3 Tips To Help Guarantee Your Success In 2009

Since we’re all going to be up to our ears in holiday stuff for the next 6 weeks or so, I thought we might just skip ahead to the new year’s resolution part…

Personally, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Because I get to look back on all the success of the previous 365 days and look forward in anticipation to the next 365.

Hopefully, you’ve had as good of a 2008 as Strategic Profits has. We’ve seen record-breaking growth–and 2009 looks to be even MORE promising.

And I hope you also have some big plans ahead of you for 2009. I can’t wait to show you what’s up our sleeve…it’s really going to exciting.(This will be the first place you’ll hear about it, so make sure you check back often.)

But like the title of the post says, there are a few things you can do to virtually guarantee your success in 2009. And no, they have nothing to do with buying a lottery ticket.

The secret to achieving the wealth, freedom, and lifestyle of your dreams is to actually DO it. Taking action is the most important part of any process, and the biggest player in your success…or your failure.

Because let’s face it–the following scenario has happened to all of us at one time or another.

It’s like this…

–The new year hits, and we come out of the gate firing on all cylinders.

–We’ve got tons of ideas, stacks of big plans, and we’re ready to take on the world.

–But then it happens.

–Real life sets in once again. Stuff gets in the way…projects get derailed…launches become sidetracked.

–And before you can sing another chorus of “Auld Lang Syne”, it’s April. And you haven’t done ONE thing yet.

Ouch. Sound familiar?

I know it does for me. I went through this cycle numerous times. And I’m absolutely certain that I’m millions of dollars poorer for it today.

But there are a few things you can do to avoid this trap. Here’s 3 tips that can help you get moving in the right direction…

1) Shut Up: How many times have we spouted off about our ideas, only to never see them come to fruition?

I used to love talking about my plans, ideas, and strategies. But then I realized something: I enjoyed talking about it more than I usually enjoyed actually rolling up my sleeves and doing it.

Now, I hold back that urge to talk. Instead I channel that energy towards the act of doing. This increases my desire to get started, which is usually all it takes.

2) Reduce Shelf Life: Have you ever noticed ideas are more like milk then they are like wine? It’s true–the longer an idea sits around, the more stinky and worthless it becomes.

Because if you let an idea sit in your head without being acted on, it becomes weaker and less promising.
After a few days the details get hazy…and after a week it’s forgotten completely.

That’s why we need to cut the time from idea to implementation. Act as soon as you can with whatever you have to begin with. Doesn’t matter whether it’s at the beginning, the middle, or the very end–just grab a piece of the puzzle and jump into it immediately.

If you start by making smaller decisions more quickly–without overanalyzing–you’ll gain momentum and REALLY start cranking away.

3. Dive In: I know it sounds simple, but when this is what it all boils down to.

If you need to write something, force yourself to sit down and write. Put pen to paper. Brainstorm. Doodle. By moving your hands you’ll stimulate the flow of ideas and inspire yourself.

If you need to create a video, sit down and start recording. Doesn’t matter what comes out, just as long as you press record and begin doing something. You’ll begin to see the possibilities.

Same goes with audio. Or product creation. Or whatever it is you’re trying to start on. Action must precede action, and the only way you’re going to see success with your project is to actually do something that moves you towards the final goal.

If you put these 3 things into practice, I can almost guarantee that you’ll come out a winner in 2009.

And by this time next year, instead of singing “Auld Lang Syne”…you’ll be singing “We’re In The Money…”

Sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it?

To Higher Profits,

Rich

P.S. Right now, I want you to think of 3 things you’re going to do to kick off the new year right…

I’m talking about actionable tasks that will jump start your next project and get it moving from idea to implementation.

Got ‘em? Good–now write them down in comments below so everyone can see them.

Why? Because once they go from your head to actual words in a post, you’ll feel a stronger sense of commitment to getting them done.

Plus, they’ll be displayed in all their glory for every blog reader to see–including me.

Can you say “accountability”? ;)

So go do that now. And let’s take the first step towards your business achieving HUGE success in 2009!

