Blog Posts

A Peek into my Days

Happy Friday! 🙂

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I've been in a business funk of sorts. I'm not down or depressed or anything and money is coming in just fine. I've just felt like laying in bed and watching Netflix, hanging out with my friends, cleaning the house, running errands, pampering myself, playing with the puppies, or going to the gym.

It started in July. I went on vacation for the month which was planned. I know I wasn't going to work much (if at all) on that trip other than writing a report for IncomeCPR.com. So, I didn't work and I had a ton of fun. But then when I got home the end of July, I just wanted to clean the house and spend time with my kids. Which was cool. I figured that once they were back in school, I'd get back to my super productive self.

It didn't happen that way. Instead, when the kids went back to school, I took some time to relax, thinking that I deserved it. (And, I do.)

But, then… I'd get up, head to my computer and think “Oh Good! Now that the kids are back in school, I have six full hours to work.” Six whole freaking hours! That sounded like such a lot of work. And, then, I'd crawl back into bed to watch a movie on Netflix or go read a book. 🙂

Usually when this happens, I commit myself to working 1 hour/day and just waiting it out. It's kind of like exercise. If I commit to walking 15 minutes/day, that's the hard part. I'll usually end up walking for 45 minutes to an hour once I get started. It's the starting and heading out that's hard.

So, that's what I've been doing. I get on for an hour each day, do my to do list of essentials like paying my affiliates – and then head to the gym or go on a walk and just enjoy my day.

Well, I was chatting with my good friend, Susanne Myers, and I told her that enough was enough and it was time for me to get out of this funk and get back to being super-productive. Now don't get me wrong — I've already decided that that does not mean sitting on my butt for six hours per day. That's just not what I want my days (or my butt) to look like. BUT! It does mean that I don't get to lay in bed with the puppies and watch Netflix all day either.

So, here's what we came up with. We're going to post our daily to do lists for a week, and share what we've gotten accomplished. And, I'd love for you to do the same. I think you'll find you'll get a ton more done than usual. I'm planning to.

Susanne and I often challenge each other in Instant Messenger, but for the next week, will do it on our blogs so you can keep track of what we're up to and how we spend our days.

Sound fun?

Since it's Friday, I'm taking it easy. This is my day so far…

1. Got up. Hey, that isn't always easy. 🙂  Realized I was in a good mood. The Packers won! WOOT! Got the kids off to school. Fed puppies.

2. Played FreeCell a half an hour on my iPad. As long as I'm winning most games in under 3 minutes, I'm happy. Otherwise, I get crabby.

3. Ran to Best Buy to get a new MP3/MP4 player. I was using my phone as a MP3 player at the gym, but I wanted something more disposable (ie. something I can sweat on) and that held a charge longer than my phone does. While my new toy has been charging, I loaded it up with tons of stuff that I'd bought and never listened to. I'm a terrible multi-tasker at home, so I work in silence. This means that I never listen to audio or video courses unless I drag my mentors on a walk, in the bath, or to the gym with me. (Yes, I've taken baths with more internet marketers than I should probably admit!) 🙂  This took an hour to upload the files. It's charging now for a trip to the gym in a little bit.

4. Connected with coaching client who wanted to celebrate a success. Cheered her on and answered her questions.

5. Played on Facebook for 5 minutes twice (total of 10 minutes).

6. Skimmed email for emergencies for 2 minutes. None so it can wait.

 7. Chatted with Susanne on IM. She's doing a PLR challenge on her blog and wanted to run it by me.

8. Susanne asked “Are you starting our Accountability Challenge or am I?” I said “I am.”

9. Melissa Ingold grabbed me on Instant Messenger to see if I had room in my promo calendar to release a new CoachingPLRContent.com package on the 15th. I said “yes”.

10. I received an invoice from a writer. Paid it.

11. Wrote this blog post up til this point.

It's 11:38 CST now.

I'm going to head to the gym and get smart in a few minutes. When I get back, I'm going to…

1. Finish prepping four packs for EasyPLR.com so they're done for the  month.

2. Connect with my tech gal about setting up Zen Desk for me.

3. Touch base with my copywriter to make sure she's got what she needs for this month's sales copy.

4. Outline my report for IncomeCPR.com for this month so I can get that written.

5. Run to the grocery store and get some eggs, a rotisserie chicken, smoked salmon, and avocados.

Wish me luck! Let me know what's on your to do list for today and how well it's going.

