Dan Waldschmidt's Blog, page 29

Micro-Managing Success.

It’s not what you’re doing that’s causing you to get bad results. It’s how you’re doing what you’re doing.

The dirty little secret of business success is that almost any strategy works.

Done enough times by the right people, almost any idea you have will work. You will get results.

You could have “Tuesday Morning Free Orange Juice Day” at your local business — and eventually, it would catch on. It might not be as effective as other strategies. It may not even make you enough money to be worth all the hassle.

But it will work.

You could send out a weekly newsletter marketing your services without any words — only memes and GIFs. And as crazy as it seems to send out a newsletter without any news or writing, that strategy would become your thing.

So don’t spend too much time agonizing over that one magical thing you’re missing that will transform your business and catapult you magnificently forward.

Pretty much any idea will work.

How you do what you’re doing is what makes the difference.

Whether you’re successful or not.

It’s all buried in the “how”:

The details behind your tone of voice in that newsletter you send out each week.
The response you deliver to angry customers when it’s not your fault.
The ways you focus on your work environment to inspire creativity.
The amount of time it takes you to communicate important news internally.

Stop obsessing about what you’re missing out on and start focusing on the details.

Think through every part of your experience with your customer and your industry.

Dig into the emotions.

What do you want people to be thinking and feeling? Seeing and hearing?

You have to master the details behind the details if you want to be successful.

Tear it all down and build it up a new fresh way. And then keep changing and evolving until you get the results you are looking for.

Micro-manage your path to success or die crying about it.

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Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

What’s Your If?

After Philip II of Macedon invaded Greece, dozens of key city-states submitted to his conquest without putting up a fight — knowing that the Macedonian army would destroy their lands, kill their sons and their women if they didn’t surrender before the fight began.

They were promised life and peace if they submitted and sent yearly tribute to the empire. To spare their people destruction, the leaders wisely pledged their loyalty to the invading king.

All of them except Sparta.

Sparta refused to submit. There was no discussion. No persuading. No compromise. No nothing.

The enraged invader sent a warning to the Spartan leaders: “Surrender. If I conquer your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city.”

To which the Spartans replied with a single word: “If”.

Neither Philip II nor his son Alexander the Great ever attempted to capture the city.

The “if” mattered.

It was what Sparta brought to the fight. That “if” was the same spirit of conquest and effort that had empowered Leonidas and his 300 warriors 150 years earlier.

When Leonidas was in charge of guarding the narrow mountain pass at Thermopylae with just a few hundred Spartan fighters in order to delay the invading Persian army, Xerxes offered to spare his men if they gave up their arms.

To which Leonidas replied “Molon labe” — which means “Come and take them”.

They refused to take the easy choice.

History tells us that those 300 Spartans would take to their grave some 200,000 Persian enemy warriors.

Against overwhelming odds and unbelievable opposition, ordinary people armed with a belief in a mission bigger than themselves drew a line in the sand. They decided what was worth living for. What was worth fighting for. What was worth dying for.

It wasn’t bravado that convinced King Philip II to back down. It wasn’t loud words or angry threats. It was quiet resolve. Fearless determination. Unbreakable belief.

The Spartans probably would have lost.

The strength and size of the Macedonian army was insurmountable. Eventually the Spartans would have been crushed.  But it might have cost the King most of his army — the lives of millions of Macedonian soldiers.

The Spartans’ resolve. Their belief about greatness. Their humility and unshakable courage is what made the difference.

What’s your “if”? What are you willing to fight for? What are you willing to do to get to where you want to be? What are you willing to do without?

It’s not about being loud, arrogant, brash, cold, or belligerent.

Success is about wanting more for yourself more than you are willing to take the easy path.

What’s that for you?

BTW, the dudes at Aflac asked me to shoot a video for their agents talking about this “IF” moment — how to dream big and achieve big goals. If you’re at that “IF” juncture in your own life, it might be something you want to think about.

One last thing, I wasn’t paid in any form to make this video  — money, favors, or beautiful women. In fact, I spent money out of my own pocket to shoot, edit, and produce the video above in my studio. Why? I was impressed by the people who reached out to me and told me about Aflac dedication to their people. I like to support people who want to help other people be awesome. And in case you were wondering, Aflac is a faster way to say American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Aflac agents are independent dudes and are not employees of Aflac. Z160604H  8/16

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Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

You’re Just In Labor.

We call it being in labor. But it might as well be called the worst agony ever experienced.