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Comments:
  • http://www.medicalcodingpro.com Gregg Zban

    I love the line about an idea is more like milk than wine! That is so true. For some reason I get most of my ideas when I am working out (must be the endorphins :)) and if act on them right away the idea usually blossoms into something much greater because of all the focus and excitement around it during that crucial time. Conversly, the longer the idea lingers and is not aked upon, the “stinker” it gets. You start thinking of all the things that can go ‘wrong” with it.

    Ther is no time like the present when it comes to acting on ideas!

    Happy Turkey Day!

    Gregg
    http://www.medicalcodingpro.com

  • http://www.medicalcodingpro.com Gregg Zban

    I love the line about an idea is more like milk than wine! That is so true. For some reason I get most of my ideas when I am working out (must be the endorphins :)) and if act on them right away the idea usually blossoms into something much greater because of all the focus and excitement around it during that crucial time. Conversely, the longer the idea lingers and is not acted upon, the “stinker” it gets. You start thinking of all the things that can go ‘wrong” with it.

    There is no time like the present when it comes to acting on ideas!

    Happy Turkey Day!

    Gregg
    http://www.medicalcodingpro.com

  • http://www.bagofgoodies.de/ BobbyMhark

    Great advise Rich … as usual.

    So what am I gonna do first things in 2008?

    1.) Buy a camcorder so we can record the screencast we want to start in early 2009

    2.) Map things out for our next launch

    3.) Go find a nice house or appartment for me and my girl to move in ;)

  • http://SevenFiguresOnline.com Nido

    Rich, Thanks for these 3 simple, YET Powerful starters for next year. First 3 things I’m going to do are as followes.

    1. Take Action
    2. Take Action
    3. Take Action

    That’s the only difference between success & failure in life. Yah, you can study till your brain turns blue…or have as many ideas as Senator Maccain has years…but I don’t know why so many people just don’t take ACTION? I’m also in that boat…but am getting better.

    Good Luck everyone in ’09…Make this your ACTION year.

    Peace,
    Nido

  • http://www.coolsiteoftheday.com Mike Corso

    Another great ‘kick in the pants’ post from Rich. Thank you…..AGAIN.

    To a happy and healthy holiday season.

    Mike Corso
    Cool Site of the Day
    http://www.coolsite.com

  • http://www.GreatSkinTips.com Sabrina

    Rich,

    Great post! It seems like there’s always something that stand in our way. I’ve learned to stop looking at all emails (except yours) to filter out all the noise that can be so distracting.

    Cheers,

    Sabrina Fox
    http://www.GreatSkinTips.com

  • Arieljoy FIne

    Happy Abundance Day to everyone at Strategic Profits!

    Yes, I have officially renamed Thanksgiving. It is waaaaay too easy to say, “I’m thankful for my family, or I’m thankful for my friends, or my Ferrari (lol), or I’m waay thankful for GPS-Elite. And while all this is true, well, except for the Ferrari, these gratitudes are platitudes compared to the vastness of the TRUE abundance in my life.

    The opportunities to create and act upon new beginnings, over and over until I get it right. The intelligence to understand when I get it wrong, and the ability to admit to myself just why “my eyes are brown” ( :-) ). These abundances alone, OPPORTUNITY, INTELLIGENCE, and HUMILITY would be enough to be thankful for. And there is so much more.

    I am educated; my grandparents were not allowed to go to school!
    Like Albert Einstein, I was a “late bloomer”, and like Einstein I did not shine in school. UNLIKE Einstein, however, I am nobody’s genius and yet, because I live in America where EVERY PERSON WILLING TO TAKE A CHANCE is given another and another and another, I attended college and that experience was my launching pad to discovering my unique life proposition (ULP). The experience of higher education opened my mind to an array of possible directions for my ULP to take which I can choose from forever.

    THIS IS ABUNDANCE-the opportunity to make something concrete and meaningful out of mere possibility regardless of what my 6th grade teacher thought of me or (of what my 6th grade self thought of me).

    So, what have I committed to during 2008 that has anything to do with abundant opportunity? Well, in February of 2008, I decided to reinvent myself to discover what I want to do when I grow up. I neither knit nor crochet (although I do paint), don’t bake cookies and am nobody’s granny.

    My lifelong practice of challenging myself to push the envelope of personal growth combined with a desire to create exponential financial abundance while serving others in a community format led me to the internet.

