Feeling a bit meh lately? Your get up go, got up and went?
No worries, I get it. We’ve all been there, in life and business.
JP Moses here to share a pretty solid list of 10 habits that’ll help you become a more productive person. Certainly worked for me. I actually live by these now and it’s leveled up my investing business and made me a better human, too.
See, I’ve walked alongside some highly successful and productive investors and realized there are a few traits they have in common.
And that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today… those traits plus a few ideas of mine own thrown in that have been super effective.
Have a looksie…
#1 Wake Up with the Roosters
I know this sounds so simple, and you’re probably reading this and not taking it too seriously, but how many times do you catch yourself thinking that old cliche — there just aren’t enough hours in the day?
Well, this is a simple fix… make your days longer by getting up early. It’s just pure logic — the more time you have to get stuff done, the more you will get done.
I know, you’re thinking… you’ll be sooo tired. So, that’s why you cut out the whole “nonsense” time that you may tell yourself is “time for you to unwind” — and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Instead of getting pulled into some miniseries or surfing FB, climb in bed and read something. (If you really want to step it up, read some motivational books.)
Being the first one up also allows you to have time to yourself to plan and time manage the day to come in peace without disruption. Your mind is clear and fresh in the morning, and this is when you’re most productive.
It’s far better to trade some of your unwinding time at night for super productive mornings.
I’m telling you, you’ll be surprised at how less stressed you are because of the peace and productiveness quiet mornings bring. After all, the early bird catches the worm — and much more, apparently.
#2 Be a Person of Your Word
You build your business based on rapport, referrals and good experiences. Keep your word no matter how small the promise may be. If you say you’re going to be there at 8:59am, be there at 8:59am and not a minute later. Heck, how’s about getting there at 8:50am.)
Success is built on healthy relationships. Success is built on trust.
No one is going to sign a contract with you if they can’t believe that you will do what you say.
#3 Sell Yourself Through the Art of Telling Stories
Think about this… when you’re at a job interview or if you’ve ever interviewed someone — what makes people stand out?
It’s the people whose stories you connect with that are memorable, right?
If you’re a talented storyteller, you don’t just say, “I have great people skills,” and leave it at that. Instead, you back it up with a detailed story of how you turned an unhappy client into a satisfied one and ended up being a groomsman at his wedding.
Ok, I want to share this really cool video that will explain why the art of storytelling may help bring you all the success in life and business, and how to do it. As you watch it, think of how a beneficial story and an urgency story can be useful to you as an investor.
[FPO VIDEO]
#4 Lead by Example
If you’re an entrepreneur, learn how to be a leader and not a boss. Why? Because you can’t demand respect, you have to earn it.
Here’s some differences:
#5 Fail Forward
For those of you who know me, this is one of my favorite mottos.
How the heck do you ever learn to be better, if you don’t try? Do you really expect to be able to do everything the first time you try? Did you automatically know how to walk as a baby right away? Snap your fingers? Whistle?
No, these were very difficult tasks that took a lot of work. It’s no different when it comes to succeeding in life and business.
We learn the most when we make mistakes. Henry Ford says it well in this quote:
“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”
#6 Ask Questions and You Shall Receive Answers
There would be no answers without questions. So ask questions – lots of them:
- What is my ultimate goal?
- What is standing in the way of that goal?
- What priorities do I need to get done today?
- How can I sell properties faster? Within 24 hours?
- How can I improve my negotiating skills?
#7 Give Yourself Reality Checks
In other words, remember to put on the reality hat every once in a while and ask yourself questions like:
- Am I staying focused or do I have the bright and shiny object syndrome? (You’re attracted to any kind of new strategy, course, gimmick, and think it’s going to be your magical breakthrough to success. You give up too fast and don’t stick to one strategy long enough).
- Am I passionate or delusional? Are your goals realistic or have you fallen down Alice in Wonderland’s hole?
- What is REALLY stopping you from success? Are you making excuses because you are scared of failure? Are you not motivated? Do you lack confidence?
#8 Take Breathers to Stay Motivated
When you’re feeling frustrated, take a breather — take a walk, exercise, meditate, whatever refreshes you and brings you some peace of mind.
If you start to doubt your path or success or accomplishments, find something to motivate you — whether it’s an inspirational book, talking to a coach or mentor, inspirational YouTube videos or making a collage of mansions and sportscars — find a way that speaks to you so you can pick yourself back up.
Try to take breaks before you reach the point of being frustrated or totally burnt out. Schedule your exercise, meditation or whatever… work it into your daily routine as part of your time management.
#9 Systems Are Key to Success
This is so true and important. Businesses require systems and organization, starting from your mind (your goals) and reaching out to the branches of your business.
Once you find out what works for you, make a system to follow.
I knew nothing about real estate investing when I first got started in 2000. But, because I happened to be surrounded by people who were pretty good at helping me understand how to organize systems, the processes I needed and the people to help accelerate my success — I was able to find out what to systematize… then rinsed and repeated.
As a result, today I’m enjoying a much more systematic journey as a business owner than I would have otherwise.
#10 Done Is the New Perfect
This is one of my favorites. This is only for those whose perfectionism stands in the way of their success.
Have you ever had a project that just never gets done or takes way too long because you keep tweaking it to be “just right”? Uh, yeah, sheepish guilty grin from this writer.
I heard one of my buddies say this at a Mastermind, and boy, it really struck a chord with me.
So now when I’ve used up all the time I have set aside in my planned-ahead time management, I tell myself, “Done is the new perfect” and finish it up. And it’s working for me!
The Bottom Line: Level Up Your Life
Know this: Just reading these isn’t enough. You’ve got to take action.
No need to go all gangbusters trying to implement every single one all at the same time. Take one by one or a couple at a time until you’ve knocked out all 10 and added them to your daily habits.
I can’t stress enough, though, these require action on your part.
What are you waiting for? Get to it.