“There’s lots of bad reasons to start a company. But there’s only one good, legitimate reason, and I think you know what it is: it’s to change the world.” - Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote

When you became an entrepreneur, you never bargained that your choice would be compared to that of the roller coaster ride. I not a big fan of roller coasters; however, when my kids wanted to go on them, I would pull out my watch and I would look at how long it would take for the roller coaster complete its course. I would take a look at the loops in size them up figure out the risk and what I could tolerate and what I could not. At Knott’s Berry Farm, there was the Sidewinder roller coaster - 45 seconds. I told myself I can do anything for 45 seconds. The choice of becoming an entrepreneur is a big decision and it's definitely more than 45 seconds in length. It's not about instant gratification but it's more like planting a seed and nurturing and watching it grow.

Many people believe that 90% of businesses will fail in their first five years. According to US statistics, the survival rate of the business increases as many years as it can continue which averages about 50 to 60% survival rate in five years. You may be asking yourself why is that so challenging to be an entrepreneur. Wouldn't it be easier just to secure the 9-to-5 job?

No, not really. There may be many reasons that you decided to take the leap or start a business off the side of your desk for hopes of complete transition in the future. Many entrepreneurs choose the lifestyle and the business because they saw something different about the way things could be done, or they wanted the freedom to call their own shots. Maybe you wanted the life balance. For those of you who don't know entrepreneurs, they work long hard hours more than the 9-to-5 person but they do have that flexibility to call the shots.

Where businesses fail is when they try to scale up their business too quickly, they don't know their numbers, they try to do everything themselves, they fail to execute because everything needs to be perfect or they sabotage their success in getting their own way. You don't just build it and they will come. You need to put in the work.

When I became an entrepreneur there was lots to learn and the majority of what I learned was not what I learned in school. My experiences have come from real life mistakes and successes and many trials and errors. To the outside world, it may look perfect but on the inside was someone working really hard to pay attention to every detail so that if there was a mistake or issue that could be resolved quickly or no one would notice.

The biggest thing with any business- is knowing your vision, mission, and core values. What's that? Your compass. What is it that you do and how do you do it? Most importantly, it's about knowing your why. Why do you choose to do which you do? When you use this as your center of guidance you will make in decisions that will help guide you.

As you get started in your business it is just like going up the first slope, it gets very exciting you may make a few sales see some money coming and get excited and suddenly challenges:

Why isn't everything going smoothly?

Where is the money going to come for that? What you mean this cost so much? We need a return on investment?

What is the profit and loss statement?

Is it marketing or branding?

Should I hire or fire?

You start learning what you don't know. The negative self-talk comes in and you can hear yourself saying: I'm not smart enough I'm not lucky I did not have the resources I don't I don't I don't the list could go on. Your focus on all the reasons you can't succeed “t...

“There’s lots of bad reasons to start a company. But there’s only one good, legitimate reason, and I think you know what it is: it’s to change the world.” - Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote

When you became an entrepreneur, you never bargained that your choice would be compared to that of the roller coaster ride. I not a big fan of roller coasters; however, when my kids wanted to go on them, I would pull out my watch and I would look at how long it would take for the roller coaster complete its course. I would take a look at the loops in size them up figure out the risk and what I could tolerate and what I could not. At Knott’s Berry Farm, there was the Sidewinder roller coaster - 45 seconds. I told myself I can do anything for 45 seconds. The choice of becoming an entrepreneur is a big decision and it's definitely more than 45 seconds in length. It's not about instant gratification but it's more like planting a seed and nurturing and watching it grow.

Many people believe that 90% of businesses will fail in their first five years. According to US statistics, the survival rate of the business increases as many years as it can continue which averages about 50 to 60% survival rate in five years. You may be asking yourself why is that so challenging to be an entrepreneur. Wouldn't it be easier just to secure the 9-to-5 job?

No, not really. There may be many reasons that you decided to take the leap or start a business off the side of your desk for hopes of complete transition in the future. Many entrepreneurs choose the lifestyle and the business because they saw something different about the way things could be done, or they wanted the freedom to call their own shots. Maybe you wanted the life balance. For those of you who don't know entrepreneurs, they work long hard hours more than the 9-to-5 person but they do have that flexibility to call the shots.

