Today’s Insight explains precisely why many of us struggle to achieve the kinds of results we want in our businesses – and gives you the immediate method to get out of any slump you are in and move on to new levels of growth and success. I call this…
The Ty Cobb Turnaround
If you’re a baseball fan, you already know Ty Cobb was one of the greatest hitters who ever lived. He was a huge star for the Detroit Tigers back in the early 1900s and was one of the only men ever to hit over .400 for a complete season, and until Pete Rose broke his record, had more career base hits than anyone else ever.
Despite being such a prolific hitter, Ty Cobb occasionally got into slumps just like the rest of us do.
- (Note to self: If you feel like you are in a slump or stuck- that is NORMAL, even the best get into them regularly.)
I remember way back when I was a kid reading about how Ty got out of slumps and it’s one of those things that’s stuck with me throughout life and is directly applicable to our 10-Day Turnaround.
What Cobb had discovered is the secret to getting out of slumps – in his case, a batting slump – in our case, a slump in life or business – and it also applies to any area we are stuck in, even if we wouldn’t call it a “slump” we are experiencing in that area.
Supposedly, when Cobb was in a slump, he forgot about getting a base hit – and instead all he did was focus on hitting the ball straight back at the pitcher- as hard as he possibly could. He didn’t care whether he got a hit or not- just wanted to hit the ball hard, that’s it.
Now, on the surface, this seems a bit paradoxical – after all, why go up to the plate at all if you’re not even going to try to get a hit?
Or why bother with doing stuff for our business if we’re not even trying to make any money?
It’s really quite simple- and quite powerful.
Cobb realized that he had no control over whether or not he got a hit – even if he did his job perfectly, an opposing player could make a diving catch and rob him of a base hit.
So what he focused on instead was the basics – the true fundamentals of his profession- the things he COULD control. He knew if he did the fundamentals consistently and did them well enough… the hits would come.
In other words- his RESULTS – the hits – were merely a byproduct of his actions – extra time in the batting cage to hone his swing so he could hit the ball hard.
So there was no way he could commit to or even focus on getting hits because he had no control over that. What he could commit to and focus on were two things: 1) practicing his swing and 2) making contact with the ball and putting the ball into play.
Our businesses work the same way –
We obsess about setting goals to reach a certain income level – and beat ourselves up when we don’t reach those goals. The reality, though is…
There’s no way to commit to a goal that involves RESULTS (like income)
- Our results are merely a byproduct of our actions. (Write that down, it’s a huge insight for growth)
Take the right actions consistently and the results will take care of themselves.
So the first part of The Ty Cobb Turnaround is…
Temporarily forget about your results. Instead focus on what actions to take, such that the natural byproduct of taking those actions consistently would be to get the results you want.
- What ideas and new avenues for growth are you having as you ponder today’s Insight? What’s one simple way you could apply them in your life or business today?
Share them by posting a comment below.
And then zip on over to see the Action Plan for today that I’ve put together for you.
Here’s the link to click to see it now.
-Jeff
September 24th, 2008 at 4:41 am
I need to stay focused and Not get sidetracked.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:04 am
Get lots of rest so you’ll be at your best to do tasks at hand.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:43 am
I spend hours just answering emails. So from today, I will flick through my emails and look for the ones that need immediate attention and spend more time reading and learning from the educational emails I receive. I will also change my habits and use my time more effectively.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Great! It occurs to me that I am not in touch with my clients enough. I resove to sending at least 3 thank-you notes (hand written) every day for 5 days a week,a and to phone the following week to get birth dates for my records and to phone on birth dates to remember my clients.
Thanks
September 24th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Yesterday when we all started with a blank page thr first thing that came
to mind was “the basics” and I realized that I was too comfortable with my
results of the last week, So I went and tweaked my ads and made sure I had credits
where needed and set followups for this afternoon. progress will definately follow!
Thanks Jeff
September 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
keep working at my plans to achieve my goals, wheather I feel like it or not.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:09 am
In order to take action I have to turn off emails and concentrate on the important results producing activity for 80% of my time and leave the rest to 20% of my time. This is so good in print and so hard to implement until it actually clicks in your brain! And I believe by following your work, I am about 25% there and am looking forward to reaching my ‘productive state’!
Sunita Pandit
September 24th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Thanks Jeff! The Ty Cobb insight is helping me understand at a deeper level how critical daily actions are to achieving future results.
The focus on smaller pieces makes it (the result) much more achievable. And I know that having little successes each day will do wonders for my energy and excitement while growing my personal and business areas. Cool!
This is a great lesson and I can’t wait to get started on our action plans for today!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Since I just got my site up, I will focus on small steps to success until the site is bringing in money which is the ultimate goal. Instead of being concerned that a small goal is not attainable within a certain time frame, I will focus on the ultimate success of the small step.