    Now mind you, I AM NOT 30 or even 40 so I did not spend the first 30 years of my life with computers and I am a TECHNOPHOBE of the first order. In fact this morning I had a thought that I should start a 12-step group, TA (Technophobes Anonymous). I’ll bet there is an entire generation in cyberland who would join!

    And yet, here I am, 9 months later, on the verge of birthing my first website, first WordPress blog, and first landing page. And while the name WORDPRESS causes me to hyperventillate, I know this too shall pass.

    So, Rich, my opportunity for 2009 will BEGIN with managing a constraint; my fear of technology, and I am shooting for a first ever 6 figure income.

    Same time next year?

  • Harold Ward

    Hi Rich,
    1. I’m writing down my goals.
    2. Focusing on the end.
    3. One step at a time.
    Thank you for the 3 step process.
    Harold

  • http://www.your-ideal-day.com Karl Ellerbeck

    Dear Gary,

    Good idea… but it helps to have something you can measure against… Like: 1) I will get my affiliate program up and running on or before “April 15th” 2) I will communicate at least 3 times a week with “these people” 3) I will spend at least “7 hours” of quality time per week with my family.

    I wish you the best!

    Karl

    Your Ideal Day

  • http://www.your-ideal-day.com Karl Ellerbeck

    Dear Lucille,

    it is great to start achnowledging what you need to do… but you might want to write down some ‘measurable’ aims… Like 1) by march 15th I will have made my first $1 on the internet 2) By January 15th I will purchase my domain name and have it hosted 3) By December 15th I will have made a business plan and had it reviewed by “someone you trust”

    I hope this helps!

    Best Wishes

    Karl

    Your Ideal Day

  • http://www.VideoOptimize.tv Blake

    1) 1.2 Mil in profits
    2) Funnel Project

  • http://www.lizmannette.com liz mannette

    thanks for this post Rich. great stuff.
    in 2009, I will
    1. add a 7 part e-course on my book website at http://www.createyourGOE.com

    2. develop an affiliate program for my book (Create Your Garden of Eden: Change Your World in 7 Days Like God did)

    3. partner with other authors by giving a free mini e-course as a bonus to their marketing efforts.

    liz

  • Michael Owen

    If you (or anyone else reading his post) have a fear of public speaking I recommend you seek the help of Toastmasters International (a non-profit USA based organization with clubs throughout the world) you’ll find more at http://toastmasters.org/

    I am a professional speaker and coach (based near Los Angeles) with 40+ years of public speaking (I started at a very young age!). From personal experience I can tell you that belonging to Toastmasters and speaking at local clubs (where there are experienced speakers to help you — and it’s all free!) will make you a better, more confident speaker. It’s also a great way to network — I never met a Toastmaster who didn’t like chocolate!

    Happy Thanksgiving to you all (even if you don’t live in USA)

    Michael Owen
    Distinguished Toastmaster

    PS I don’t get paid to promote Toastmasters. In fact, I risk losing a potential client when I recommend them, Hey! It’s Thanksgiving (all year, for some of us!)

  • http://www.tlmarketing.net Tom Lindstrom

    In 2009 I will focus more on making my blog recession proof by writing more niche content and diversifying my income by adding more income streams.

  • http://1888Toys.com Efim Neiman

    Thank you, Rich.

    Inspiring post as many others you write.

    We at 1888toys.com would like to express many thanks to all our loyal customers and supportive business partners. We wish them all the best in 2009.

    The 3 tasks I am going to act on are:

    1. Hire 2 more employees.
    2. Create a greater exposure for our educational toys blog. Where parents can find valuable information about developmental toys.
    3. Introduce 2 more lines of wooden toys.

    Efim at Educational Toys and Games Store

  • http://tkada.com tkada.com

    not “3 tips” it is “top 3 tips” for tiptop generated life.
    1.talk less work more
    2.over analyzes doesn’t work – leads to negatives
    3.get into action at once the ideas arises, before the second idea arises.

    the tips you suggested will really bloom success not only in 2009 but the years to come – the entire life time, if it is followed..,

    Thank you Rich for the tips to make me and us rich

  • http://www.wantincomenow.com George Lary

    Rich I have been a fan of your’s for years now. This simple
    3 step plan is so right. I hits home with me. This year because of you I will apply and you will be the man.
    Thanks
    George Lary
    http://www.wantincomenow.com

  • http://www.drlyndaklau.com Lynda Klau PHD

    Rich,

    I love your idea of spending these 6 weeks reviewing 2008 developing plans and taking action steps on 2009 plans. I’m with you let’s skip the typical celebration for the holy days.

