We’re in the home stretch so congratulate yourself for what you have learned so far in your 10-Day Turnaround.
- Don’t worry - this is not the “end” - it’s actually the beginning - the beginning of a new direction in life for you and new opportunities for growth of your income and your business.
To keep the momentum going in that direction, today’s Insight focuses on…
The 5 Stages Of Growth
I’m sharing this with you today because one of the most common challenges I’ve found amongst entrepreneurs around the world is…
You may actually be on track and ready for a new spurt of growth - but you don’t feel on track or don’t realize just how close you are to what you really want…
…so you don’t take that final step that gets you there and are instead frustrated by not seeing the kind of results you are very capable of experiencing.
I want to prevent that from happening to you and help you be sure you are indeed on the right track and The 5 Stages Of Growth will immediately make that clear to you.
Here’s how The 5 Stages Of Growth work:
- Stage 1: “Blast-Off” - You start something new, are totally excited about it, and often have a short burst of initial progress or success
- Stage 2: “Reality” - You quickly reach a plateau - the initial excitement dims a bit and results drop off a bit; “Reality” hits you in the realization that “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch” and “magic pills” and “get rich quick” ideas don’t work the way they try to promise you they will.
- Stage 3: “The Wall” - You’ve just about had it! Your sense of overwhelm is growing daily and you aren’t sure what to do next, juggling dozens of plates at the same time and totally burning yourself out trying to keep them all going. No matter what you do, nothing seems to work the way you want it to. Your results stall, maybe even creep back toward zero in this Stage. Not surprisingly, this is where most people make a huge mistake by quitting instead of applying all the concepts like the Skills:Performance Ratio adn other strategies you’ve learned in The 10-Day Turnaround.
- Stage 4: “Starting To See The Light” - You decide you aren’t going to be like “most people” and this is your time to really make something out of your life, so you stick with it. The learning and testing finally start to pay off and you begin to see some “light at the end of the tunnel”.
- Stage 5: “The Breakthrough” - Wow! All systems are go. All your dedication and hard work pay off and you are off to the races, results skyrocketing and your life is amazing, exactly the way you always wanted it to be- or even better.
As you read through The 5 Stages, which one do you think you are now in yourself?
Are you willing to make a commitment to yourself to stick with it to get through all 5 Stages so you can experience the exhilaration of “The Breakthrough” in Stage 5?
Here are two critical points to remember to really apply this to your current situation:
- All peaks must be surrounded by two valleys- otherwise they wouldn’t be a peak, eh? ;-) What this means is… Valleys are NORMAL. Feeling stuck is NORMAL. Most of us beat ourselves up because we seem to have some belief that “successful” people never get stuck or go backwards. That, my friend, is just plain false.
- Even feeling like you are moving down instead of up is NORMAL- after all, to go from one peak to the next, we have to walk down the side of the mountain FIRST before we can walk back up the side of the other mountain to get to the new peak.
To move from Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4 into Stage 5, there are two critical keys to understand:
- You must stick with it long enough to develop the skills and execute with those new, better skills. As Billie Jean King, the famous tennis player, once said, “Winners keep playing until they get it right.”
- You must identify the CORRECT actions and skills and focus on your 1% daily improvement that we talked about earlier in this course. Without continuous improvement in your skill set, it’s sheer folly to expect improvement in your results. With continuous improvement, almost anything is possible.
Over the past nine years of coaching more than 1,300 CEOs and top entrepreneurs, I’ve discovered these key reasons why so few people ever experience Stage 5 and I want to give them to you now so you have the maximum possible opportunity for moving into the absolute joy of Stage 5 and beyond.
- The first reason so few people ever experience Stage 5 is they are so busy doing DIFFERENT things every day that they never have a chance to repeat the same key action enough to dramatically improve their skills in that area. Years ago I heard Chet Holmes say, “Black belts don’t practice 1000 moves 12 times each, they practice 12 moves 1000 times each.” I’ve come to the conclusion that for business it’s more like, “Wealthy people don’t practice 1000 moves 3 times each, they practice 3 moves 1000 times each.“ In other words- success has a lot to do with CORRECTLY identifying your “3 moves” and becoming world-class at executing them.
- The “3 moves” that most people think are the correct ones often are not so no matter how much they do them, it won’t get them the results they want. This is so critical that one of the first things I do with all the members of The 2X+1 Mastermind is take them through “The MOA Identification Process” which pinpoints their “3 moves” for them so they can relax and focus on improving those areas, knowing they are right on track toward Stage 5 results.