Where businesses fail is when they try to scale up their business too quickly, they don't know their numbers, they try to do everything themselves, they fail to execute because everything needs to be perfect or they sabotage their success in getting their own way. You don't just build it and they will come. You need to put in the work.

When I became an entrepreneur there was lots to learn and the majority of what I learned was not what I learned in school. My experiences have come from real life mistakes and successes and many trials and errors. To the outside world, it may look perfect but on the inside was someone working really hard to pay attention to every detail so that if there was a mistake or issue that could be resolved quickly or no one would notice.

The biggest thing with any business- is knowing your vision, mission, and core values. What's that? Your compass. What is it that you do and how do you do it? Most importantly, it's about knowing your why. Why do you choose to do which you do? When you use this as your center of guidance you will make in decisions that will help guide you.

As you get started in your business it is just like going up the first slope, it gets very exciting you may make a few sales see some money coming and get excited and suddenly challenges:

Why isn't everything going smoothly?

Where is the money going to come for that? What you mean this cost so much? We need a return on investment?

What is the profit and loss statement?

Is it marketing or branding?

Should I hire or fire?

You start learning what you don't know. The negative self-talk comes in and you can hear yourself saying: I'm not smart enough I'm not lucky I did not have the resources I don't I don't I don't the list could go on. Your focus on all the reasons you can't succeed “t...

 

Meet Our Guest:

Calvin Correli is an artist, entrepreneur, and the CEO of a holistically focused, multi-million dollar software company called Simplero. Calvin is passionate about helping online business owners do exactly what brings them most alive and is currently working on branching out to bring all of his talents -- including music, spirituality and personal growth into an exciting new service for entrepreneurs.

 

Meet Our Guest:

Calvin Correli is an artist, entrepreneur, and the CEO of a holistically focused, multi-million dollar software company called Simplero. Calvin is passionate about helping online business owners do exactly what brings them most alive and is currently working on branching out to bring all of his talents -- including music, spirituality and personal growth into an exciting new service for entrepreneurs.

Pro athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performance. Improving performance isn't only for the pro athlete. It is for the business owner, entrepreneur, and executive of an organization. We are all looking for ways to fine-tune the systems we use to execute what we need to accomplish to reach our goals.

Even though were all given the same amount of time, it appears that some people are able to master their time better than others. So I wanted to share some tips, tricks, and resources that I have used and learned to help streamline some of my process that may be beneficial to you.

Time Blocking

When it comes to time, consider blocking off preparation and planning time. Block off 15 min. at the beginning of the day and 15 min. at the end of your day so that they bookend your schedule. Block off time for exercise. I want you to consider the compound effect. You could work out 1 to 2 times a week for 60 min. sessions or you could work out 3 to 5 times per week in 30-40 minute increments. Your body and your mindset become more conditioned when you have shorter more frequent intervals of fitness.

Block off date night, time with family and friends, and even individually with your children. It's not always about the quantity of time is much as it is the quality of time that we spend. You need to be committed and dedicated to the time that you block off especially when it comes to your own self-care and commitment to your family. If something comes up on the schedule, it is only by mutual agreement to shift to another time otherwise, you should stick to that commitment as closely as possible. The commitment to yourself and others should be just as important as the commitment you put in at work or in your business.

Use a Kitchen Timer

A great method to work with intensity is turned on a kitchen timer for 20 to 30 min. and focus on filing or whatever the activity is that you want to for that time. You will be surprised how much you can actually get done when you're not distracted and your focus on what you need to do. You can also use the timer to ensure that you take breaks away from your project or computer work to prevent eye strain. You cannot sustain your pace for too long and be effective. Ensure that you are taking a break every 90 min. to get up and walk around or grab a glass of water.

Silence or Turn Off Your Phone

Turn off your phone during the dedicated time that you are working or set it to vibrate. We get so used to checking our phone to see if someone has texted or e-mailed us. It is also easy to get caught up in social media when it's on your phone looking for that instant gratification and dopamine hit of seeing who likes a post that we posted or makes a comment.

Managing Email

E-mail can be a major time waster. First of all turn off the notifications, they are huge distractions. To become more efficient with e-mail, check it only at certain times of the day. I like to refer to e-mail as O.P.A., not the Greek phrase that you hear but other People's agendas. Have you ever noticed that e-mails are often requests from other people wanting something from you? What you need to focus on is what you need from others. Motivational speaker Brendan Bouchard has an excellent productivity tool that I highly recommend. It helps you to focus on your projects, priorities, and people. Click on the link in the show notes so you can access it too.

