'JUST DO IT ALREADY!'

So I've probably got your attention with my title - yes, get your mind out of the gutter...you're going along with that report, that new product launch, that new marketing strategy when it hits you - overwhelm, panic, frustration, empathy...

You've hit the wall literally and figuratively and find yourself 'stuck.' So...that report sits unfinished, the new product launch doesn't happen and your marketing strategy is a flop.

Recently, I had a coach say to me, "When do you plan to complete your Escape the Pace package?"

Dumbfounded I thought about it and couldn't answer. I've been working (no, rather - thinking about) a product for 2 years. Yes, that's right - two whole years!

What stopped me? The same thing that stops most of us entrepreneurs in our tracks - fear, indecisiveness, lack of a clear plan, lack of confidence, comparing ourselves to others, etc. The same 'inner game' that helps entrepreneurs can also work against us - we often get in our own way. I've had people say, "Business would be fine if it wasn't for me!"

So my coach yanked me out of this negative mindset and said, "Just do it already!"

Dan Kennedy, an online marketing maverick and expert mentions that 'money likes speed,' and that sometimes people have 'to put it out there and tweak it later.'

So, the next time you feel swamped, overwhelmed, or stuck, just make yourself do it, forget perfection and tweak it later.

Many clients tell me that once they launch something, it gives them more confidence and power and they tweak things according to the market. Sounds like a plan to me! I'll keep you posted on the Escape Program - coming very soon!

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'