Thank you,
JoAnn
September 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
First action for business is the fundamentals - send out media placement ads each day. Your Ty Cobb story remind me of fishing for trout and steelhead in Northern California, just north of Eureka. After learning about the types of poles, lines, reels, hooks and baits then you were able to start fishing. I soon learned that if I just stood fishing at 1 hole all day I wouldn’t catch much but if I fished 50 different holes on the river I had much more success. Well, soon I learned more about the habits of fish and the types of holes they liked to hang-out in which raised my success rate some more. Now fishing the way I fished was hard work climbing over rocks, cliffs, logs, brush, falling in the river but it always turned out to be a beautiful, peaciful and always rewarding day,even if I didn’t catch fish.
Jeff, thanks for the inspiration today, Ty Coob illustration got me focused on what I need to do consistantly everyday and a reminder of how business and fishing have many things in common.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I think I am doing this now. But there is always the background conversation of “when will I see some results?”. Since there are real life consequences for not seeing the results- the background conversation is very loud. I believe it will work out- but will it work out in time?
September 24th, 2008 at 9:40 am
I need to STOP thinking I have to earn big money and be happy earning ANY money on my internet business. What brings in a sale? One sale to start. Then do that again, and again, and again! OK I can do that!
September 24th, 2008 at 10:39 am
My book shelf is full of PD stuff that needs to be read and implemented. what I need to do now is take Action Action Action. As Nike said Just Do It. One step at a time. Take one programme and follow it through to the end doing EVERYTHING they tell me to do.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Focus on one project at a time and complete it before starting other projects that require your time. Finish the project that needs to be finished first. Then go to the next project that needs to be completed.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:47 am
At the moment,everything is getting on top of me, exams looming( I’m doing a degree course for pleasure! businesses not growing and my home life falling apart because of lack of support from my partner.
But from today, I’m going to put myself first, until my exams are over and then sort out the other things.
Everything will work out just fine in the end. It always does if one believes it will. I’d just forgotten that I used to live by that belief.
Making us look at things that are really important to us, is such a great way to move us forward.
Thanks for this chance Jeff.
Jane.
September 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Some yrs ago in Wash. State I used to fish for trout the same way Don does but fell away from it due to restrictions and fee increases. I now live in north central Pa. where there are many places to fish for trout in walking distance from the house. I can remember that I used to be recharged after a fishing trip down and then back up the stream. One way or the other I used to catch the fish. Now it’s time to work my techniques into my business and get to fishing, and recharge.
THANKS EVERYONE
Jeffrey
September 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I am applying the principle of Kaizen…gradual steps to help me achieve the results I want which is ultimately based on my ACTIONS, IMPLEMENTATION, and DELEGATION. Some things that we do in business - the results can’t be measured - sometimes the act of action or implementing will bring you results but not directly from the action or idea that you implemented.
One of my favorite quotes is from Will Rogers: “Even if you are on the RIGHT track - if you don’t move you will still get ran over!”
September 24th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Thanks Jeff,
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a first step. Well that’s good to propel you into action but Ty Cobb’s method will keep you there UNTIL the results come.
Great way to work and great way to live. This brings me to something I read somewhere a short while ago. Ask yourself : ”What is the most productive thing I can do right now”
Martyne
September 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I need to stop focusing so much on the end result, which can be overwhelming because I have big goals/dreams, and focus what it will take to achieve that end result.
Then I need to put my plan into action, and take it one step at a time.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I need to prioritize and focus and get more rest and some time for me.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Thanks for todays encouragement.
Focus on my action and the results will come, as you’ve stated, ” results are merely a
by-products of our actions.”
September 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
it is good sometimes to remind ourselves to enjoy each day and not waste it as we so often do. After reading what you have said today we need to do the best we can each day. I decided now when I wake up tomorrow I am going to make a choice to do things better, and to be more cheerful and positive everywhere I go. With everything that is going on sometimes it is not always that easy but I can try. We all know when we are kind and patient we feel good but when one is unfriendly or disiniterested we end off the day by not feeling that great about ourselves or anything really. If we have a good day and do our best to remain calm and cheerful we seem to get a lot more done and are more positive about what we can achieve. So let’s keep on trying and take one day at a time and make a choice to be in a good mood and smile
September 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I agree with the people who said get away from email. I am trying to eliminate it by deciding who to unsubscribe from. It isn’t working very well. I still get a ton. I plan to start tomorrow, just reading the turnaround email and doing that first thing (I have vision problems so it may not be really early), then tackle my website. It is far along enough to release but I need to get a few things, like site map, etc. done for traffic and tracking. Then, I have a ton of other content to add as time goes by. I don’t have a product listed yet, but I do have a couple that apply to my niche.
I know waiting for tomorrow is not wise but, if I follow the action plan and take care of my family (meals, talks, etc) it will be tomorrow anyway.
I loved the blank page day. It put a few things into perspective. My daughter thought it was a good idea, too.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I have learnt a lesson from today’s insight: To shift my focus from results to action. Thanks.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
You have to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run.
Baby steps.
