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Strategic Alliance Of The Century
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Two Titans of Internet Marketing Have Joined Forces To Take YOUR Online Business To A Level You’ve Never Imagined…
Watch as Rich Schefren and Brad Fallon reveal:
- An unprecedented Internet marketing event (sure to raise your bottom line)
- How they're harnessing Strategic Alliances (and how you can easily do the same)
- How to leverage the strengths of others (and send your sales through the roof)
- And grow your business by leaps and bounds (faster than you've ever imagined)
View Rich Schefren and Brad Fallon video
- Aug 20 2007
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69 Comments
Start Each Day With the F-Word
Published in Blog, Effectiveness
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I was startled out of sleep the other morning by my 5-year-old daughter Ava. It was 6 a.m. and still dark as she ran into our bedroom screaming the ‘F’ word.
The word flew out of her mouth as if it was launched by NASA.
"FRIDAY! Today Is Friday!!!!"
What a great word… Friday.
Do you remember back when you were in school, how happy you were to finally get to Friday?
Unfortunately, for far too many entrepreneurs, the word has lost all its power. Even worse, that special "Friday-feeling" has also disappeared from our busy lives.
Yet, for self-described cubicle slaves and school kids alike, no matter how heavy the burden or workload, there is always Friday. For them it’s more than just a day; it’s an attitude.
- Friday is freedom from worry.
- Friday is fun, which should be part of every day.
- Friday moves us forward.
- Friday feels fantastic.
Any day can be Friday. It’s a landmark event that signifies triumph: It’s time to race to the FINISH (another favorite ‘F’ word) and begin the process of recovery from a batch of productive work.
I’m sure you’ve used the ‘F’ word on more than one occasion as your grow your business. Sometimes just one word like that can determine your attitude for the entire day.
In my coaching practice I’ve noticed that most entrepreneurs have completely lost the special feeling that comes from the anticipation of downtime after completing a task or project. It’s as if running their business has become a never-ending marathon with no finish line whatsoever.
If you don’t have a finish line, how will you know when the race is won?
So, what about you? How many ‘Friday’ moments have you experienced as an online entrepreneur?
What other words trigger action and emotion as you sprint to complete your projects and achieve your business goals?
I’m no wordsmith, but I’m beginning to pay more attention to language. I give my kids credit for this gift as they teach their dad a thing or two about ‘nice words’ and "bad words."
Watching my daughters learn new vocabulary words, and form their speech patterns, I marvel at the way their minds work. There’s a lot going on inside the brain of a 2-year-old when she tries to say “hippopotamus” for the first time. But the result of her accomplishment, however tortured the pronunciation, is a joy to behold.
I’ve also learned the power of words – their meaning and the images they project.
Some words hurt, others bring smiles. At times, simple words, and the rhythms they create in our minds when spoken, can be quite soothing.
Here are some examples:
Relax…
Replenish…
Recharge…Feels kind of nice, doesn’t it? Now, think about the meaning of those words and the images they place in our minds.
Relax… slow down, lie down, kick up your feet. Feel the ocean breeze and the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Replenish… cool water on a hot summer day, a refreshing dip in the pool after a long day at work. The feeling of nourishment we get after downing a fruit smoothie.
Recharge… the kick of an espresso to start your morning, the turn of an ignition key and the roar of a supercharged engine. You’re built for speed, baby, and ready for action.
Make it a point to incorporate these kinds of words into your business day today.
I know I’ve been talking a lot about information overload recently, but it’s important for you to realize how it will feel when you declare victory over it.
Where once there was information anxiety, now there is recovery.
Recovery is a very important word for all of us. And I am not talking about the type of recovery you get from a 12-step program either (Sorry, Lindsay Lohan fans).
Instead, I am talking about a time where you actually recharge well enough so you can come back with even more energy than before.
When you stop and think about it – and I strongly encourage you to do so - stress followed by recovery stimulates growth. Without recovery, continual stress leads to burnout or breakdown.
If you’ve ever been interested in weight lifting, you know what I mean. When you work out at the gym, you take your muscles past the point of failure. Then you must give your muscles enough time to recover so that they can rebuild and be better prepared for similar stress.