Delegation – Are you able to do this?

Delegation should not be underestimated. You can't be all things to all people. You need to be focused on what you do best and allow others to do what they do best. Delegate tasks to others to lighten your workload see you can focus on what you do be...

Pro athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performance. Improving performance isn't only for the pro athlete. It is for the business owner, entrepreneur, and executive of an organization. We are all looking for ways to fine-tune the systems we use to execute what we need to accomplish to reach our goals.

Even though were all given the same amount of time, it appears that some people are able to master their time better than others. So I wanted to share some tips, tricks, and resources that I have used and learned to help streamline some of my process that may be beneficial to you.

Time Blocking

When it comes to time, consider blocking off preparation and planning time. Block off 15 min. at the beginning of the day and 15 min. at the end of your day so that they bookend your schedule. Block off time for exercise. I want you to consider the compound effect. You could work out 1 to 2 times a week for 60 min. sessions or you could work out 3 to 5 times per week in 30-40 minute increments. Your body and your mindset become more conditioned when you have shorter more frequent intervals of fitness.

Block off date night, time with family and friends, and even individually with your children. It's not always about the quantity of time is much as it is the quality of time that we spend. You need to be committed and dedicated to the time that you block off especially when it comes to your own self-care and commitment to your family. If something comes up on the schedule, it is only by mutual agreement to shift to another time otherwise, you should stick to that commitment as closely as possible. The commitment to yourself and others should be just as important as the commitment you put in at work or in your business.

Use a Kitchen Timer

A great method to work with intensity is turned on a kitchen timer for 20 to 30 min. and focus on filing or whatever the activity is that you want to for that time. You will be surprised how much you can actually get done when you're not distracted and your focus on what you need to do. You can also use the timer to ensure that you take breaks away from your project or computer work to prevent eye strain. You cannot sustain your pace for too long and be effective. Ensure that you are taking a break every 90 min. to get up and walk around or grab a glass of water.

Silence or Turn Off Your Phone

Turn off your phone during the dedicated time that you are working or set it to vibrate. We get so used to checking our phone to see if someone has texted or e-mailed us. It is also easy to get caught up in social media when it's on your phone looking for that instant gratification and dopamine hit of seeing who likes a post that we posted or makes a comment.

Managing Email

E-mail can be a major time waster. First of all turn off the notifications, they are huge distractions. To become more efficient with e-mail, check it only at certain times of the day. I like to refer to e-mail as O.P.A., not the Greek phrase that you hear but other People's agendas. Have you ever noticed that e-mails are often requests from other people wanting something from you? What you need to focus on is what you need from others. Motivational speaker Brendan Bouchard has an excellent productivity tool that I highly recommend. It helps you to focus on your projects, priorities, and people. Click on the link in the show notes so you can access it too.

Delegation – Are you able to do this?

Delegation should not be underestimated. You can't be all things to all people. You need to be focused on what you do best and allow others to do what they do best. Delegate tasks to others to lighten your workload see you can focus on what you do be...

Meet Our Guest:

John Lee Dumas is the host of EOFire, where he interviews today's most successful Entrepreneurs 7-days a week. JLD has grown EOFire into a multi-million dollar a year business with over 1500 interviews and 1.5 million monthly listens. His latest project is The Mastery Journal: Master productivity, discipline and focus in 100 days. Learn more at TheMasteryJournal.com!

Meet Our Guest:

John Lee Dumas is the host of EOFire, where he interviews today's most successful Entrepreneurs 7-days a week. JLD has grown EOFire into a multi-million dollar a year business with over 1500 interviews and 1.5 million monthly listens. His latest project is The Mastery Journal: Master productivity, discipline and focus in 100 days. Learn more at TheMasteryJournal.com!

“Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you.”

― Carl Sandburg

Do you waste time? We all talk about how we wish we had more time yet we all are given the same amount of time. It is about how we allot that time to what's important to us. People like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Junior, Michael Jordan, and Albert Einstein all had the same amount of time as you do. It is all about how you chose to use that time to be of service or to better yourselves.