- People mistake “interested” with “committed.” There is no such thing as partial commitment. That’s like trying to get across a canyon in two jumps. As Yoda told Luke, “There is no ‘try’. There is only do.” Or the same idea expressed in my favorite way: “You can’t steal second with your foot on first.“
- If I asked everyone what they would do to succeed, I’d get an almost unanimous “Anything it takes.” But would you really do anything it takes?
- Would you sell your car and walk and instead take the money you would have spent on the car and invest it in your marketing?
- Would you get up at 5am and spend 2 hours studying and learning in pure quiet before anyone else gets up? Or get up at 5 am and trudge through minus 30 wind chill temperatures to get to the gym and workout so hard you felt like you were ready to puke for the rest of the morning?
- Would you cut back your work hours (and hence, your income) for 6 months so you could free up enough time to really focus on building new income sources?
- Would you take a sales letter you just spent 20 hours writing- and rewrite it 27 times - before it even got sent out once?
I did every single one of those things myself. And they worked. None of them were “sacrifices” to me- they were just steps on the journey I had consciously chosen for myself.
Do you have to do them all to succeed? Absolutely not.
But if you are TRULY serious about experiencing Stage 5, you must remember…
- “TANSTAAFL” - “There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch”. That’s from Robert Heinlein’s novel, The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, one of my favorites. And it is 100% true in the entrepreneurial and wealth-building world. If someone promises you “money for nothing” or any other sort of “make money with no work” or “others will do the work for you while you sit back and cash checks” kind of scheme- RUN the other way, they are just feeding you a line to get you to buy something from them.
- Are you willing to pay the price? The true key to success is to determine the accurate, FULL price of whatever it is you want - that includes the emotional, psychological, and physical price along with the monetary. And then ask yourself, “Am I willing to pay the price?“
If the answer is YES - awesome - you have what it takes to experience the exhilaration of Stage 5.
And now it’s time to put you on that path toward Stage 5 breakthrough results. In today’s Action Plan, we’re going to put The 5 Stages Of Growth to work to help you do just that.
Click here to access it now.
And before you click, share by posting a comment below what you have learned so far in today’s Insight.
October 1st, 2008 at 1:18 am
Hey Jeff, I am just in at level 4 and even if I lose everthing I own I will not quit!
I will find a way to get on the internet and make my mark!
October 1st, 2008 at 3:55 am
I LEARNED F.A.C.I.T. ; FOCUS , ATTITUDE , COMMITMENT , IDENTIFY (PROBLEM) , TENACITY. THE FIVE STAGES REQUIRE THE ABOVE TOOLS TO SUCCEED. ‘ NOTHING IN THIS WORLD WORTH WANTING IS EASY TO ATTAIN’ WORKHARD FOR EVERTHING YOU GETAND YOU MUST PAY THE PRICE! GERRY R.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:02 am
I was so totally focused on what I wanted out of life that somewhere along the way I just got lost.I know now that there is a beginning and an unlimited end. I have spent all my money on trying to find the beginning of Internet Marketing to challenge myself in making a better life for myself. All the Gurus have sent me different ways to do it, but no one has yet said you do this first and then do that. Perhaps I’m asking for too much, but I have never done anything technical before because I spent all the years working as a Saleswoman to feed my family. I’ve never had the eduction on a computer, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to make this work. I will never quit until I have mastered my life and the way I want to live it.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:58 am
Jeff - thank you - looking at the 5 stages of growth I realise I am at the wall… All too often entrepreneurs fail (or don’t know how) to analyze themselves. I have just started with the 10 Day Turnaround and pretty much jumped in at this point.
Thanks for your insight and advice
Peter
October 1st, 2008 at 7:44 am
It’s so easy to lose faith and diverge into other paths when things go wrong but if you really want results, you just need to keep on doing the basics (your 3 things) — get focused!
October 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am
I love the quotes:
Years ago I heard Chet Holmes say, “Black belts don’t practice 1000 moves 12 times each, they practice 12 moves 1000 times each.” I’ve come to the conclusion that for business it’s more like, “Wealthy people don’t practice 1000 moves 3 times each, they practice 3 moves 1000 times each.“
It is so easy to get caught up in all the “new and improved” stuff out there that you jump from one thing to the next without ever moving through the 5 stages.
Personally I must say that I excel at stage 1, I love trying new things. However, I always get stuck between stages 2 and 3.
