I just logged into my Kindle account and found I have just under 7000 books.

I’ll never read most of them.

In fact, all my life I’ve purchased books I never read. I’m okay with that because I read as much as I can and I like having lots of options I can turn to.

Nearly every successful professional is a prolific reader. They read in their field and outside their field. They read books written by and about their colleagues, business leaders and a wide variety of subject matter experts.

They read broadly–to gain insights and ideas, to learn from the mistakes of others, to learn things they never knew and to think about things they’ve always known in different ways.

And when they find a superlative, transformative book, they read it more than once.

On a first reading, they might highlight or underline passages, make notes in the margins or elsewhere, so they can not only process the material at a deeper level, they will have a guide to that material when they return to read it again.

They reread books because each time they do that they pick up new ideas, insights and nuances they didn’t previously see or appreciate. And they reread books because each time they do, they bring to the material a different context. They’ve read other books that support or contrast the ideas in the first one. They’ve implemented the ideas and seen how they worked. They’ve allowed the passage of time to contemplate what they’ve learned. And thus, when they read the book again, they get more out of it.

If you asked them, they might say, “It’s better to read ten good books ten times than to read 100 books once.” And I agree.

How to get more referrals

I’ve messed things up more times than I can remember. Failed business ventures, bad investments, lost cases and clients, lost friendships. I think about these from time to time but I don’t dwell on them because while you can learn from the past, you can’t change it.

I’ve heard that most people think about their past 3 times more often than their future. That’s a waste of time.

Instead, I try to focus on the future. The projects I’m working on, the things I want to accomplish, where I’m going instead of where I’ve been. I get ideas and inspiration from the future I plan to create and the impetus to move forward.

You may wonder why I don’t focus on the present. Why don’t I get my “zen” on?

Because if things aren’t going well presently, what good would it be to think about that? Feel bad about my mistakes or shortcomings? Beat myself up for letting it happen?

Nope.

There’s no value in feeling guilty about your past or your present. Besides, the present is only a moment away from being the past and you have to let that go.

If things are going well, I acknowledge this and enjoy the moment, but no matter how good things are they can always be better and that (in the future) is where I put my attention.

Let go of the past and the present. You can’t change them, you can only change your future.

See you there.

Here’s the formula for creating a better future

There are things you know, things you don’t know, and things you don’t know you don’t know.

Think about your practice. You know how to draft a document or pleading, you know how to introduce yourself to a fellow professional and tell them what you do, you know how to talk to clients about referrals.

And if you don’t know these things, you know you should. Not knowing presents you with the opportunity to learn and grow.

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely

The things you don’t know you’re missing may present your greatest opportunity for growth. That’s why it’s important to continually learn, to study what others have said and done. One idea, one better method, could change everything.

But there’s another benefit to not knowing what you don’t know, although you might not always see it that way.

Not knowing about all of the risks and potential problems that might occur when you take action might be the very thing that allows you to take that action. If you knew everything that could go wrong, you might stop in your tracks.

Is ignorance bliss? Sometimes. Probably more than we know.

Get paid more, get paid faster. Get the check

I’ve been working on a project for a long time. A very long time. Longer than I should.

It’s been that way because I nitpick. I ask too many questions, I consider too many options, and I worry about too many things that could go wrong.

I see others who have done what I want to do who don’t suffer from my affliction. I’m stuck in the planning stage while they’re off doing it. They might make mistakes but they recover and carry on. Me? No mistakes, but no results, either.

Does any of this sound familiar? Do you have projects that aren’t getting done because you’re still researching or planning? Are you too smart for your own good?

Sure, when you and I finally get around to doing things we do them well. We’re smart and we execute well. We just don’t execute enough.

Years ago, I took three years to create and publish my first marketing course. It was great but I wonder if I could have finished it in a few months instead of a few years.

I think I need to dumb things down. Think less and do more. Get something done and get it out into the world.

Notice I said “something”. Not everything. Not the whole enchilada. Just enough to get some results or feedback, to let me know if I’m on the right track.

How does one do that? By breaking the project into components and then setting an impossible deadline for the first one. Don’t give yourself a year, give yourself a month.

Maybe you ask yourself, “What would [someone we know or know of] do?” or “What would I do if I only had six months to live?”

Anyway, if you’re like me, I feel ya. Just wanted to let you know.

Here’s all the planning you need for marketing your services