THE number one reason for Failure and Success is:

Originally Posted by Dien Rice

Hi Gordon,

What you say is absolutely right!

Often it's hard to get away from all the distractions nowadays... (But not impossible!)

Think of all the distractions we have now, that they didn't have 100 years ago? Television, radio, movie cinemas, all kinds of electronic games, and so on... If you have a choice of watching your favorite TV show, or doing some needed work, which is easier to do?

I know a guy who would like to have more time to work on the business he's planning. However, one of his problems is that he doesn't even have a separate room in his house where he can "get away" to focus! He has two very young children. Imagine the constant distraction he'd be under at home, especially without a separate room he could escape to... I think it would be next-to-impossible to get anything done with his current setup.

(One guy solved this problem by getting an old caravan, and parking it in his back yard... and using it as his office! Not practical for everyone - but interesting to read about... Check it out here -

Another, extremely successful person I know, told me that he never watches television. He loves working on his (extremely successful) business. Why should he waste his time watching TV - which is generally not productive - rather than work on his business? TV is the "pretend world" - you can "pretend" you're part of the lives of the characters on the screen. But why not work on your business, and create a wonderful "real world" to live in, instead?

Sometimes, even I find it's good to "get out" of the house and focus elsewhere - libraries, cafes, and so on. With modern technology (like laptops) that's not so hard to do now. And the battery life of some laptops is just getting better and better, so you can spend the whole day working without having to plug it in to the electricity. (I also have a setup so I can connect to the internet anywhere wirelessly.)

One great place I've found to work without distractions is... upscale hotel lobbies (particularly the cafe/bar section).

I spent a couple hours working at the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in my city last night, doing some writing. At other times, I've also worked in the lobbies of the local Westin, Sofitel, Hyatt, and Novotel hotels.

The great thing is, most upscale hotel lobbies are designed to be comfortable both for those who want to relax, as well as for "business guests" who want to do some work.

To emphasize... They are designed for work!

They're also often quieter than cafes.

I've found that the drinks can be a little expensive, but you can nurse a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or glass of soft drink or juice for a while, and you don't feel out of place, since there are often others working on their laptops too. I've found these are the best places outside of home to work for me.

The cafe/bars of hotel lobbies are open to all - you don't have to be a staying guest at the hotel. Remember, these hotels also often host conferences, and conference attendees often work in the lobbies too.

There you go - that's one of my "secrets" to working out of home effectively... Find an upscale hotel lobby cafe/bar, and work there!

I got off topic, but... I think it's all relevant...

Best wishes,

Dien

I have to agree that a plan which has not been broken down into manageable tasks for one to focus on each and everyday is often lacking in substance.

Many individuals feel that by making the 'broad strokes' the finer details will automatically fall into place once the process is started. Sadly this is hardly ever the case. Many are then disillusioned and look for someone or something to blame for their failure.

I have read a very true proverb which I carry with me daily: 'Those who fail to plan, plan to fail'. We alone have a choice whether we will put a plan in place to realise our dreams or whether we will sit back and hope for the best. Those who have truly worked hard at any goal can tell you that not putting in enough effort and not planning effectively rarely ends well.

Most successes can only be achieved through hard work and careful planning on your part (inheritances are often exempt here). I truly believe that if one is passionate about what you do, it is far easier to put in the effort and make the daily sacrifices in order to realise your dream and make a success of the process.

I do have to admit that I sometimes have the opportunity to accompany my husband to his work-place which happens to be at a hotel. It is indeed wonderful to change your working environment or basic routine on occassion. On the days that I am priviledged enough to work in the guest lounge, I find that my mind often opens to new ideas which were not there before. I'm not sure if it is due to the amazing coffee that they serve or their general hospitality but I do indeed look forward to these trips!

One last note is maybe just to say that it is crucial to take at least one day a week off to rest and relax from achieving your goal. I often find that after having removed myself from my pc for a day on a sunday, my mind is fresher and I find it easier to pick up where I left off on the saturday.

keep in mind, it is also quite possible to be 100% focused on something that will send you right down the tubes.

meaning, just because you're focused on something, doesn't mean it's gonna be successful.

if you don't focus, you will probably not be successful. but being focused does not guarantee success, either!

analogy: It is quite possible to set up an entire biz empire -- with all your ducks PERFECTLY in a row, all "nice-nice" -- then have everything be a failure, cuz you have no customers!! Just ask Krispy Kreme. Lots of focus -- no transactions.

[EDIT re: Krispy Kreme]...
I was writing that KK stuff based on this notion:
Krispy Kreme was founded in 1937, by the late '90s the Krispy Kreme doughnut had become a cultural icon complete with its own featured role in a 2002 episode of Sex and the City. Before long, however, Krispy Kreme's pell-mell expansion caught up with it (that's the FOCUS I was talking about), and by 2005 the company's board sent its CEO and several executives packing amid an accounting scandal. The stock tanked, the company was forced to close half its 390 stores, and 14 quarters of losses followed.

>>> But apparently KK is now on an upswing. Go figure.

That is indeed true but that is why it is also so important to break an entire process up into manageable steps which can be performed and evaluated in order for necessary adjustments to be made to ensure that one ultimately does move in the direction of success.

Many processes are not fool-proof and one has to evaluate how close you truly are to achieving your ultimate goal of success with every action that is taken towards that goal.

Ignoring the signs that your elaborate plan is not going to help you achieve the ultimate goal would be foolish for anyone. It is therefore crucial to seek solutions to the obstacles as you go along in order to get yourself back on track or moving in the direction of your ultimate goal & rewards.