Thank you.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
As Nike says, “Just do it!”
September 24th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I will be more consistant at prioritising my day so that I achieve at least one thing that plants a seed for the future of my business.
September 24th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Amazing how such a simple phrase — “take the right actions consistently and the results will take care of themselves” can really make you think! I believe my difficulties have come from literally multi-tasking across so many fronts, that it is nearly impossible to produce a single finished product. I always feel that time is against me and I have to complete a little bit of everything in order to accomplish my goals. Truth in fact, what it ultimately produces is a lack of overall task completion and the resulting feeling is a profound lack of accomplishment. As a result of yesterday’s “blank page” exercise, I created a list of priorities, to be completed serially vs. simultaneously. Today’s insight inspires me to continue on this course by taking the right actions consistently, completing one task and then moving on to the next. I am also inspired by someone’s comments about only reading critical emails. I don’t know about the rest of the team, but my mailboxes are flooded daily and it is such a distraction. I have resolved to use 80% of my time constructively achieving my action items every day and 20% catching up on emails. This feels very good.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
The emphasis at my “real job” is always on results with little attention to a workable plan of action. Consequently, the frustration level is incredible at every level and price is always the first concession to drive business. I hope to avoid this minefield and appreciate the insight you shared.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I hope you’re going to teach us the fundamental techniques on which we need to concentrate. Batter up!!
September 24th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Great Ty Cobb Story. Made me think about realigning my basic business plan. Make a solid start, stick to the basics and be more deliberate everyday to succeed in striking the ball. Success will come. Averages will go up.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:41 am
The Ty Cobb story made me realize I need to concentrate on the things that I can do , shake up the old priority list and move on with my business.The best thing being ,there won’t be “three strikes and you’re out” because starting with a clean slate will take the pressure off.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:07 am
IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM -” I D I F ” FOCUS ON IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM : IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM , DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM , IMPLEMENT THE ACTION PLAN YOU DEVELOPED , FOLLOWUP TO MAKE SURE IT IS WORKING (MAKING CHANGES AS REQUIRED). GERRY
September 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Thanks, Like Gordon says, I need to remember to stay in touch with my clients better. I’m going to start sending notes to them…new ones, thanking them for coming in to see me; old ones, thanking them for their continued business. Also, start remembering, everyday what I like about what I’m doing.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Thank you so much for your insight, sometimes we need someone to point out our weakness so it can be delt with.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for your incisive words,jeff…I keep thinking of how to apply them in my life and business activities…and guys, it works!
Some couple of months ago, I read brian tracy’s ”GOALS’ book , then decided to write out my 15 plans daily,morning and evening…after 30 days, was surprised to see I’ve achieved close to 5 of them!…the challenge now is to work up my motivation to continue what I did previously so as to continue the goal achievement…since its like I’m in a plateau right now after getting most of what I wanted..
Setting, writing and acting out your goals do work,guys, and I’m happy for the inspiration jeff is giving us…
September 25th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Up until recently I’ve been spinning my wheels. Recently I’ve taken a different course. As the first two lessons have shown I seem to be on the right track. I’m looking forward to the future lessons. I seem to have covered the first two already. Loved the blank page and each small steps eventfully will lead to success. I’m definitely going to share this information with the small team I’ve been able to assemble up to this point.
September 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
The quote you put in that says our results are a byproduct of our actions is so true. Just today I experienced this when we were making a product changeover and we failed to follow changeover procedure by trying to take shortcuts and we ended up having things happen which would not have happened if we had followed procedure.
September 27th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Interesting insight, I enjoyed Cobb’s point of view.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:22 am
This evening I did the unthinkable. I did NOT turn on the TV. I visited with a friend I hadn’t talked to for a while and instead of watching TV until much too late, I am going to bed early to get a good night’s sleep.
September 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Simple - one simple step EVERY DAY to move myself forward. But that EVERY DAY is the key.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Jeff, Good insight with the Ty Cobb story. I played baseball from teeball to the Pony leagues which is about 10 years and now that I am older I started playing softball about three years ago. From age 14 to age 33 or 34 I didn’t play. When I grabbed that softball bat after such a long lapse I could only hear 2 things… “Keep your eye on the ball and swing the bat level” Advice I had gotten many years before from my Dad and my Coaches. I actually had a flood of good memories that I was able to relive. The feel of the cleats digging into the clay and the smell of the field sent those memories of being a kid right back to me. I repeated those instructions as I stood in that batters box for the first time in forever and nailed a liner right back over the pitcher’s head for a hit. In the years I played and even now, I NEVER hit a home run, but I didn’t need one to earn the nickname “HERO” when I drove an opposite field liner down the third base line to score the tying and winning run in the championship game of my first dixie youth baseball season. I just followed those instructions, even though I was late on the swing. AHH the memories…Thanks Jeff for that insight and letting me reflect on how the basics lead to my early success.
Fundamentally Sound,
Donald
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 pm
How do you spell “day two application” again?