When training your body, if you don’t fully recover you’ll end up overtraining it. The net result is you get weaker instead of stronger: The exact opposite of your original goal.
This happens emotionally, too. Think about the traumatic events that were once devastating, but that you now recognize as empowering: Family crisis, the death of a loved one, the break-up of a relationship, the failing of a business venture, the loss of a job, etc.
The reason for this renewed strength is that you have fully recovered from the trauma and are now better prepared to handle similar stressful situations. But this time, you’ll handle them much better.
If you don’t allow for recovery, and you get hit with another crisis, it can be demoralizing for you, your family, friends and business.
If you’ve read the biographies of as many successful entrepreneurs as I have, then you’ve definitely seen this pattern of trauma, recovery, and victory in their lives. So many successful people go through some horrible reversal, but they recover, and later they’re stronger because of it.
Often, many battles are lost before winning the war.
That’s why the concept of recovery is vital to our growth. And you should strive to incorporate it in all that you do.
So how does this translate into your own life?
It means for every 14-hour workday filled with adrenaline and the promise of financial success, there must be rest and recovery if you want to be at your best.
It also means if you are struggling with information anxiety you’ll never get to experience recovery (and its resulting growth) because there’s no finish line – no end in sight. The race or pace just never lets up.
That’s why a “Just in Time” approach to information is superior to “Just in Case” methodology. By acting upon information as we need it, rather than hoarding information just in case we may need it, we train ourselves to be more efficient and successful. Because there is a finish line, there is a tangible goal by which to measure our growth.
Remember those soothing words: relax, replenish and recharge.
I’ll add another: RESPOND to this blog post and share your entrepreneurial challenges.
Let me know how your “recovery” stories have helped sharpen your business focus.
Some of the toughest times in our lives become the most inspirational. Some of our “lowest lows” provide our greatest life lessons.
Remember, Friday is a metaphor for recovery. With information overload, there is no real recovery, but there can be relief. And with no recovery comes burnout or breakdown. Relief brings its own reward.
As you experience “Friday” every day, let me know how your Friday moments are fueling your business growth.
Your attitude may be your greatest asset as you move forward.
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69 Comments to “Start Each Day With the F-Word”
Wow! Nice headline. I’m glad your daughter didn’t really say what I thought she had said. It probably wouldn’t have been such a good day for her.
Love the concept about every day being a “Friday.” Just the feeling of Friday makes you feel better. (Don’t believe me? Well, how did you feel when you realized today was Monday?)
Attitude makes such a great difference. I just hope I can apply this Friday attitude to all of my work, every day this week and ever after.
Maybe you should write an “Attitude Age Doctrine” to go with the “Attention Age Doctrine.” The secrets of the right attitude should capture anyone’s attention.
Thanks for the insights.
Philip
Fridays are one of our favorite days!
During the span of my 34 year teaching life, my favorite phrase was that I have never had a bad Friday. It seemed to always ring true during each conclusion to each week. There was just something rejuvenating about having that ONE day to complete, punctuated by a weekend for recharging, relaxing and reviving your energy and life.
What a grand idea to have each day seem like a Friday, why not? Each day has a beginning and an ending just like a week, so bringing that high energy joy to each day could only bring benefits as well. Instead of saying,TGIF Thank GOD it’s Friday, we could say TGILF Thank GOD it’s like FRIDAY! That same powerful SURGE of positive energy can jet propel you through another marvelous day!
Thanks for the spark of inspiration!
Joan
Hey Rich-
I am very good at recovering so this tip is indirectly related.
What I do for extra energy each morning:
Each day of the week is a different phrase that I chant, yell, and flat out SCREAM.
In the morning and sometimes throughout the day I yell that day’s Energy Phrase.
For instance, Monday is “Money Monday.”
So while I’m alone or in the shower I yell…
“Today is Money Monday”
“Today is Money Monday”
“Today is Money Monday”
“Today is Money Monday”
“Today is Money Monday”
“Today is Money Monday”
Etc.
I also throw in some affirmations like “I’m a money magnet” etc.
Anyway… this is powerful because it serves as an NLP anchor and focuses me each morning on RESULTS before I even see a computer. It gets me fitred up and ready to go.
Each day I yell those words - I FEEL the excitement. The energy. My adrenaline kicks in a bit and I just feel phenomenal.