As for Susanne – tell me how your day has been and what you've gotten done and what you're planning for today.

Big hugs!

Nicole

PS. Be sure to swing by Susanne's blog and see what she's up to today, too. Affiliate Treasure Chest.

Updates are posted in comments below…

I appreciate shares and I adore comments! Please share your thoughts.

  • Nicole
    Reply

    oops! I also, always have to promote my blog posts after I write them – so I’ll post about this on Facebook and send a note to my lists, too. 🙂

  • Lisa
    Reply

    Wait…why do I suddenly feel so cool?! LOL

  • Loretta
    Reply

    I love getting a peek into your day like this! I think we all go through these kind of funks, even if we have a out of the house day job. It happens and it’s normal, sometimes our brain just needs to recharge a little 😉

    • Nicole
      Reply

      It’s funny. I’ve had so much fun today – and I’ve spent tons of time just messing around on this blog post. lol. But, I’m getting stuff done. So, no complaining here.

      Lain keeps saying I need to host a “Come hang at Nicole’s house for a weekend” type thing so you can see my computer and what I do. Wanna come? 😀

  • Kelly
    Reply

    I know a think or two about not wanting to work. The mood started up late last fall and lasted all through way into this summer 🙁 Thankfully it lifted last month and I have been ON FIRE since.

    This is the old me and I’m so glad to have her back! I know you’ll get back into your usual rock star rhythm soon 🙂

    What I love about reading your schedule here is that you are outsourcing a LOT so you’re not always doing something, you’re assigning, checking in, etc. This is such a precious skill you’ve developed.

  • Andrea
    Reply

    I love that you two are sharing this! And, it’s honestly refreshing to know that you get burnt out too. It’s great to have friends to encourage and kick butt if need be!

  • Clyde
    Reply

    At least it is nice to know I am not the only one having these problems. I seem to be a late bloomer though, mine just started a couple of weeks ago. I can’t really afford it right now since we are launching our new PLR package next week and I have lots to do. The problem is I can’t seem to shake it and I am getting very little done when I sit down at the computer and stare out at the beach most of the day.

    Maybe if I move my computer so I can’t the beach out the window that would help. Probably not and that would involve rearraning all the furniture in this room.

    I will overcome and this too shall pass.

    Thank you for all your information as well as all your excellent PLR. BTW, I almost bought one of your packages AGAIN while I was looking at the procrastination report.

  • Patti
    Reply

    I get in that kind of funk once a month. And that’s all I have to say about that. 🙂

    I hit Susanne’s earlier today and left her a comment.
    Read a few other blog posts.
    Started listing the courses I want to write reviews on.
    Tweaked my writing site.
    Set a few goals to have done by the new year–now must get butt in gear.
    And other little things that were probably time wasters, but who’s looking? LOL
    Oh, and aerobics with Gilad this morning. 🙂

    So glad you and Susanne decided to do this challenge and I’m extremely glad that Super Woman has her own funky down times too. It’s gives the rest of us hope that we can do this and we will ALL have down times. It’s part of the game.

    Thanks again,
    Patti

    • Nicole
      Reply

      “It’s part of the game.” Yep. I think it is definitely part of life.

      And, in being in this business for so long, it’s funny how what’s new is really just stuff recirculating around with a slightly different spin. 😉 I think that’s part of what’s tiring. The basics work. Yet, people don’t want to hear about the work involved or that this business is really that simple behind all of the flash and hype.

      I guess that’s where this question really comes into play. “What are you going to do today to build your business?” That’s the question I think we all have to ask ourselves every day.

      Thanks for commenting!
      N

  • Nicole
    Reply

    Update #1: 2:25

    1. Rode exercise bike 8 miles. Then went on elliptical for 15 more minutes.

    2. Came home, ate some eggs with smoked salmon (yum).

    3. Read the sweet comments on this post and smiled.

    4. Set up a coupon at SuccessPLR.com.

    5. Wrote a mailing for my EasyPLR leads and customer lists to tell them about procrastination – mentioning both this blog post and the new PLR set at SuccessPLR.com which is about Conquering Procrastination.