Thanks for the insights Jeff, and for telling it like it is.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:54 am
I don’t know where I am in the Five Stages. But I do know that I’m somewhere in the valley looking up at the mountain trying to find a way to reach the top. I don’t know how I’m going to reach the top of the mountain, but if there’s a will then there’s a way…I’ll find the way because I have the will. Thank you for today’s insight.
SKelly
October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am
Today’s pre- lesson really hit the nail right on the head, Jeff.
As most of you know, who read these comments, I love quotes. I am a teacher. I teach with quotes and short stories. So todays comment ( quote ) comes from a successful man who had Great determination, wisdom, and definitely, insight.
” Opportunity is Missed by Most People Because
it is Dressed in Overalls and Looks Like Work…” - Henry Ford -
Hey guys And girls remember this;
” Failure Can Not Handle persistence…”
Get a Free Quote a Day
http://ww.gainuniquewisdom.com
October 1st, 2008 at 9:23 am
Stay with one action until it is mastered and becomes second nature.
Always be PERSISTANT and COMMIT to achieve the joy of success in each phase of the journey.
Create an undying DETERMINATION to pay the price it takes to succeed.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:33 am
You’re absolutely right, Jeff. There is no magic button that will start the money rolling in. That is the most important issue that must be overcome. Once you finally agree that the magic button doesn’t exist, you can go forward. Time to get down to business and make it happen.
Thanks for your inspiration,
JoAnn
October 1st, 2008 at 11:31 am
Jeff - This is so true. What perplexes me is how come I understood this concept as a former employee in corporate America, but when it comes to my start-up business, the five steps were far more elusive and had less clarity. This is simply wonderful. Thank you.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:37 am
I must clarify what my goals require in time and effort early on. Then compare the market potential for my time/expense layout. Prepare an effective game plan and motivators to keep me on track when the valleys appear with jeering clowns resting while I labor on. Improving my artistic skills will bring psychological energy and NLP training will enhance both my private and teaching income and the impact of my design work. My last posting showed what needs to be done and how to create time/space excess capacity to allow ideas to blossom.
October 1st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Hi Jeff! How you understand us all! I’m at a stage where I’m trying out too many things as I’m bombarded with too many emails, telling me how great their systems are. It is hard to choose when you have too many choices, but not the skill or know-how to make the right choices. Wish I had you for a mentor from the beginning! Or, perhaps I had to learn from my mistakes to appreciate when I come across a good one? Thanks a million for all your help. Look forward to tomorrow! Margit
October 1st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
In my late 20’s I decided that I wanted to compete in the world of show jumping (horses). I started from scratch with no money and no horse. I worked for lessons every day form 6 am- 7 days a week and eventually “leased” my first horse. My riding kept getting better and I started to “show”. I never got a ribbon - I was very disappointed - but kept at it for 2 more years. I bought a baby Thoroughbred which I broke and trained ( 3 more years ) and started to show her. I showed her to the tri- state Hunter Champion (NY-NJ-CONN) for 3 years in a row. Along with her I brought 3 more of my own horses and many others to championships in Pleasure and Hunters for the nest 20 years. I never gave up.
I am trying to apply the same tenacity and dedication to my marketing business as I have to my horses. I hit many “walls” of “I don’t think I can do this” but I carried on and overcame myself. I should be able to do it again thanks to you - I just need to clear my focus..
The learning curve for this Internet Business has been very steep as I started in my “retirement” years. You have given me a real kick in the fanny to apply something I already should know how to do but just forgot that I could. Your words of encouragement have been “right on”. You have obviously “been there”. Thank you so much
October 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Great insight Jeff! Knowing the 5 Stages of Growth puts my ‘Journey To Online Success’ into perspective. It’s also nice to know I’m normal! Understanding these stages gives me confidence that I’m on the right track and motivatation to keep moving forward.
Thanks Jeff!
Donna
October 1st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I am developing three businesses (Internet based). I am at Step 2 and Step 3 of the five stages.
I am getting up an hour earlier, modest exercise (daily–everyday!) and I contemplate selling my car. I am more mentally efficient in the morning, and the extra money from selling my car (lease with 23 months left from a 48-month lease) will replace/offset a recent loss to my income.
Lip service is cheap, and I want to say I will pay the price, but since actions are louder than words, I will just ‘do’ and pay the price! You see, part of the feeling (overwhelmed) is my mounting (increasing) debt which is over the top.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I remember going through the Andes mountains and arriving in Andorra which is sandwiched in between two huge mountains - the country was rugged and beautiful but one had to be aware that a few steps and you could hit a mountain. But alas, it reminds me that I must blast off (again), hit the reality button (again), bounce over the wall (again) and see the light, so that a breakthrough is defined. HERE GOES!!!!