This is because I’ve anchored those words with RESULTS aka MONEY.
I feel great and usually end up making some nice money which servers to reinforce the anchor even stronger.
I associate those feelings to yelling the words. This is very similar to people who have a lucky object.
Oh well today is going to be great and I’m going to close my client today because I’m wearkng my “lucky belt” or whatever.
It’s all in your head - for better or worse.
Anyway, I thought I’d share.
Best,
JL
Time to recharge is essential.
If we do not allow ourselves some relaxation and renewal time, we are much less effective and much less creative.
I always experience creative insights when I am “off duty” and just playing or relaxing.
WOW F - FRIDAY - FEELING — FANTASTICO– FABULOUSO - FREEDOMO - FOREVERO
GET IT— THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY DAILY TO RELAX REPLENISH AND RECHARGE
We often forget that the bow sometimes has to be loosened to keep it a good shape.
By just taking a step back, relax and may be meditate there might come new insights to use in the business.
Going on blocks it because our mind needs a rest on a regular base.
It is good to be reminded that it works that way.
Rich
I first heard a marketer use this phase last week applying it to faith. I must tell you I found it most annoying and offensive. I deleted all his emails and blocked his mail. The reason I find it offensive is that it piggy backs on the other slang useage. If I feel this way surley others do to.
The key to success is not managing your time but managing your energy! I highly recommend a great book entitled “The Power of Full Engagement” by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. I have not stake in the book - I just love its message and it is very relevant to what Rich is saying. Remember “it’s all about your energy.”
Damn.. I’d forgotten all about the Friday ‘rush’. It’s been 2 years since I broke out on my own and about that long since I had that ‘weekend is coming’ spring in my step.
Subconsciously, I think I’ve trained myself out of it because I saw it as abandoning my commitment to my business… I even get crabby at my girlfriend when she’s pumped because its Friday in her 9 to 5′er and “I don’t get a weekend”….
Thanks for the mind food Rich, this is an area I think I really need to build on. I’ll try and take some of the guilt out of relaxing…
Thanks mate,
I LOVE this article. Carol and I today took most of the day off to Rest, Recharge and Regroup. It’s an RRR day. They should have taught us about THAT back in school.
Too many times people want to be succeed and they get lost, and give up the lifestyle and freedom that can come from being an internet business professional.
Let’s keep that in mind!
RRR! Your life depends on it!
20/20 Ex Hostage - Professional Visionary
formerly known as John Wingert
http://www.nlplive.com
Good advice for relaxing is … SHOPPING IN YOUR PAJAMAS.
However, do this only when what’s replenished is YOUR BOTTOM LINE.
You will be recharged because other smart, hard-working people, like yourself, will discover THERE ARE RICHES TO BE FREELY HAD FOLLOWING THE WISDOM OF THIS ADVICE.
All the focus you need to recover your command over money truly has arrived! See for yourself.
You hit the nail on the head ! I know of no better way to relax, regenerate and Recharge than to spend 15 or 20 minutes in my hot tub. But then of course I am
a bit biased ?
Steve C.
stevec@allbrands-hottubandspa.com
http://www.allbrands-hottubandspa.com/hot-tubs/
The best way for me to relax is through meditation.
Hi Rich,
Old Chinese Proverb: “The usefulness of a cup is in it’s emptiness”
Take regular breaks, because once your “cup” (brain/memory/patience levels) is full, you are no good to anyone, much less yourself.
I have a regular monthly “wellness day” where i take the whole day for myself. I am know thinking of incorporating every Friday off in my schedule because of your post.
Thanks very much for your insights.
Jay
Dear Rich:
Sometime in your prayers, will you please ask…
…Mt 5:48…our perfect heavenly father…
…Mt 19:26…whom all things are possible with…
…Jn 15:17…to love each f…
…Mk 9:7…for his son Jesus…
…Jn 3:34…without limit…
…Mk 9:2…by transfiguring…
…Mt 22:37…Rev 15:4…Rev 3:2…all remaining…hate…
…poverty…
…sickness…
…weakness…
…evil…
…discord…
…etc….
…Jn 15:16…into everlasting…love…
…wealth…
…health…
…strength…
…goodness…
…peace…
…etc….?
