something right.
Thanks, Marie, for the awesome advice!
Hey Marie! Just what I needed to hear TODAY! Thanks for the awesome content, and I really like hearing about your own personal experiences. I think we all are always wondering, how does that girl do it?! And you’re always willing to show us how
i had 30 minutes before my next conference call. i took your advice and planted myself…got 4 bookings for life coaching and selected my 2 scenes for acting class in 28 minutes.
booyah..thanks for being flip fantastic and oh so devilishly delicious!
In the last 24 hours your name came up..2 times…. I had never heard of you. Im a dancer ( i mean i have danced all my life thinking I’m a pro..)..along with being a business owner of a way cool makeup company OLA Makeup… and when i saw your energy..wow!!!! I worked with Tony Robbins back in 1992!!!.But i let time get in my memory bank…. I so love this article on time. Just as you say, i had 24 hours to get a whole makeup training put together for a video TV show…it just takes being accountable under the gun but having fun doing it!! Im so excited to now be in your tribe!!!!
OK! You may have written this a couple years ago but you just hit me square-on-today. Just wanted to say thanks for a gift that keeps on giving!
Marie, I LOVED this!
So amazingly inspiring and absolutely fantastic tips. It is very very true to over think (at least in my case).
I feel all jiggly-wiggly about getting something done NOW. Thank goodness just joined your B-School!
I so agree with this….I have spent weeks on things when I really didn’t need to – overthinking it and confusing matters. Some of my best work has been when inspiration has struck and I’ve just let it flow out without censorship and let it be EASY…. thanks for the reminder! You are the best!
I have a problem with procrastination and her mother denial when it comes getting things done. It sometimes feels like I have to force myself to do the things I really need to do to get my business rolling. Public accountablity is very important i getting things done but also to keep the standard of your work high.
Thanks for sharing this today Marie in your Q&A Tuesday – perfect timing as this week I’m going through your Follow-Through formula! Love it!
Marie,
Loved both the “timebusters” video and your reflection on the Tony Robbins’ manic mad-dash. All so true. I used to hear my grandmother’s voice say “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
However, I learned these tricks so well as a youngun that I plain wore myself out-literally. Some of us “overachievers” try to fit the whole world into those 4-hour increments and them blow ourselves up on a daily basis. Let’s talk cortisol! I became accustomed to working so hard (daily marathons of productivity) that my whole body shut down. Nearly died, literally. So while I appreciate your caveat at the end up there about not doing it everyday… it may be useful to suggest Tip #9: Breathe Deeply into Your Project and it will Manifest.
I have finally learned at the ripe young age of 51 that my best work comes when I am calm, ready and enthusiastic. And, occasionally, there are SOME gigs that are not worth the extra cortisol that might just push you over the edge (not suggesting Tony Robbins or Oprah are among them) and knock you off your feet for a few weeks.
Congrats on the huge recognition you are receiving for your work. You deserve it. I’m feeling good about working with clients whose lives I’m affecting on a daily basis and working toward their passions.Perhaps helping others stay alive and find profound meaning is my best gig.
Hi Marie,
I’ve just recently started to follow you and your content rocks. I love your time tip because it is absolutely TRUE!! I saw your Tony video (I’ve got the whole shabang) and it’s great. Wish he’d had more women as part of that series. Next time right!!
Thanks for such great content!
Mary
Lovin’ this post, Marie! Thank you for the excellent reminder to stay on task and get it done. This post actually reminds me of Cameron Herald’s Double Double book and message. He is all about productivity, and I have no doubt gotten some fabulous advice from him. Of recent, I have been setting way more deadlines for myself and making promises that I have to keep in order to increase my productivity, and it works like a mo’ fo’! Especially for entrepreneurs, we have to set these kinds of limits and constraints to keep us focused, consistently working and successful. The best example I can give is something I just did: Set my book-launch date for June 5th. The truth is that I hadn’t even typed out my manuscript yet (I had it all written in my notebook.), but when I set that date, I was able to move quickly and accomplish a ton – still am. I also got a surge of great ideas for my pre-launch campaign and bonus features to include. That proves to me that these methods work wonders not only on your productivity but on your creativity, as well.
I’m so glad to hear your story. It makes me feel a bit more normal that other people can put out their best work at the last minute. (My hubby calls it procrastination.)
For 13 years I was involved in supporting families who had a baby or child die. I did this via support groups, phone support, and working at a hospital to be with families when their child died. I also began teaching doctors and nurses around the country about “death etiquette”. The things they would say or do were so hurtful to families, albeit unintentional. Out of the blue I was invited by a committee at Harvard University Medical School to present at an upcoming symposium on how neonatal doctors and nurses should care for families whose baby died. I knew three months in advance and I had three months’ worth of brain farts. I had a horrible rough draft which was tossed in the trash. I ended up writing it on the plane on the way. I went to the welcome dinner the night I arrived and then finished the presentation in the hotel room. There was a bit of tweakage in the morning, but, it was the best damn presentation I ever gave. I had the thought in my head all along that “this is HARVARD” and it freaked me out.
