The Learning Curve

Are you in a state of overwhelm because of all the new things you must learn? Did your company install yet another software program you need to learn pronto? Do you have a stack of emails to answer, new systems to learn and put in place?

It's easy to feel stressed as we get barraged by a sea of information and learning another thing can make you want to scream. There's also that temptation to quit learning something because it's too daunting or takes too long to comprehend.

It's key to remember certain rules when learning new.

Rule #1: Everything new looks exciting and filled with possibilites when you first learn - this is the way it should be so you want to keep learning.

Rule #2: Expect a slow down period or backstepping. As you assimilate more information, you may forget things, get confused or feel like you can't remember another thing. This is normal.

Rule #3: Apathy and frustration may hit you - this is a test. If you're truly committed to learning a new skill, you'll see this as an opportunity. You may want to 'throw in the towel,' and forget learning something new. However, if you're smart, you'll either get help or push through the pain.

Rule #4: You're past the plateau: This is a powerful place to be as rule #3 is where most people quit. If you make it to this point, your skills get stronger and your confidence level grows.

Rule #5: You're in the 'zone.' If you learn the material and feel confident and deliver it well, you're on the road to becoming a master.

I am learning to play guitar and have been taking half hour lessons for 7 months. I remember being excited about learning in the beginning, feeling apathy at about month 4 (and wanting to quit because everything I learned seemed to be forgotten and the more I learned, the less I knew) I asked my teacher how long people stayed with him and he said it was four months and then they quit.

I didn't want to be a statistic and wanted to 'master' an instrument although I know a lifetime of playing guitar wouldn't necessarily make me an expert. No, I wouldn't be quitting my day job and hitting the road, but I wanted to be able to hear a song, pick up my guitar and play along. To me, it's worth pushing past the plateau.

Lisa Rickwood 'Business Stress Buster'

Why No News is Good News - Why a Media Fast is Beneficial

Lately, every time I turn on the news, the big "R" (recession) is mentioned. I have a theory about this - the news helps to create a big "R." People watch the news, dwell on it and then get scared. Once they're scared, the beliefs take over and then they watch their actions - cut back on their spending, run around with a fear mentality and then the economy does slow down.

The news is also frustrating because over 95% of it is about things you can't do anything about.

Finally, if you watch the news a lot, you lose a lot of time you could spend doing other things - things that might make you feel happier, not more stressed out.

A media fast is good when you're feeling overwhelmed, want more time in your day, want to ignore negativity, etc. Because so many people get caught up in the news, you'll always know what's happening whether you immerse yourself in it or not.

Here's the benefits to a media fast:

1. Time: You can claim up to two hours a day when you bypass news for a day
2. Attitude: You'll be more positive as you won't dwell on the 95% of news that's negative
3. Control: You'll have more control because you can pick and choose what you want in your life
4. Productivity: You'll be more productive and inspired because you won't have your energy scattered dwelling on the news.

While you can still watch the news, the secret is to curb the time to minimize overwhelm.

Do You Suffer from 'Guru Syndrome?'
By Lisa Rickwood, BFA, CTACC

You know you're buying too many online programs when you open the door to your office cabinet and a huge information marketing binder falls on your head. (That really happened to me)

I'm not sure when it first started - it was one of those silent, deadly things that kind of creeps up on you...

You see an online Internet guru promising you can have 'passive revenue' by setting up your products and then the money will come flowing to you. You click on the link, buy the product, wait for it, try it and then it becomes 'shelf help.'

A couple weeks later, another online guru has a great product and once again, you get sucked in.

It happened to me and I'm not saying the online products I bought were bad. On the contrary, they were the best of the best - very well produced and informative. The problem was not the products, the issue was my undiagnosed 'guru addiction.' I wanted to be connected to every great guru on the Internet. And, I couldn't get enough of the 'next great product.'

The year, 2007, became my 'Information Marketing Junkie year.' I just couldn't stop ordering classes and programs and because I love learning, the gurus got me 'hooked.' At the end of the year, I felt frustrated, broke and 'jaded.' Yes, I learned a lot and put much to practice but I was spending so much time reading Internet Marketing emails and wasn't spending enough time with my own company.

If you suspect you may suffer from this affliction, study these warning signs of 'guru syndrome addiction.'

1. You belong to more online marketing lists than you care to admit.

2. You have so many free Tele-classes and audios to listen to that you've forgotten where they are on your computer or bookshelf.

3. Every time a new product or course gets promoted online, you have to tie your hands behind your back to keep from whipping out your credit card.

4. You feel your body quiver as you try to talk yourself out of buying another program.

5. You have so many products on your shelves, you're not even sure if you've listened and read all the information.

6. You spend so much time watching other people's programs and classes that you haven't created your own.

7. You doubt your own skills and potential because you study every guru out there and then compare yourself to them.

If you recognize yourself in this article (I'm a recovering guru addict), you may benefit from taking a media fast and automatically taking yourself off lists that you don't really read. You might also want to put a limit on how many programs you buy. Instead of whipping out the card, give yourself 24 or 48 hours before you buy the system. You may find that you have a similar system in the cupboard that you bought last month. (This happened to me)

When you simplify your information overload, the clutter will diminish, you'll feel more focused and you'll have confidence in what you do. A little guru worship is okay - just be reasonable.

Lisa Rickwood,"Business Stress Buster," is a business coach, visual artist and author of Escape The Pace: 100 Fun And Easy Ways To Slow Down And Enjoy Your Life and co-author of Power & Soul: 42 Successful Entrepreneurs Share their Secrets for Creating the Business and Life of Their Dreams. She helps business owners ‘master stress for professional and personal success.’ Get your FREE e-book, 5 Critical Actions That Hurt Your Business and Add Stress to Your Life…and How to Escape Them by visiting: http://www.escapethepace.com

Keep It Simple, Stupid (K.I.S.S.)

Most of us have heard this term before but it's so easy to forget what it really means, especially in business.

When I worked as an advertising representative for a magazine, my publisher told me to design ads using the K.I.S.S. formula (keep it simple, stupid) This method worked well; I quickly created clean, crisp, successful ads for my clients. But, when I forgot the formula, I would struggle.

Are you struggling in your life of business? Maybe your business or life just needs a kiss.

Where can you apply the formula? Maybe you can simplify your sales technique, closing the sale, administrative work, marketing plan, email communications, financial plan...

Take this week and see what's complicating your life. Make a goal of using the K.I.S.S. formula and see how it saves you time, energy and your sanity and yes, even money.

Feel free to email me on how this works for you. I'd love to hear how this works.

Take care and happy escaping,

Lisa Rickwood - "Small Biz Stres Buster"

Lisa Rickwood, "Small Biz Stress Buster," is a small business coach, visual artist and author of Escape The Pace: 100 Fun And Easy Ways To Slow Down And Enjoy Your Life and co-author of Power & Soul: 42 Successful Entrepreneurs Share their Secrets for Creating the Business and Life of Their Dreams. She helps small business owners ‘master stress for professional and personal success.’ Get your FREE e-book, 5 Critical Actions That Hurt Your Business and Add Stress to Your Life…and How to Escape Them by visiting: http://www.escapethepace.com/