Sincerely,
Steve Kelly
blesseverynoun@gmail.com
Sometimes we need someone to remind us entrepreneurs that it is ok NOT to think, breathe, eat our businesses 24/7.
Thanks Rich, for saying the opposite of what everyone else makes you feel!
It is difficult to walk away tho when your work is just 10 feet away from where you relax - it calls to you!!! SO to combat this I am moving house and creating a new work space with specific work hours - and then I am going to LOVE my Fridays again!! (and possibly .. renegade thought … have an actual weekend as well!)
Yup Yup… The big man… if you are so inclined to believe… actually gave us permission to take a full day OFF. LOL I enjoy it once a week. I’d go stark raving mad without a full 24 hours away from the computer.
I LOVE your blog notifications… they always ALWAYs make me want to click… but this one was truly creative… Hats OFF.
One of my favorite sayings is
“Rest is not a four letter word!”
(although of course it is, literally)
Sleep is the last taboo…
any wonder Americans are overweight,
overtense, and stressed out???
gotta go catch some zzzzs now..
later!
I remember what Friday’s were like before I got a job in the retail sector. After that, Friday was just another day of the week. Heck, soon holidays became just another day of the week as I worked on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and the day after Thanksgiving…
I decided to become an entrepreneur to bring back that feeling, but I do more work on Saturday and Sunday than I did at my job. I am still a small enough entrepreneur to not have a staff, and my ideas are coming too fast for me to get them fleshed out. Sometimes I wish I could magically have a staff appear and take all of my ideas and run with them…lol.
Maybe Disney can come up with that story for me!
Have an amazing day, Rich!
Micheal Savoie
productinaweekend.com
PS - I really learned a lot from your presentation at jvAlert Live in Orlando last February. You are a very focused person and I respect you a lot for your abilities. Thanks for being the great teacher and example for what we all can become if we get the right help.
I think the Jewish & Christian tradition of the sabbath is a great reminder that we need time away from the regular grind to get the bigger picture and rest from it all. I also agree that you need to balance your work life out every day, if you work too many hours you will begin to burn out and loose the passion for whatever you are doing.
Recently I’ve noticed how much pressure I have put on myself and that it is not helpful. My goal with financial freedom is to get away from the stress and worry of money, Ive decided to start that attitude in my mind now even while working towards the goal. Thanks for the reminder.
Paul
I can not say enough about working home-based while raising a family. It is with total gratitude that I have spent all of my years as a mother of 4 children home-based and available to them. To have the best of both worlds - raising your own children and still being able to run a business and feel professional and successful in business endeavors is something that is available to anyone who would like this lifestyle.
The company I work with has the best compensation plan in the industry, is family oriented, and puts up amazing bonus incentive money and currently a trip to Hawaii for October, 2008. So, stay at home with your family, earn significant money, and a dream trip to one of the best vacation destinations in the world - sounds pretty good to me.
Thanks for this article.. motivation, encouragement, and of course humor are always needed wherever your work and personal life takes you.
Vicki Zerbee
www.yourhealthwebsite.net
Come along to Hawaii
After 20-something years in 7-days-a-week retail and leaving that behind, determined to “make it” on the internet, working at home… every single day for me is a Friday!
Yes, I’m working longer hours than I used to. That’s a given for any small business owner. But it’s such a delight that I can decide to go take a walk in the sunshine while I think a marketing problem through, or attend a weekend family get-together when I want to.
It’s a mindset guys and girls. Yes… think Fridays… every day. And see what a total difference it makes to your life and your work.
Thanks Rich. You put into words just how I’ve been feeling. Aint life great!
cr@EasyMarketingGroup.com
http://www.EasyMarketingGroup
That was quite the catchy headline.
As a full-time 20 business student, I used to love Fridays. Now I love Thursday nights because I have Fridays off in my final year of my program. While my goal is to live the “four hour work week,” I’ve got it down to four days now.
I like your materials Rich…you don’t tend to slack off in them.
Cheers
Leon Apel
As a wholistic health care practitioner for 14 years, I am constantly educating patients about the importance of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The two practice management groups I respect the most advocate doctors taking SIX weeks per year vacation = and that means non-seminar, non-family reunion VACATIONS.
