Author Archives: ljgale

What am I doing?

That might not be the best question.

How about asking, “Why did I get started?”

  • Football players started because they loved the game.
  • Writers started because they love writing.
  • Retailers started because they love enhancing lives of their customers.
  • Bankers started because they love being organized and facilitating for other people.
  • Traveling consultants started because the love having a variety in their work and learning with others.
  • Dog owners got started because they love to love dogs.

Remember why you started.

It may very well help you appreciate your current position.

“I’m started doing this because I love…”

Better than worst

What’s the worst that could happen?

Ask yourself this question when you’re stuck. When you’re feeling afraid. When you’re feeling self-doubt.

Then, once you’ve answered, make a small modification which causes the new worst-case scenario to be a little better than the old one.

Finally, take the plunge.

You know the worst that could happen.

And it’s not even the worst anymore.

Last in your mind

Two great times to quit:

  1. Quitting while you’re ahead. Never easy, but never regretted either.
  2. Quitting just before you’ve lost it all. Never easy to consider losing 90% a win. But if you don’t, you’ll likely lose 100% and miss out on an easy 10% win.

Small wins aren’t sexy. But if they’re the last in your mind, big wins will follow.

You’re not alone

My favorite parts about writing a daily blog:

  • I’m more likely to listen to my own best advice. For example, laugh instead of…
  • My friends and family (all readers are either) hold themselves to a higher standard, especially when they’re around me.
  • I accomplish something every day, even on days that I feel like I get nothing done.
  • I get to create that something that’s permanent. Contrast that with a tweet or Facebook post, both of which are temporary and basically unsearchable.
  • I turn what may ordinarily require psychotherapy into self-help for myself and others. See the positive spin cycle…
  • It makes me feel like I’m going to live forever.

Interested in these benefits, too?

You’re not alone.

But you’re used to it

What do you think if it’s all you know?

You still think the weather is cold. And that the party is wild. And that the holy services are not short. And that the mosquitoes are a force. And that the second hand smoke is disgusting.

You’re human.

And that means you also don’t appreciate being reminded that that’s all you know.

Newsletters, reply-alls, unsubscribe

It’s their loss if they unsubscribe.

They’re missing out on:

  • Learning from you.
  • Laughing with you.
  • Staying updated about you.

If they aren’t missing out on all of these things, then they are not missing out.

It’s you missing the point of sending the email.

More than two

When making decisions, you have two choices. Either:

  • Give yourself two options (or worse, just one).
  • Give yourself MORE than two options.

Two options is good for getting people (yourself) to have no choice at all.

More than two options is good for making good decisions.

Who isn’t going to choose the second option?

Mind readers

What do you want?

  • Referrals for your business?
  • Direct replies to your newsletter?
  • Your omelet made a certain way?
  • The ability to bring your dog to work?
  • More vacation days?
  • A 5-minute back rub?

Very few are able to read minds.

But offering “the why” followed by “a direct ask” seems to do wonders.

People, People

People:

  • Buy from people.
  • Buy people.
  • Refer people to people.

It’s hardly ever about the stuff.

It’s about the people, People.

Their golf

Golf is an interesting game.

  • You cannot beat it.
  • You play against yourself.
  • Most players are legitimately addicted.

No, I don’t play golf.

But there are many similar things I play instead.

Making money online, saving the world, optimizing my mind and body, are a few examples.

And while it’s not for me, fashion is another great example.

So if you want to succeed in business, find a game like golf.

Help them beat the unbeatable game.