When solopreneurs and business owners first start out (and even afterwards), I think that one of the first things they realize is how much there is to learn. Especially if you are coming from a corporate environment. Because of this, you jump in with enthusiasm, signing up for online courses and coaching programs.It’s amazing how many programs and how much information is out there! As time goes on, you (hopefully!) start narrowing down where you should best be spending your time and money, but there are always new emails in your inbox promising to help you get more clients, build your list, improve your landing pages, write better copy, improve SEO, increase traffic to your website, double your rates, learn to work from anywhere in the world….you get the idea. And ALL of these things sound good! Of course you want more clients while doubling your rates and working from Hawaii – all while having a ton of traffic to your website or blog! A lot of people refer to this as Bright Shiny Object Syndrome, and it’s true, tearing off in a new direction each time you see something that looks like it’s going to be “The Thing” is a sure way to never complete anything.
But say you decide on a few really good courses that you know you really need. Or decide to splurge on a higher end coaching program that you feel will really help you take your business to the next level. That’s great! But how are you with implementing what you learn? It’s not that you’re not motivated. You clearly are, or you wouldn’t have spent your money and time to sign up and take the class or program in the first place. It’s just that there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to actually putting the things you learn into place in your business.
Implement What You Learn
If you’ve ever found yourself in this position, here are a few tips for helping with your implementation:
Let go of the idea that it is supposed to be easy. It is hard to finish things, especially if it is something new and we’re not quite certain about it or comfortable with it.
Don’t let not doing it be an option. No more “I’ll try to get to it tomorrow” or “I just don’t have time today.”
Visualize daily. See your business as you want it to be, and recognize that the steps you are taking will get you there.
Start with the little things first. Say you have project to re-do your whole website and every time you think about it you feel overwhelmed. Yet you know you need to do it to move forward with your coaching program and to attract more clients! Why not try writing the new copy for just one page to start?
Don’t start something new until you finish your current project. Only ONE thing should be on your plate at a time.
Remember, as Marie Forleo says, “To be responsible, keep your promises to others. To be successful, keep your promises to yourself.”
Have you ever found yourself not implementing the things you’ve learned? What are your best tips for better follow through? Let me know in the comments below!
Molly
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