After nine months of tireless work nurturing a tiny seed into a tiny human, a new mom is faced with their toughest test yet. Childbirth.

From within herself, she must deliver. And despite the presence of doctors, nurses, and highly competent emergency staff, this is a challenge that she must complete on her own.

We call it being in labor.

All the months of labor up to this moment don’t compare to the agony and importance of this labor.

This labor brings new life. New hope. New possibility.

And so, despite the pain, that new mom pushes on. Believing that another try might bring new life.

That one more massive push might be the moment when pain turns into joy. When all her effort and work and labor will have been worth it.

Despite the agony  and fatigue.

The same lesson applies to your struggle right now.

Having a tough time doesn’t mean you’re wasting your time. It’s just a sign that you’re in labor.

You’re close to making something beautiful.

Give another massive push. Push on. Press forward. Take risks. Keep trying even when all you feel is pain and misery.

That next try might birth the success you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Remind yourself the next time everything hurts that you’re probably not doing anything wrong. You’re just in labor.

The post You’re Just In Labor. appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

There Is No Replacement.

There is no replacement for hard work. Without putting in the effort, you won’t be able to achieve big results.

There is no replacement for a kind word. Empathy is the most powerful force to heal other people.

There is no replacement for having a plan. Targeted focus always trumps individual attempts at breakthrough.

There is no replacement for knowing how to make money. Without it, you’ll always struggle to get to where you want to be.

There is no replacement for a great mentor. Besides maybe finding another great mentor to coach you towards success.

There is no replacement for candid conversation. Passive aggression and avoidance don’t and won’t ever work.

There is no replacement for physical exercise. Especially when you’re trying to keep your head straight.

There’s no replacement for being curious. That’s where all great ideas, plans, and breakthrough begin.

There is no replacement for choosing happiness. It’s not always easy, but it is a choice.

There is no replacement for trying. It’s what you do until it’s done.

There is no replacement for reading. It’s the single greatest differentiator for leaders.

There is no replacement for pushing back against conventional wisdom. It’s not necessarily any more right than you are.

There is no replacement for taking the high road. It will keep you out of trouble and focused on what really matters.

There is no replacement for forgiveness. Bitterness just kills you from the inside out.

There is no replacement for playing the long game. Trends come and go but passion and focus will make you a winner.

There is no replacement for an awesome life.

There are easier choices. There are options that appeal to your baser instincts.

But being awesome, truly doing something that changes your world, is full of hard decisions and targeted efforts for which there are no replacements.

Don’t forget that the next time you’re asking yourself if there’s an easier option.

There always is. It’s just not headed in the direction you want to go.

The post There Is No Replacement. appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

Who Needs Motivation Anyway?

You do. Right now. Today. This moment. Next week. Next month. Next year.

Being motivated is the single biggest difference between those who achieve their goals and those who always seem to come up short.

Winners stay motivated. They find the inner resolve to continue doing hard things long after everyone else has found a legitimate excuse to give up.

It’s purposeful. Deliberate. Scheduled.

You can survive for a few weeks without food. You can make it a few days without water. A few minutes without oxygen. You won’t make it even a few seconds without hope.

That hope. That belief. That inner courage. It doesn’t find its way into your soul automatically. You put it there. And keep it there.

There are those who tell you that motivation is just about some fluffy phrases and quirky morning habits.

That’s not the half of it.

Motivation is your secret weapon. Your super power.

Motivation is what powers you through problems when everyone else has already decided to give up.  And that’s why you need it.

Now. Today. And every day. Because if you’re not motivated you’re not doing much of anything that matters.

Find your motivation. Hold it tight. Nurture it each day.

Make tomorrow different than every other yesterday.

The post Who Needs Motivation Anyway? appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

You Don’t Need To Be Right To Be Awesome.

There’s no one right way to do anything. There might be a better way or a faster way.

A plan that is cheaper. An idea that makes money faster.

Just don’t be fooled into thinking that just because it worked for someone else it’s going to work for you too.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the people who tell you how you should do things will be there to help you when it doesn’t work out exactly right.

You’re on your own.

Backed up by your own unique set of skills.

Equipped with the perspective you’ve gained from your life experience so far.

Even though it doesn’t feel like it, you have everything you need to move forward.

There isn’t anything you’re missing that you can’t learn, earn, or figure out eventually.

There’s never been easier access to answers than right now. It doesn’t matter the subject or the complexity of the problem — someone else has had the same problem before you and figured it out enough to share it in a concise way online.

You just have to search for it.