    Actually I think of it as a redfinition of these next 6 weeks.

    Very nice,
    Lynda
    http://www.DrLynda Klau.com

    of Life Unlimited

  • Chuck Arnett

    For those of you who don’t know, Rich’s tip #4 is – Take the money and don’t deliver the product.
    It’s true. I’ve been waiting since late March for my delivery from Rich. The just keep telling me that they’re working on it, that is, when they bother to respond to my emails.
    I filed a complaint against Strategic Profits with the Florida Department of Consumer Services, which forwarded the complaint to them. More than a month has passed, and Rich hasn’t responded to them, either.
    So, if you want to get welathy, just do what Rich does. Take the money and don’t deliver.

  • Nick

    Rich,
    Thanks, very insightful and new. I will use these tips.
    I will stop talking here and just do.

  • http://www.therichmama.com Cynthia

    Thanks for that post – Here are my action steps:

    1. My website will be up & cranking with 3-4 super-great posts a week.

    2. I will market my blog using some of Yaro’s (a student of yours) tactics & do this each night.

    3. I will feel grateful for each & every second – the good, bad & ugly of my little ole’ life & I will focus on giving great energy to others.

    I already spend lots of time with my daughter – I always felt I had to choose between being a great mom & making a fantastic income – I’ve changed this belief – I know I will do BOTH!

    From a big thinker who is transforming into a big “Doer,”

    Cynthia “The Rich Mama”
    ps ~ my site is still under construction; hence goal #1

  • http://bizresourcesonline.com James Baker

    Rich,

    Once again thanks for the advise. I can always count on you to put things in there proper perspective. The three areas I am going to put much more effort into in 2009 are:

    1. Spend at least 4 to 5 hours a week adding content and affliate site to my blog.

    2. Get another website up and running by February 1.

    3. Recruit more non-profits to my primary website so I can assist them in securing funds for their numerous missions in helping people throughout the world.

    Keep your information flowing.

  • http://www.360digitalperformance.com Warren

    Hey Arieljoy FIne

    there is no reason you should be fearful of technology or spend 9 months trying to get your website up … take a look at http://www.360digitalperformance.com … with the power of the US dollar against the Aussie dollar we could have you up and going in no time

    regards
    Warren

  • http://www.StarlingMedia.com Elaine Starling

    Great Reminder!

    I Promise to:

    1. Write every day.
    2. Get video on my web site.
    3. Update my web site before January 1, 2009!

    Ahhh. That feels GREAT!

    Elaine Starling
    Starling Media Services, Inc.

  • http://comebackmarketing.blogspot.com Shane Schimpf

    More Great Advice Rich…Thanks..

    These are essentials to success in every aspect of our personal growth, regardless if we are in business or not.. I appreciate the outined steps.. I’ll make sure I have them covered..Guess I’ll have to get a video camera now…

    Thanks Again Rich,
    Shane in Wyo

  • http://vci.org Carlos Caridad

    Rich,

    I’m getting my self in big trouble by posting this, but I like challenges!!

    Your three advices are great, and I will apply them; so here are the three things I’m going to do to kick off the New Year right!

    1. File a patent I’ve been procrastinating by December 31, 2008

    2. Work in my website following the suggestions you gave me yesterday in a GPS Silver call, and improve conversion(I believe by at least two times)

    3. Keep working with my friend on his launch, and get it up and runnung some time in February

    The best to you Rich and all of you guys, specially GPS members for the next year!

    Carlos

  • http://www.twohandsdancing.com Terri Mitchell

    Rich, Everyone,
    Here’s my intention:
    1. Write the outline and the detail for my proprietary business program – and create this into a training guide/manual.

    2. Record 5 audios and make 1 Powerpoint presentation for the content of the program.

    3. Produce marketing materials, and lead generation facilities to get my business program out to my prospects and clients.