  • Laurie
    Reply

    Happy Friday to you too! I was bad and didn’t make a To Do list today, but I am definitely going to be making more of an effort to be productive in the coming weeks. You’ve inspired me! There’s still going to be a little of the laying down watching Netflix time, though.. Any suggestions for my instant queue?

    ~Laurie

    • Nicole
      Reply

      I’ve gotta share my movies? lol. Actually I already did on Facebook. Here’s what I’ve been watching.

      Well, first I watched “Fat Head” which is a rebuttal to “Super Size Me” and focuses more on the dangers of sugars and carbs than in fast food and fat itself.

      Then, I watched a TV series called “Switched at Birth” – about two girls in their teens who found out the hospital switched them. One of the teens is deaf and it gives some really cool exposure to deaf people and the right way to treat them vs. wrong way. Very cool show.

      And, yesterday I watched “Lost in Austen” which is about a gal who loves Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and ends up getting sucked into the story. And, as you guys know, I’m a total sucker for time travel romance. 😀

      Don’t add up the hours. lol! I don’t wanna know…

      By the way, if you want to watch Netflix on your iPad and be lazy, too, here’s a link for a free month: http://bit.ly/96otnX – How’s that for the world’s lamest affiliate pitch?! lol. 😀

  • Mary Gallagher
    Reply

    Thanks, Nicole, for your Rock Star-ness, even in a funk! And, especially for the suggestions on how to ease into a higher energy drink of the day… The ebb and flow of my life and work and funks are easier to handle since I read Zen To Done a few months ago. Most of the time, though, the productivity part for my online business still eludes me, so this exercise of sharing a daily “TO DONE” list is good discipline for me.

    The household errands are done and fires put out. My online task for the day was to inventory my domains on a Mind Map, which has been on my “procrastinating” list for over a month. (will have to check out your PLR packet.) Whew, feels good to have that one checked off. The Gallagher’s Chimney Tasks are the next priority to finish up for the day.

    Then, watch the Phillies with Barney!

    Thanks, I always read every word of your posts, Nicole, thank you for including such relevant and real material on your blog!

    Best,
    Mary

  • Ed
    Reply

    @Nicole: I hear you. Sometimes it’s really difficult to motivate yourself to get back after it. But like you, I have found that making task lists (for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks) really helps. Frankly, I rarely get through the whole list, but it gives me solid guidelines and a barometer of progress — as well as motivation. But I also have to say that I believe overall productivity is improved if you give yourself straight-up down time. I learned this concept when I was a young bodybuilder. Work out intensively most of the time, but give yourself a complete week off now and then. It actually improves your results, and I think this applies equally well to any other kind of task. In any case, thanks for the post 😉

    • Nicole
      Reply

      I absolutely agree, Ed. Permission to have cycles of productivity and rest without beating yourself up are important. Good point. 🙂

  • Carol Owens
    Reply

    Love getting a peek into your day!

    We all go through a funk. Some of us more than others. I too just started getting my groove back after summer, vacations and a short bout of depression.

    Still not as productive as you though.
    I have started creating a to do list for the business side of my day, but it seems to get put aside for my everyday responsibilities: taking care of my disabled mom, helping care for and ply with my live-in granddaughter, playing with and feeding the two rambunctious dogs, shopping for groceries and whatever else crops up. But I’m working on re-prioritizing things and I believe your daily posts will help motivate me.

    I did get part of a plr pack written, the research done for a client’s report, tweaked my plr site and outlined a new report I am working on for sale.

    All the best,
    Carol

  • Lisa
    Reply

    You are definitely not alone in the ‘funk’ department! I can’t believe the summer is over. I had WAY too much fun watching my son’s friends hang out in the pool, getting out to meet a friend for lunch, and just playing. We all need Netflix and puppies once in a while.

    As for today… usually I try to work a half day on Fridays since husband has them off, but there were a few client projects so I tied those up in between Xbox with the husband.