Think about it, if you take 6 one-week vacations per year, that means that you are taking ONE WEEK OFF EVERY SIX WEEKS. Even if you come back from vacation and have to work your ass off for the first three weeks, in three more weeks, you get another vacation!
For the past two years since starting my Internet Marketing business on top of running my practice and treating patients, that vacation schedule hasn\’t happened for me, due to my entrepreneurial spirit going to Internet Marketing seminars, doing teleseminars and coaching, and consuming information products.
At this point, I am in the process of selling my practice, because although I provide a great service for the public, the business model of trading time for money no longer works for me. As soon as the practice is sold, I am taking some rest and time off. And I will certainly get back to the SIX weeks per year vacation model.
In great learner-student style, I have examined over 300 different Internet Marketers in the past 2.5 years. I consider you, Rich, as one of the \”A\” team. Your emails, blog posts, and Manifestos are always inspiring, motivating, and thought provoking. If I didn\’t already have a coach who I really love, I would have signed up for recent coaching program.
Thank you very much for being who you are.
Dr. Andrew Colyer
http://www.DrAndrewColyer.com
Friday has always been my favorite day of the week…even if I did not have a thing planned. My goal is to have a long weekend every week, no more weekends
and for sure no more Sunday’s !
Thank you for the reminder to RELAX !
What a pleasant and sensitive letter, Rich.
thank you and give a big hug to your little daughter who in her joy brought all of us to remembering a wise tadition of our culture. Of course, the socalled long weekend is a young tradition we owe the unions and the power of the working class .But in old Europe everybody is still reminded of the Feierabend at six every evening by the cathedral bells and on Saturdays by some special harmonies to lead into the weekend. We just need to listen -although often with a deep deep breath as a reminder.
Give my love to Ava, and thank you once more.
Margarete
i believe that every day is a good day.I wake up in the morning and smile as i have another day alive to smell the roses, to enjoy life despite my busy schedule im just pleased to be able to enjoy the creature comforts of everyday life.
I take tons of “Friday moments”, as and when I need it!!! I’ve found from many of my own personal experiences that when I’m in the “least worry state”…when I’m in the state of “no thinking” (it’s easy to do this, take a walk in the woods or on the beach and let yourself g-o!), that I’ve found the exact solutions and inspirations which are required for my day-to-day problem solving…the answers you are seeking will always come to you when you least expect it!
Tenzin
……………………….
“Deep Meditation Secrets”
http://www.e-bazi.com
“Inspiring movie which makes a DIFFERENCE!”
http://www.messageofamster.com/presentation.htm
“Free Destiny Readings!”
http://www.TarotReadingSecrets.com
Rich,
Now that’s a real good bit of “F-ilosophy”.
Thank you for the re-F-resher.
Perry Sr.
Successtech
You see things in a way that should be obvious to all of us, but we sometimes get lost in the moment or crisis of the day (or week or month).
A set schedule for our business can give us back our Fridays. We do need to make time to spend with our families and give our bodies and minds a chance to Relax, Replenish, and Recharge!
Great headline, Rich. I detect a little John Carlton influence in there.
I am another one who gets the Friday feeling via daily meditation. Nothing I’ve found beats it for getting every day off to a great start.
It’s also easy to get the Friday feeling when you’re surrounded by water and other boats. Will have to work harder at it when we move ashore at the end of this month, I’m afraid.
Pam
My Friday Word?
School at last!
School at last!
Thank God Almighty they’re all back in SCHOOL at last!
Yippeeee! I got the house to myself!
I’m Free to relax,
I’m Free to replenish,
I’m Free to recharge.
LOL!
Tim “Mr. Checkmark” Kirk.
You can score an “A” today on your health, nutrition and fitness.
This is one of the best posts I’ve read for a while Rich (and I get around on the Internet). Thanks for reminding me. Relax, recharge and replenish sound like just what I need.
I had completley forgot about Friday as a special day. Trying to be successful working everyday is new to me. Just the same, I miss my former self of leisure.
I am enjoying the new workaholic me because it is interesting & fasinating. I had this past weekend off from working everyday & it was novel.
I will remember Friday.