    To make this intention REAL, I set the date of achievement:
    *By December 20 I have completed #1.
    *By December 30 I have completed #2.
    *By January 7 I have #3 working for me.

    There’s a 4th element that I learned from you, Rich – find my own wo/man for “behind the curtain”. Once I see I’m closing in on completing #1, #2, and #3, I know I am going to find more benefit in having #4 happening…
    (…and I know that if I don’t get these done by the date, it is not so bad as not starting at all… now I have a much stronger mission.)

    Thanks for such great advice, Rich.

    Really Valuable.

    Terri

  • ER

    Can you tell me where to get info on starting a music download service? I’d like to do the same thing but on a more local basis.
    Thank you !

  • http://www.ListBuilderSite.com Andrea Scheib

    I think I’m finally ‘getting it’ after all these months. I just need to ‘do it’ and not worry so much about how it turns out. I can always change it. I have been learning, searching, reading etc with not enough action! I will put into action each step I learn and finish a project before I begin a new one …. That is how I will replace my current income (and more) and be able to quit work!

  • http://www.list-building-profits.com Dan Briffa

    Thanks Rich!

    Everytime i read something from you and apply it i see massive results in my own business.

    My list is growing rapidly now thanks you you. If anybody else needs any help with help grow there business i have some more FREE stuff you can have at http://www.list-building-profits.com

    To everybodys success!

    Dan

  • http://www.givemegreatcredit.com Wayne

    Once again Rich you hit the nail directly on the head. How much fun is it to explain to a few friends what you have been planning for the last few weeks, only to be stunned later to see they did not HAPPEN?

    Give Me Great Credit has had an awesome year!! (Well since it went online….. four months) We have surpassed every goal but one.

    So…. For the last few weeks of this year and into 2009 we are going to do something special.. Since I do not have time for multiple “Gurus” thanks for the smack in the forehead!!

    Now is a GREAT time for me to increase sales, and with this reminder I know just how to do it!!

    Wayne Altman
    http://www.givemegreatcredit.com

  • http://www.viralmoneyexplosion.com Deborah

    Hi Rich,

    I am in the GPS Elite program and have listened and hung on your every word. I do believe because of the lessons you have taught, I will be very successful in the upcoming year. I have learned a lot. I will practice the advice about just jump in and get going. This is great advice.

    I am one of those over thinkers but I can see that once I get going results will follow. In 2009 I plan to jump in with both feet, article writing, social networking, PPC, etc.

    I may even do a video. The future is bright!

    DebbieJ
    http://www.viralmoneyexplosion.com

  • http://www.marketinginaus.com Susan Connors

    Hi Rich

    First of all, thanks for all you have shown me in the last few months.

    It seemed my business was going to go know-where in the last six months. Death has a way of making you face life – whether you like it or not. To cut a long story, I know that I am in the right place at the right time.

    My business is set to explode next year. Systems are being put into place and there is no more holding back. Yes, I could use my four young children as an excuse not to build my business, No! These guys are one of the reasons I want to build a successful business – my business :)

    You see, in helping others we help ourselves. The existing and new sites are being branded in a Aussie way and theme.
    Hey, I am an Aussie born and bred – what better product/s to know than ones in my own back yard?

    All the best to your family, readers and clients! May prosperity be yours, good health, success and more in 2009!
    Remember live each day as it is your last.

    As I can testify to how fleeting life is and I value people, even the annoying guy in the car who cuts me off when I am driving (gotto laugh sometimes)

    All the best

    Sue in Aus
    http://www.marketingforlife.com.au
    Blog: http://www..marketinginaus.com

  • http://www.esqventures.com;www.esq360.com Rich Johnson, Esq.

    Hi Rich,

    I just put down the Maven Matrix Manifesto and after some thought, wanted to share its value to me personally. I understand and agree with defining your Maven and delivering it to your niche market. It finally “clicked” for me. The truth is, I’ve always been a Maven. I had to be in order to achieve all that I have so far. I just didn’t let my Maven continue to be free. Instead, I entered business and the professional world and tried to follow what everyone else was doing. Which lead me to come back to assess what allowed a young man, born in NYC in an immigrant community to break every cycle and achieve success.

    Everyone has an inner Maven, however, its easy to lose touch with the “true” Maven and attempt to transform what works into what is expected. We lose touch of our dream and vision or we attempt to excel using false foundations and principles that are unsustainable.