Digest it. Soak it in. Then get busy making it your own.

Do it your way. There is no right way. There is no perfect solution.

Life is messy. Success mostly looks like failure.

The only wrong move is the stop trying. To stop thirsting for breakthrough.

You’ve got everything you need to do something amazing.

Stop waiting to be sure before you get started.

The post You Don’t Need To Be Right To Be Awesome. appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

It Could Have Been Avoided.

The most important decisions you make demand the toughest choices.

Letting things go. Starting something you’re afraid of. Having a candid conversation you’ve been avoiding.

All the things you have been avoiding. And for good reason — they are tough choices.

The problem is that avoiding tough decisions doesn’t make your situation any better.

You might feel better because you don’t have to handle an awkward situation right now.

But the problem is still there. And your important decision is still there.

Your tough choice is still there. You’ve just got blinders on.

Which means you’re on a crash course with failure.

The post It Could Have Been Avoided. appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

What Do You Have To Lose?

What do you have to lose? Time? Money? Your reputation?

What you’re afraid to lose tells an interesting perspective about your priorities.

Many people will work hard to get a reward that matters to them, but almost everyone will put in extra effort to not lose something.

It’s a fascinating study in human nature.

You’re wired to work harder to not lose than to win.

So what do you have to lose? What is it that you use as your motivation to do the hard things when you’re already tired and questioning your ability to keep battling for your goals?

Here are a few to get you started:

Make a list of all the good things you already have going for you.
Spend time each day dwelling on things you’re grateful for.
Do one thing that matters to you today and journal your progress.
Ask for help from outside people who can help you make progress.
Meditate. Read. Run. Eat well. Save money.

Invest in your long-term success.

The more you invest in you — and taking your game to the next level — the more you have to lose. And the more you have to lose, the less you’re willing to stop fighting.

Maybe you’re not winning more because you don’t have anything to lose.

The post What Do You Have To Lose? appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

Silencing The Lambs.

The lion doesn’t get bothered when the lamb acts passive aggressive and petty.

The lion doesn’t waste energy holding grudges or hoping the lamb fails.

The lion doesn’t stay up at night trying to figure out the fast, guaranteed way to get ahead of the lamb.

The lion is the king of the jungle.

Fearless. And without pretense.

If he wants something, he goes out to get it — using all the skill and ferocity in his disposal to achieve success.

There is no thought of backing down or playing it safe.

The lion gets what the lion wants. At all costs.

He might die trying.

But that doesn’t stop him from trying.

Pit that lion against a flock of hundreds of sheep and the lion wins every time.

He might be outnumbered. The flock might be louder. The shepherd might have a stick. The lion still wins.

It’s a lesson worth remembering. You have a choice each day to be a lamb and follow the flock or to be a lion and take what you want from life.

There is always a pretty good reason why you should let what others think of you drive you to be less courageous.

Being a lamb is easier.

There’s always a good reason why being passive aggressive, petty, negative, or fearful is the right course of action this time.

If you choose to live your life needing a shepherd to make all your decisions for you, don’t complain when life tears your guts out.

Unlike the animal kingdom, you aren’t born a lamb or lion. You get to choose who you want to become.

What did you decide today?

The post Silencing The Lambs. appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...

You Have To Get Up Before You Can Go Through.

You’re going to have problems that knock you down. We’re going to have unexpected heartbreak and experience tragic loss.

You’re going to give everything you have and still come up short.

That moment of sadness and pain and loss can be overwhelming. Paralyzing and debilitating.

You’re not sure what to do.

Whether you should keep trying or focus on something else. Life seems cloudy. You feel weak.

To win you have to go through that obstacle. But before you can go through, you have to get back up.

To go through, you have to get up.

In every sense of the word. Financially. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. You have to get up.

No more whining. No more sulking. No more dwelling on the negative outcomes from your past.

Today is a brand new day.

This moment — what is happening right now — is your opportunity to rebound. To get stronger and smarter.

You could waste this opportunity and stay down or you can take small steps to get to where you want to be.

You can go through anything. But you’ve got to get up first.

Do that now.

The post You Have To Get Up Before You Can Go Through. appeared first on Dan Waldschmidt: Author of EDGY Conversations.

Copyright by Waldschmidt Partners Intl... Not sure that all that legal stuff really matters. If you want to share this material, do so. Just don't charge for it and don't tell people you wrote it. Both of those are uncool.

Other than that, all rights are reserved to you to change your life. If you are ready to be amazing, now is the time to get started. Onward...