October 1st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Jeff,
Any change you could put the link on this so we can go back to a previous day, as the other posts have had at the top of the post. I lost the day 8 e-mail in a debacle with Outlook before I had a chance to be done with it.
Thanks.
October 1st, 2008 at 6:59 pm
persistence and commitment I have. What stumps me is when the few skills needed keep changing! I’ll get it. I’m stubborn. I’m not going anywhere. maybe its time for a different perspective. instead of dynamite maybe i need a hotairballoon! I love your perspectives. Mine is a tricky one but I was thinking you are right .sometimes when one goes away and acts like a kid you come back with a fresh perspective ALA breakthrough as long as one is willing to pay the price one can reach the goal. Thank you I have enjoyed the course.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
It looks like step 4 for me at this point Jeff. Thanks again.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I really like this. It is so true, and it makes sense. It all ties back into the last 8 steps. In order to get to your goal you have to keep trudging along, even when you don’t feel like you see an end in sight. Finally it will happen. I have heard this scenerio time and again where people are just about to give up what they are working so hard for because the don’t see what they are wanting, but they hold on a little longer and their life changes. I have never been the one to hold on. I don’t think I quite understood it. I know it will take time and effort, but I loose my patience. I am not doing that this time. I am going to do what it takes. I like the idea of getting up early to get a couple of hours of focus time. I can do that.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Wow this takes the ten days over the top in giving us the the complete picture and perspective that will keep us on our path to success! A hearty thank you Jeff… look forward to your call tomorrow.
Sunita
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 am
So, here we are,near the end of this most enlightening journey. what does it come down to? “If it is to be, it is up to me.” I don’t know who first said that, but it says it all. I f you shall receive, you have to WANT IT! THAT IS, WAN IT, CRAVE IT , HAVE TO HJAVE IT! You can not simply desire it. You can not wish for it. You must want it more than everything else.
Oh, how many of us think we want it, only to, in truth,simply wish for it.
Tis an old song with one line—”sad, sad, that mournfull wail, almost but lost.” That song referes to losing one’s soul- and I hope that none of us on this 10 day excursion looses his/her soul for the dollor. None the less, if you shall succeed, it shall be because you want it. There is no free lunch.
Three and 1/2 years ago, I retired from my day job because of my wife/s failing health. She needed some help. Today, she needs a lot more help. At times, I think I just can’t get anywhere with this internet thing. I even start worrying about the credit card bills I have wrung up, and how I must start gettding something in to codver them.
But I always come back to my real reason for wanting this income. I SHALL see a school established where fthe little church I attend is building the new sanctuary. The land is out from town a little way in an established community that is destined to just explode in the near future.Those people need a Christian school.
Jeff, thanks again for putting my head back straight. To God be the glory.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:55 am
I have often heard the phrase, ‘work smarter, not harder,’ but, I think if you work hard at getting smarter, everything else will fall into place. There are some qualifiers though, You have to be smart about yourself first, know your strengths and weaknesses. Keep your strengths fine tuned and continue to work on your weaknesses so they become strengths. All that’s left is working smarter, not harder. I don’t mean just book smart, I mean street smart, business smart, common sense smart. There is so much more I could write here that relates to the insights on this lesson, but it’s getting late and I have to get up a 4 am two more mornings, so I’ll knock it off here. This is so far my favorite lesson Jeff, excellent work, keep it up.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:26 am
The strangest thing is, just before I came across to this page I had just written a poem for the first time in several years - about ‘normality’ and climbing the mountain to fly free on wings of unconventionality, inspired by some of the thought processes you already set in play.
It’s at: http://crystalsquest.com/on-wings-of-unconventionality/
BTW I’m at level 4, and looking forward to the call. It’s 11am during the day down here in Oz, so I’ve told them I’m taking an early lunch and borrowing an office to listen to it - recharging my phone card tonight. Catch you then!
Crystal
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 am
Jeff,
I too am at level 4 with several of my internet businesses and have decided to put ALL the others on hold. Like so many people, I’ve signed up to all sorts of things that sounded like the answer to my prayers. Now I’ve got to knuckle down and get each on that will, up and running in turn.
As I don’t have a car, go to the gym, or actually leave my house very often, it’s difficult for me to actually give anything up. All I can do is be persistent.
Jane.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I’m stuck at the reality stage. now I believe I can move on.. Thanks Jeff