    I started my business 3 years ago based on my vision of “helping others achieve their dream through property ownership”. The current market has presented challenges to sustain that dream, however, its not a detriment to persisting on the journey I started.

    I started educating myself on marketing and over the last few months became absorbed with leaders such as Dan Kennedy, Yanik Silver, among others. It was amazing as to how much I did not know about business and marketing, yet I was hesitant to give credibility since the lawyer in me was skeptical of the “guru” snake oil sales pitch and secret success formula promises.

    Then I ran across your work and with the same skepticism, I downloaded and began to read your material. The only reason I invested this time with you was because you connected with my needs for not only wanting marketing methods and ideas, but also business management, processes, and laying out a road map for conducting business.

    It also helped that your from NY, named Rich, have ADD, and have real world experiences in business at such an early age.

    I have several visions for my businesses that are personally aligned with my true Maven. I want to thank you for “keeping it real” and reminding me that genuine Mavenism is what attracts your market and establishes a lasting business relationship and bond.

    While I cannot afford to enroll in your coaching program, I have dedicated myself to not only reading all your Manifestos, but also to implement those principles in my ventures.

    Once profits are turned, I will be the first to become immersed and seek your counsel as a mentor.

    Best regards and keep up the great work that you are doing to encourage, educate and guide entrepreneurs that will undoubtedly hold you in as high regard as you do for Jay.

    Rich Johnson, Esq.

  • http://www.Amtrepreneur.com Amtrepreneur

    2008 was a crazy year for me! I went flat broke and moved back to my parent’s house… and went from zero to 100k flipping properties.

    And now next challenge is to go ALL OUT with internet marketing. I can’t stop won’t stop until I make 100k!

    2009 is MY TIME TO SHINE! =)

  • http://www.google-ambush.net Robert

    Hi Rich just checking back to say hello, had to share my news with someone, I finally reached pr1 on yahoo with my website. Woo-hoo! So that helps in the traffic dept. however I wish that silly page would convert arrgh! Time to find another affiliate product to promote. Cheers have a happy holidays to all and happy conversions!
    Robert
    http://www.google-ambush.net

  • http://www.croz.com.au croz

    Hi Rich.

    Thank you for another great year.

    I am in the field of self development and I have read ALL your stuff with interest and found it to be really useful and full of great innovation and thought.

    I would like you to comment on this; I teach that to truly understand and get to grips with any message, you should select one person or teaching that you empathise with and just follow that, until you have a grip on the subject, then and only then you should start to investigate other methods etc..

    What do you think about the situation that you and all the other gurus have created with your affilliate programs and links. You all seem to be in this select circle that promotes very similar messages purely for gain.

    Everyone is chasing around buying and collecting all these different methods to create an online business and effectively getting nowhere because of all the confusion.

    It is rather like buying a load of different cooking books and expecting a cake to appear. Until you just follow one path [initially] and you action that information, it is unlikely that you will get anywhere.

    Do you reccommend following one teacher to get maximum results and if you do, apart from getting your commissions, why do you keep sending out affilliate programs that cover a lot of the ground that you do?

    I strongly suggest that you would get better results for more people, if they just relied on your message.

    I would be very interested in your thoughts.

    Abundance to All

    Croz

  • http://www.dotcomdud.com/category/income-reports/ Blog Income Report

    Thanks for the tips. I am a ‘thinker’ too often instead of a ‘do-er’ but I’ll try and turn that around in 2009. Time to stop sitting on my ideas and turn them into actions!

  • http://vci.org Carlos

    Rich,

    Thank you so much for every thing you are doing for us. I’m a student of your GPS Silver program. I just studied up to Session 11 and I’ve learned so much! and it’s not just great IM, but how to apply all this knowledge to all aspects of my life.

    I want to extend my thanks to your great staff.

    A very happy holidays!!

    Carlos

  • http://tomtomvoices.org TomTom Voices

    Taking action and positive thinking are the most important steps to any sort of success.

    I began IM around 7 months ago and am making close to $100 a day every day. I am sometime really hardworking, sometimes less so, but consistent effort wins the day.

    Thanks for a great blog, very inspirational