It’s 11:19 pm…
The night just started…
My brain is playing games on me…
And your post is making it more interesting…
At first my imagination went far…
But soon I felt it is a trick so far…
I said “oh no, Focus no more”…
Until I figured out it’s a Friday, for sure!
well,
I don’t feel like confessing, tonight, the recoveries I went through.
But, I can definitely share with you few things I do that do relax, replenish, and recharge me.
Nature relaxes me. Water in particular. My best moments are on the beach (during sunset) or in tropical areas or on the mountain. In the summer, this is feasible in weekends. We have lot’s of nature in canada. But in the winter, just setting beside the fire place specially in snowing nights with a nice company and a hot drink is enough to relax me. Massage once a week is very relaxing and if done correctly very effective in releasing stress from mind and body. I don’t do it though every week. But maybe I should…
Replenish? the pool after a long day, having a walk in the evening, dancing nights. The best dancing night I had to this minute was on a night cruise in the river. It was a great night!
I work out 6 days a week. I do cross training so that it keeps the change and keeps my muscles challenged. Cross training also prevents injuries that come from same repetitive training routine. At the end of my post are some of my weekly summer routines if you’re interested. Work out recharges me. It boosts my energy level and sucks all the stress out of my mind and body. I feel so purified from daily stress after my daily workout.
Good night Richard!
routine 1:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday
=========================================================
15 min 15 min 15 min 15 min 1hr30min 1hr
biking biking biking biking bootcamp hiphop
1hr30 min 1hr 1hr30min 1hr 30min 30min
bootcamp upperbody bootcamp lowerbody swimming swimming
muscle toning muscle toning
1hr Abs 1hr Abs
15 min 15 min 15 min 15 min
biking biking biking biking
routine 2:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
=========================================================
1hr 30 min 30 min 30 min 1hr 1hr
Abs biking biking biking carribian lowerbody
aerobic muscletoning
1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 30min 30min
salsa/ tai-chi upperbody bootcamp swimming swimming
merengue muscle toning
dancing
1hr 1hr Abs 1hr Abs
upperbody
muscletoning
30 min 30 min 30 min
biking biking biking
I am trying to figure out what Rich is selling, certainly has mind share, and click throughs, but what does he sell??
Fridays bring thoughts of finishing outstanding tasks for the week and organising yourself for the weekend.
There is a song by John Farnham (Australian singer) whose lyrics are “It’s a Friday kind of Monday and everything is fine ”.
http://www.gettherhythm.com/j/john_farnham/friday_kind_of_monday.html
So here is your challenge. If you could be a song what would it be, who would you want to sing it and who would you want in the audience to hear it so that they could benefit from learning more about who you really are?
Friday attitude people are really great people no matter what day it is.
Rich you are so right we all need Friday. I had Arthritis so bad I could hardly get going any day,now I found Mangosteen and each day is new with no pain 24/7 I thank God for giving us the Mangosteen each day.
I can have a Friday when I need it any time this is wonderful. Please tell Eva thanks I know how great it is to be around the little one I have grandkids.
Randy
Rich I did want to let you know I do recharge on the weekend also that is why Friday is so good for all. Have a good Friday.
Randy
www.randybrink.com
Five fantastic forays for fun:
1. Fishing.
2. Freefalling (skydiving).
3. Footing (hiking).
4. Floating ( kayaking).
5. Frolicking (with my favorite female).
Fantabulous!
Although I knew the F word isn’t the popular 4-letter word, I had to know what it is anyway. My daughter’s 5-years old as well so I can kinda relate.
Thank you for reminding me, Rich. I’m honestly at that stage right now where I needed that.
Life is a juggling act. We need balance to be truly successful. It used to be the dinner hour where families would spend time together, relax, and recharge. We still do that here as much as possible. Plus you eat better - which gives you more energy and brain power
Listen to your body - if you need a break, take it. An hour or two away from your computer isn’t going to kill your business.
I am so guility of the info hoarding… I’m really working hard on trying to get into a consistent working groove. I’ve always been able to manage mountains in the working world, and keep up the house and raise a kid, and, and, and … why is it so hard in IM? Anyone invented the 12 step program for info addiction yet?
Keep hitting us over the head Rich - we’ll get it eventually.