    And I did a whole 21 min on the elliptical. (Which I felt good about until I read your exercise regimen. Thanks for that Nicole.)

  • Diane
    Reply

    I do the 10 minutes thing for my projects and also with my workouts. I also do use the “eat the frog” method where the first thing I do in the morning is the difficult yucky thing and then go on with doing the fun ones at the end. Doing things that I don’t like doing but have to is getting easier.

  • Nicole
    Reply

    All rightie. Here’s an update.

    1. Planned a cross-promo with Melissa Ingold.
    2. Prepped 4 PLR packs for EasyPLR.com
    3. Laughed on IM with Tracy Roberts.
    4. Played on Facebook a bit. ok. More than a bit, but I’m having fun.
    5. Emailed my Copywriter about sales pages.
    6. Connected with my VA about one of my blogs that I want her posting my content.
    7. Tried to connect with my Tech gal about my help desk. Hopefully soon, since I’m nearly pooped for the day.

    Now, will doodle/sketch an outline for my report for this month’s IncomeCPR.com, take a shower, and then hit the bookstore, and then grocery store (with the kids).

    BUT – Friday is family movie night – so have to be home for movie time soon.

    How’d everyone else do? Brave enough to share your to do list for today? I’d love to see how you did! If not – don’t fear. We have all next week!

    Hugs and high fives!
    N

    • Christina McCale
      Reply

      Hey Nicole /Susanne – you both are doing GREAT. Whether it’s slumps (like yours) or flat on your back SICK (like I’ve been these last 4 days) things happen. You both are doing so awesome keeping things going (and putting up with pests like ME!).

      Today my only great hope is to not see a revisiting of what little I ate this morning (peanut butter and crackers); that would be an accomplishment given the last 3 days. 😉

      Other than that – it’s popscicles and crushed ice for this girl – and hoping just to survive through the next week! 😉

      BTW – I will be sending you the book cover for 36 Things You Need to Know NOW! sample SOON. Here’s to hoping you both love it!

  • Alan Petersen
    Reply

    I’ve been in a long business funk! I blamed it on moving to a new state and buying a new house but can’t keep blaming that so I’ve been snapping out of it. Your post is reassuring to know that even the big dawgs get into funks. 🙂

    Good luck on your to-do list blog challenge!
    Alan

  • William
    Reply

    My ToDo list kind of suffers on the days I drive to Chicago for my wife’s business. It goes like this. Got up at 3 a.m. and made a run to Chicago (From Racine, Wis.) for my wife’s business. Came home by 10:30 and spent the rest of the morning doing house and garden work. (The Honeydew list)

    Now the wife has left for work so I’m at the computer. Susanne was the guest speaker on Jason Maxwell’s webinar last night. She filled my to-do book with a lot of great steps for better SEO so I will be busy for the rest of the evening, putting those ideas to work.
    (Thanks Susanne. really great information)

    I have been able to keep very upbeat all summer. Mainly because I signed up for NAMS6 very early. It was my first meeting with all of you face to face and it was great.

    Now I’m staying upbeat as I look forward to NAMS 7 in Feb.. I need to work hard to be sure I am more advanced for the next one, so I really don’t have time to be down.

    I do reserve the right to take a “power nap” in the afternoon. These seem to do the trick for me.

    Looking forward to this months IncomeCPR report.

  • Susanne
    Reply

    Seriously impressed with everything you got done today. We both totally rocked our to do lists today … no wait, make that TO DONE lists (thanks for the favorite new word Mary).

    Looking forward to doing this all next week 🙂

  • Grandma Marilyn
    Reply

    I, too, have been in a funk for the summer. I wonder if that is contagious. I go to start something but can’t seem to get anything done. Need to get out of it and get some business started.

