Things to remind myself
IN LIFE
It’s never this way or that. It’s always somewhere in the middle. Although my tendency may be to think in extremes and this/that binaries that don’t really exist. Both sides are making valid points.
In nature, nothing rushes. Yet, everything gets done. I tend to want things to move quicker than they really do. Let life happen at its own speed, and don’t stand in its way. The only thing you’re rushing toward is death.
This is your last chance to experience this very moment. Always and even in the moments that suck. Embrace them.
IN BUSINESS
Nothing I’ve done out of desperation has ever worked for me. There are no clear-cut barometers for “is this being done out of desperation?” it’s something I can feel if I’m being honest with myself.
Start from what’s already working. And then steer growth in a direction of your choosing from there – but don’t try to plant a completely new seed when you don’t have to.
Direction is more important than speed. So keep reflecting. And don’t get upset when things don’t move as quickly as you’d like.
Find what aspects of your business work best. Quintuple down. I would say “double down” but that’s too light for me and I end up doing it too hesitantly – I literally need to quintuple down on the things that are working, and ignore the rest. Why waste my time on anything else?
When there are client projects to work on, focus completely on these. My impulse is to worry about filling up next month’s calendar before finishing the projects on my to-do list.
But my best projects have come nearly exclusively from referrals… and I get referrals by doing great work. So it’s in my best interest to put all my focus into the work I currently have (delivering beyond expectations), instead of scattering focus on potential future projects that aren’t real yet.
When I DON’T have client projects to work on, build assets that give me long-term leverage. Anything that I can build once, and will drive value for the long-term.
Share what’s worth sharing. Content is a generous act… if I think an idea will help at least one other person in the same way it helped me (if I think that sharing will benefit someone), then it would be selfish of me not to share with other people.
Meet cool people. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to be “business networking.” Just be intentional about meeting interesting people with similar aspirations to you. When you meet people who you’d love to learn from and you feel you connect with, be very intentional about cultivating those relationships.
Under-promise, Over-deliver. This is a big one, since I have a habit of overpromising – I even do it when I make promises to myself. I put too much faith into future Kyle.
I learn more from doing than thinking. I have a tendency to plan things before taking action – planning every detail of a new offer (landing page, email sequences, etc.) before presenting it to a single prospect. But in reality, it’s better to take the step first, and then plan based on real-life outcomes.
Whenever I’m stressed, it’s when I’m thinking 12 steps ahead. Instead, put your head down and focus on what’s in front of you. Longer-term planning can be valuable, but it’s better to think about when you’re in a place of confidence, not overwhelm.