3 Biggest Crimes That Sabotage Consistent Cash Flow
By Melanie Benson Strick | May 29th, 2008I recently asked my readers what was keeping them from achieving their goals and after I read over 100 responses, there were three that seemed to surface over and over again. As I thought about the challenges that most entrepreneurs face, I realized that when these three issues are present in your business, it becomes a crime we commit over and over again, robbing success from our life.
So what are the three biggest crimes?
- Procrastination
- Distraction
- Lack of time
Procrastination. Putting off doing what we know is good for us is like not eating vegetables because we don’t like the way they taste. We run a business that requires us to market, sell and fulfill. That’s the bottom line. If you put off doing one of these vital activities then you just aren’t willing to be successful.
The answer: Get a coach. Get a team. Get automated. In that order. You aren’t going to solve this one on your own. You probably have some values or priorities that feel in conflict and you MUST get that solved in order to gain momentum.
Distraction. Letting yourself get distracted is a habit and a mindset. If you are crystal clear about where you are going and what’s important then you will not get distracted. Or if you do, you will catch yourself quickly and recover.
The answer: The other day I was coaching one of the Fast-Track Mastermind members on this very issue. I encouraged her to create her lifestyle and business plan. Then map out the steps needed to achieve the goal. Sometimes it helps to brainstorm with others so access your coach or mastermind to “flush out” the idea.
Lack of Time. What if I told you there is no lack of time? The reality is time is a state of mind. It’s a story we tell ourselves. A lack of time exists for one of three reasons. First, we are bored easily and constantly looking for a Bright Shiny Object to get engaged. Second, we don’t know what’s important so we say yes to everything. Third, we have unrealistic expectations of how much time it takes to get things done.
The answer: Decide that you always have time for what’s important. Get clear on what’s important. Say no to everything else! Being realistic with what you can accomplish is a habit your must develop in order to truly be successful. It helps to map out what’s on your plate so you can see it (keeping things in your head is a great way to hide from the truth!)
It’s time for you to say yes to success. Get real with yourself about why you let one of these three crimes steal away your dream. You have to be willing to invest your time and money in proven techniques that will grow your bottom line. Being creative isn’t always the best path to success. Doing what works is.
If you are struggling with one of these three “crimes” I invite you to jump on a limited opportunity to get mentoring and access to proven strategies to grow your business in our Fast-Track to a 6 & 7 Figure Lifestyle Business Mastermind. You have to be willing to do things differently to get a new result. You still have 7 months to make this your best year ever…will you say yes to success?
About the Coach:
Melanie Benson Strick, The Million Dollar Lifestyle Business Coach, teaches entrepreneurs how to stop feeling overwhelmed so they can create more money, more freedom and more prestige.
Get the Entrepreneur’s Secret Weapon to revolutionize your results and get on the fast-track to a freedom based business at www.thepowerofthevirtualteam.com
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May 30th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Hi ,
I read with interest your comparison to vegetables.
I can assure you, if I didn’t like the taste of vegetables,
I wouldn’t eat them.
I don’t care if Martha Stewart insisted that they are a
“Good Thing.” I respect her opinion, but I still wouldn’t
eat vegetables.
Why eat something you don’t enjoy?
When I was a child, I fed our dog the liver my mother
insisted was good for me. I hated it! My dog’s tail wagged
at the smell of it! “Good dog! “I praised him.
May 30th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I’m guilty of all three at some time or another, but distraction is the real killer for me. Multiple sites and projects of varying topics is a challenge. It seems like there’s so much “industry news” and things like that to keep up on top of.
Enjoyed the article Melanie, thanks.
–Donnie Christianson
Guitarist/Vocalist
June 9th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
distraction can be prevented by scheduling yourself tightly, so you don’t have time to be distracted, and by punishing yourself when you allow yourself to become distracted, and rewarding yourself when you stay on your schedule
June 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Hi Sam,
I’m always intrigued when someone talks about “punishing” themselves on a goal.
It really tells me that many of us are motiviated by avoiding pain as much as shooting for pleasure.
What are some ways you use a consequence (my word for punishment) to motivate you to stay on track?
Thanks for the posts everyone…Melanie