March 24th, 2010 
Maria Helm 
Working hard when you are not being encouraged with an electric cattle prod is a bit like working for yourself. You have to be motivated, dedicated, and focused. It takes practice and training. We all like to goof off. And that’s fine every now and then. We all need thinking time – downtime. It is important, though, not to overdo it. Don’t let the time bandits come in and steal a whole day. You get your head down and get the work done – fast, and effectively and efficiently. Then try to do some work on your long-term goals, your game plan, and your business education (don’t just sit and stare out the window – read something).
Set little deadlines. Make short list so you can cross off lots and feel good about what you’ve done. Get loads of fresh air, or you’ll sleep too much. Don’t drink alcohol at lunchtime, or you’ll sleep in the afternoons. Go to bed early enough (I need to get better at this), or you’ll be trying to catch up on sleep during the day.
Beware of time-wasting people. Practice telling people you’ve got something important and urgent to finish and can you come and see (or call) them later?
Beware of e-mails and social networking, too – they have a way of sucking time. And they tend to make you terribly reactive. The truth is, work isn’t replying to e-mails or posting updates on your Facebook or Twitter accounts – it is getting your sleeves rolled up and actually doing something; making phone calls, chasing people, creating sales, checking production, and yes, updating your blog. Get started, now. Be productive. Be profitable. Everything else can take a hike.
“And work like you haven’t got a boss – and don’t need the money.” ~Richard Templar
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