This week’s episode is shorter than usual.
It’s also different.
I take you on a random journey of what I’m doing, what I’ve been up to, what I’m currently enjoying … and a few things I’m planning this year.
Follow along at your own risk. 😉
The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe in iTunes to get this show delivered straight to the Podcasts app on your smart phone, tablet or iPod.
Way of Life app
- It’s like Jerry Seinfeld’s “don’t break the chain,” but in your phone—and with analytic capabilities and reminders
- Great for accountability
- My hope is that it will help me build and solidify habits I want to form
- Surprisingly effective for someone like me who’s NOT a big gadget geek
Headspace meditation app
- Any type of meditation is better than no meditation at all. But I want to get more out of this practice
- I find it easier to get started with guided meditations
- Tried the Omvana app. It’s pretty good. But I find Headspace to be much better. It’s much easier to use.
- Headspace is the world’s most popular meditation app. It has more than 4 million users. It has a clearer “use path” for starting out. And it’s much more uniform.
- The app has you start with a series of 10 meditations (one per day for 10 days) that last only 10 minutes. This is their free trial.
- I found it surprisingly relaxing and effective from day one, which is rare for me.
- Currently on day 7, but very impressed with how easy it is to stick to it. I find Andy’s voice very soothing. And I appreciate that he understands that most of us get easily distracted during a meditation.
- Definitely worth signing up for their 10-day trial. Try it and see what I mean.
Focus@will
- This service plays music that’s scientifically designed to boost focus and productivity
- I can’t live without it. It’s on throughout the day in my office
- Has built-in timer for my 50-minute focus sessions
- Use it to work and read
- You can start a free trial (no credit card needed) here. (That’s an affiliate link, which means that if you decide to sign up for their full service, I may earn a small commission to help support this show.)
Important change in morning routine:
- Gratitude list (3 min)
- Read for exactly 30 min
- Meditate using the Headspace app (10 min)
Resuming my “Fridays Off” policy next month
- It’s been insane around here, but mostly because I’ve let it get that way
- Forcing a Friday constraint causes you to be more efficient and resourceful
- For me it’s the best way to maintain higher levels of focus Monday through Thursday
- It won’t happen unless I give myself no choice
- Current plan is to use Friday morning for brainstorming, strategy, self-debriefings, reading, book reports (see below), self-training, long walks. Then something fun in the afternoon (golf, hike, long bike ride, movie, lunch with my wife, lunch with a friend, etc.)
What I’m reading
- Working with the Law by Raymond Holliwell
- You 2: A High Velocity Formula for Multiplying Your Personal Effectiveness in Quantum Leaps by Price Pritchett
My plan for getting more out of books this year
- Write a short, 2-page book report for the books that are worthy of this
- Read faster by focusing on capturing the essence of each book and not getting caught up in the details
- Read 25 books (last year I read only 10… ouch!)
My plan for being happier at work this year
- Focus 80% or more of my time on projects and tasks that leverage my biggest strengths (conceive and experiment with new strategies and approaches, create training, coach/teach, grow my business)
- Delegate more to my amazing staff
- Hire good people as needed to take on increased workload
- Tip: there are always simple things you can delegate (proofreading, transcription, some admin work, errands, etc.). And you can use technology to save you time (deposit checks with your phone, have UPS or USPS pick up mail and packages at home vs. driving there)
What’s ahead for High-Income Business Writing
- More free content (besides the podcast)
- Maintain and improve quality of our training (free and paid)
- New technology platform that will enable you to have all your training resources in ONE location (just one login needed)
- Planning a rebranding effort later this year. Focusing more on serving writers and copywriters exclusively, although most of what I’ll teach will still apply to other creative professionals.
- I’m going to continue offering and refining my two group coaching and training programs for writers and copywriters: B2B Biz Launcher and The 2X Project.
- In fact, the application window for the next 2X Project opens soon, so stay tuned for that. And if you want to be the first to be notified, make sure to get on the early-notification list for The 2X Project.
- I’m starting to offer a one-on-one coaching option (my first one in almost 3 years). It’s a very focused one-day strategy and planning intensive. If you’re interested in hearing more, email [support at b2blauncher dot com] and we’ll send you some information.
- Rolling out something next week I’m that I’m crazy-excited about. Stay tuned!
What about you? What are YOU up to this year? What are you going for? What big things are you changing?