    Ok, I had planned to work on my beading business and get some patterns uploaded, read my new book by Connie Ragen Green “Huge Profits with Affiliate Marketing” (which I did get a little read…now reading Nicole’s recommendation for Connie), and work on my new PLR site. Unfortunately, I got woke up at 9:00 a.m. by hubby asking me to run into Corpus Christi, TX (a 2 hour trip away) to get some equipment for a new handyman business (partnership) that him and a friend just started. So I get up and get dressed and we take off. First, we stop by Walmart where his business partner is and look at some items that she has found there. They decide not to buy anything there. So we go over to Home Depot with our list of large items that we had already selected last night. We find all but one item. So we run over to Golden Corral for a business meeting. Then we head over to Harbor Freight where we find some other items that they will need and substitute an air compressor for the generator that we can’t find at a reasonable price. All business done for the day for hubby’s business. So we call to check on his mom who is in the hospital to find that she is in the hospital there in Corpus Christi now. We go to the hospital where we think she is and she is not there. We go to another one and she is not there. Finally found out which hospital she was in and arrived to visit with her for a while. We stopped for gas for his truck and got lost trying to get back to where we needed to be. Finally found the road we needed and headed home. We arrived home at about 7:30 tonight.

    So now my time for business. I started checking the emails and got to Nicole’s and opened tabs for each of the links she recommended. I have been lost in her links and reading emails ever since. Oh, yeah, I also started a Quicken account for hubby’s business and entered all of the items that were purchased today. Now all need to do is put the serial numbers for the equipment tomorrow night when everything will be unpacked and engraved.

    I still plan to finish this up, buy the PLR special package from Dennis and finish up my emails. I will probably do some clicking of links and playing games for income on MatesGate tonight to get myself sleepy enough to be able to go to sleep.

    We will see what tomorrow holds.

    Marilyn

  • Lain Ehmann
    Reply

    Sometimes what helps me get energized is asking “what can I FINISH,” not “what do I need to do.” That way I get stuff off the list that has been sitting there FOREVER. It also gives me a rush to cross things off!

    Something else… Having a variety of projects so if I’m sick to death of one I can move on to another.

    Oh, having a great business coach can help, too! 😉

  • Sandy Halliday
    Reply

    It’s certainly and eye opener to read about other peoples days. I never feel like cleaning the house! Wish I could outsource that! Yes, I know I could GSI ( get someone in) as my husband calls it but I could not justify that. There is just me & my husband at home now.

    I wish I could spend every minute of every day working at my computer. It’s not really work to me. I enjoy it tremendously. I have never experience this funk. Maybe I will one day. I hope not. I’ll know what to do now if I do.

  • Elian Evans
    Reply

    I am so glad it is not just me :-0 Thanks for sharing.

    I’ve been making lists for a VERY long time. I almost feel burned out from that. Since today is Saturday, I’m actually trying to not do any client work, but it’s hard. I also have a personal site project that I haven’t met my goals yet as far as posting. So I feel obligated.

    During the work week I juggle a 4 year old plus client and personal projects. Making lists keep me focused. But it also creates a “I really don’t want to do that right now” attitude.

  • Tom Buford
    Reply

    Hey Nicole- First, it was great meeting you up close at NAMS…you ROCKED! Thanks for being so open in this post. Great to see so many other cool people dealing with time-management as well. I have a 60 mile walk coming up fast to support the Susan Komen breast cancer fundraiser and I haven’t been prioritizing the training like I should. Time to get off my backside and step it up too.

    Have a great weekend!

    Tom

  • Angela Wills
    Reply

    What a great post Nicole.

    I didn’t realize you were still in a funk but it all makes sense now. It’s so great when you get that way you CAN afford to take the time to rest and recoup and come back stronger. I wonder if sometimes I should do the same but I always feel like I’d have to majorly scramble so I keep plugging away.

    I look forward to the time when things are running themselves a bit more so I can take some ‘me-days’ without feeling guilty or worried.

    I loved seeing your to-do list and it got me really motivated to start working on my own! In fact, I started a productivity binder, I created my Monday to-do list, checked a bunch of stuff off already (and it’s only 10am) AND I’ve already got a blog post up in reply to your request to see our own (linked in the comment).

    Thanks for the motivation!
    Angela

  • Savvy Subcontracting
    Reply

    I am so glad to hear that I’m wasn’t the only one in this boat over the last few months. Nicole, I just want to share with you. I’ve missed your monthly interviews. This is truly the way I get motived. Hearing others stories. So don’t forget what you always say “Outource It” At least some of it I enjoy you too much on the call I don’t want that part outsourced, LOL.

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