When we think about time, we often think about multitasking how to get more packed into the time that we have. The truth is - multitasking is a myth. Think about it when you read and listen to music you are only concentrating on reading or listening to music. You cannot be focused on both the same time. The same holds true for sitting in a business meeting and texting someone. You are actually switching the gears and shifting from one activity to in the next with your attention and focus. This is why we see a huge emergence on the topic of mindfulness. If you want to master your time, you need to be present in the moment and focus on what you're doing. It's about really thinking about what you're doing and how you're feeling before you act and determining what are the outcomes you want to achieve.

Time escapes no one. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives are confronted with managing their time more effectively and more efficiently all time. They need to be organized and have to have systems in place to be efficient. They have constant demands on their time and resources. You are asked to do more with less on a regular basis. If you work from home, you don't have anyone to hold you accountable and therefore you may stay hidden behind the computer and waste your time more than you think.

There are several strategies that you can use to stay focused and become better organized:

* Set regular office hours. I know that part of having your own business is about being able to be flexible and adaptable with your time. You need to create some structure to your working time so that you can use it most effectively. Often when people work from home family members or friends may think that you're not actually working and available to run errands or grab a cup coffee. Sometimes you can be spontaneous but there will be other times that you will not be because you have commitments and deadlines to meet.

* Use your calendar intentionally. If you don't write things down chances are they're not getting it done. Block off time for self-care, physical activity, and time with family and friends.

* Keep a clock or set a timer nearby. You may want to set the timer on your phone. When you create that sense of urgency, you will stay focused on the amount of time that you have to get things done.

* Plan your day the night before. Too many people take this step for granted. If you plan the night before of what you need to do, you don't have to spend time thinking about it when you're ready to take on your day you move into action.

* Organize your files in groupings or categories. You may want to create files by project or by sales, marketing, finance, or social media as examples. This way when you want to work on that particular topic you can just grab the file. Put some index cards or post-it notes with each file should you need to make notes and it will be readily available.

* Turn off pop-up notifications on mobile devices and your desktop. These notifications are very distracting as you want to know who texted you or who sent you a mes...

“Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you.”

― Carl Sandburg

Do you waste time? We all talk about how we wish we had more time yet we all are given the same amount of time. It is about how we allot that time to what's important to us. People like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Junior, Michael Jordan, and Albert Einstein all had the same amount of time as you do. It is all about how you chose to use that time to be of service or to better yourselves.

When we think about time, we often think about multitasking how to get more packed into the time that we have. The truth is - multitasking is a myth. Think about it when you read and listen to music you are only concentrating on reading or listening to music. You cannot be focused on both the same time. The same holds true for sitting in a business meeting and texting someone. You are actually switching the gears and shifting from one activity to in the next with your attention and focus. This is why we see a huge emergence on the topic of mindfulness. If you want to master your time, you need to be present in the moment and focus on what you're doing. It's about really thinking about what you're doing and how you're feeling before you act and determining what are the outcomes you want to achieve.

Time escapes no one. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives are confronted with managing their time more effectively and more efficiently all time. They need to be organized and have to have systems in place to be efficient. They have constant demands on their time and resources. You are asked to do more with less on a regular basis. If you work from home, you don't have anyone to hold you accountable and therefore you may stay hidden behind the computer and waste your time more than you think.

There are several strategies that you can use to stay focused and become better organized:

* Set regular office hours. I know that part of having your own business is about being able to be flexible and adaptable with your time. You need to create some structure to your working time so that you can use it most effectively. Often when people work from home family members or friends may think that you're not actually working and available to run errands or grab a cup coffee. Sometimes you can be spontaneous but there will be other times that you will not be because you have commitments and deadlines to meet.

* Use your calendar intentionally. If you don't write things down chances are they're not getting it done. Block off time for self-care, physical activity, and time with family and friends.

* Keep a clock or set a timer nearby. You may want to set the timer on your phone. When you create that sense of urgency, you will stay focused on the amount of time that you have to get things done.

* Plan your day the night before. Too many people take this step for granted. If you plan the night before of what you need to do, you don't have to spend time thinking about it when you're ready to take on your day you move into action.

* Organize your files in groupings or categories. You may want to create files by project or by sales, marketing, finance, or social media as examples. This way when you want to work on that particular topic you can just grab the file. Put some index cards or post-it notes with each file should you need to make notes and it will be readily available.

* Turn off pop-up notifications on mobile devices and your desktop. These notifications are very distracting as you want to know who texted you or who sent you a mes...