What I learned about myself is that I work best under pressure with a set time limit.
I’m no longer doing that work and have a home-based art business. I am having trouble working at home because there is no pressure and no time limits. That’s one of the biggest reason I am enrolled in your B-school! The bonus Follow Through videos has given me some much-needed clarity.
Marie…
Your free content absolutely ROCKS!…. Thanks for this inspirational/actionable article.
Thanks for this, Marie! I used to depend on pressure deadlines to get things done – but have grown out of this – the answer for me now is ANTICIPATION PREPARATION (wow – that just came out! Love it!). Even though I am becoming more intuitive and yes, clairvoyant…..and faster, more organized – I’m discovering that PREPARING for something I want to happen – YES, makes it happen!
My advice to you (woo-wee!) is…make THAT video, or at least design it for when Oprah or whoever DOES call at the last minute – and she will, because you really want her to!
Love,
JoAnn
Marie-
You are simply my hero…my mentor and my goal girl! You motivate me and I never miss a Tuesday edition. What an awesome “lesson” and learned in the most amazing way via a Tony Robbins video opportunity. this is the dream!
These are awesome tips! I rack my brain all the time trying to perfect content and it takes me eons. This even cost me one of my internships back when I first started. I am going to try the outside accountability thing (though I do have a phobia about sharing things with people before I do it)
You rock Marie! I heart you!
Accountability is key for me! Thanks for the info.
Marie, I learned firsthand the Parkinson’s Law and the phenomenon of banging out what felt like a huge project in hardly any time at all when you announced the YouTube video contest for RHH b-school last week. I could hardly believe it was announced on Wednesday and due the following Monday! I thought it would take me at least a couple weeks to do a perfect job of it (and possibly hire some legit filmmakers) but because of the time crunch I managed to put together a “ghetto professional” video that, while not as polished, perhaps, as I’d have preferred, is still charming anyway and I’m hella proud of it — and it’s been getting nothing but positive feedback, too!
Thanks Marie for teaching me this valuable lesson!
Thanks Marie… you are so right! Several of your tips were great reminders. I really do fill up my time if I have it. Getting in the zone and moving toward a deadline is the best way to write and get things done!
Soooooo, true! Believe it or not, doing projects at the very last second is my M.O. — sometimes, it’s when I become the most creative AND focused. My dear husband knows this about me *very* well, and was crackin’ up this weekend when I was trying to bust out the scholarship vid for B-school at the last minute! LOL.
I love how you took an ass kicking from Mr. Robbins without him being aware that he was actually giving it. I’m often gleaming lessons from experiences like this.
On one hand this list is bang on incredible, but I get caught up in the one thing that lately I think is actually the most important to getting out of your own way. I actually find when I do this first I don’t need exterior pressure, zero distraction or a no fail attitude (the last one I so needed to be reminded of today though!!). It’s warming up to the project first. Instead of thinking over what you will do and worrying, thinking about how fun it will be to create. How fun it will be to edit. How fun it will be to finish. I’m not so good at always doing this but I’m getting better. Love to read your thoughts on this Marie!
This is so true – I have to leave myself just two days to write and design my training workbooks – otherwise I’d be fussing and tweaking and pissing about with them FOREVER trying to make them ‘perfect’! And that doesn’t make good business sense. So good to hear that someone else takes this approach when necessary. FOCUS is definitely the key – I have to have two completely clear days with no distractions. Thanks for a great post Marie.
Okay, I need help here. I’m a single mom of a 9month old baby girl, I have a small business that is currently not earning enough money, I’m tired, And I want to start a baby clothes and toy “swap” for moms. Tony Robbins and other gurus say the one sure way to heal your pain is to Be of Service to Others! The swap thing is something I want to do to help other moms, especially single moms who are way worse off than I am. Some of the hurdles are: I find myself exhausted just about everyday, I am afraid no one will want to join in, I stutter and am afraid to make all the necessary contacts, and it takes actual work!
You are really kickin it into high gear! Thank you
Had set a “finish by” date for my book of April. Well, April has come and gone and it ain’t even CLOSE! I recently decided to set aside every Wednesday as “Writing Wednesday” but somehow all the people who fill my email inbox didn’t get the memo to leave me alone, lol. I’ll set a new due date, but this time I’ll try these tips. Thanks, Marie!
In the interest of accountability, I am going to work on this big a** painting and have it finished in 2 weeks…and it will be a museum quality masterpiece! Then I will post it
thanks for the inspiration, Maria.
Ah ha moment: Just like work fills up available time, stuff fills up the space available! Declutter! (Note to self) I will be able to focus better in a clean environment. And use a timer for boundaries.
AMAZING!! I freaking love your writing style. I’m use to see you on videos all the time, and it is refreshing to see your writer’s genius as well! The 4 keys are truly essential. Thank you once again for the inspiration, Marie!
Great point!
I agree, many times I definitely work better under pressure.
But I really need to remove myself from the computer now-a-days, it’s sooo tempting to check emails, google etc.
Thanks Marie! PS. I just love Tony Robbins