Navigating The Head Junk – DISCUSSION

Published by Mike Michalowicz (Google+)

This blog post is here to specifically discuss the "Head Junk" video - if you haven't seen it you can click on the graphic below to watch it. In the video I share 5 key strategies to navigating one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face. So, what are your thoughts, strategies and suggestions?  Share your comments below.

Category: Skill Toolbox
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  • Justin James

    love the vlog and blogs u post up. love to meet ya for sure cause i gotta lot of head junk im trying to clean out!

    Justin James
    http://www.midwestmotorclub.com
    http://www.awddonuts.wordpress.com

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Justin – Thanks! Happy you loved the vlog. I hope you can use some of the strategies. I think we all suffer from major head junk at times (I know I do), but when I apply those techniques things change for sure. The biggest thing that works for me is simply surrounding myself with positive/driven people. Makes a world of difference.

    - Mike

  • http://www.hillcountryhistorian.com Michelle Hill

    I think the “Info Overload” is actually two-fold. Yes, you can prove anything on the internet, but also you can get bogged down in “internet research”. A person can spend days trying to find out information on a topic and never even realize the time was gone. For example, last week I decided that my website is ineffective in converting visitors to customers. So I spent several days “researching” how to improve it. To date, I haven’t made any updates because of my research, and I was almost late in delivering a product to one of my clients.

  • http://www.ChicksAtSea.com Sandy Wheeler

    enjoyed the video. I know all these things, but constantly have to be reminded of them. I particularly liked hearing you say you don’t listen to the news. Has been my philosophy for years–too much negative! I am girls getaway coordinator for our travel agency, and spend a lot of time trying to get women to see the value of treating themselves well. Hanging out together, taking trips together builds a kind of energy that women need so badly. But getting them to turn lose of their responsibilities as wife, mother, worker, etc even long enough to take a cruise can be a challenge. I appreciate your comments on thinking little/vs/big. I think that provided the strongest impact. Keep reminding me, thanks!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Michelle – Agreed with your point, that it can bog you down. So the question I have for you, is how do you find stuff efficiently on the Internet?

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Sandy – Here is something funny I have observed about the news… even though I don’t watch it on TV nor check it out on the Internet, I still get all the current stuff. When Michael Jackson passed away, they interrupted a song playing on the radio. When Obama was elected president, it was within an email to me from a friend within seconds.

    The funny thing is when I don’t watch the news, the really important and interesting news filters through automatically.

    I have a question for you… how do you in fact get the busy moms, wives and workers away? I mean to get out of the rat race for a little is so important, yet so difficult. What is your trick to breaking the pattern?

  • http://www.asocapital.com diane concialdi

    Great info! This past week was a pretty negative week as far as business goes and your point about info overload was the problem. I have 2 businesses and 1 job trying to help support these businesses. Is this a good idea? My focus gets out of whack, and then feel I’m not doing enough in either one of my businesses.

  • http://www.niyacristine.com Niya Sisk

    Love this video. It’s the kick in the butt I need today. My issue is having too much passion and going after 3 business ideas at once and pooping out. People tell me I think TOO Big. Is this possible? Anyway, working on choosing just one, not easy. Thanks again for all your inspiring and wise words!

    Niya.

  • Gaylean Woods

    Mike great information. I agree we all have head junk. The five that you discussed are only the tip of the iceberg that can be even bigger than you addressed. I try to run from the negative people and look for the positive ones. I look for those pwople in my industry (training) who have made it and ask them about their success. The problem I’m having is that they always want money to talk to you about their success. How can we help each other if we want to get rich from those who ask those simple question, “How did you get there?” How do you find those willing to give you encouragement and feedback?

    One last note I have been guilty of small thinking. I think it has a lot to do with being unsure. I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced that feeling of being unsure?

  • http://www.hillcountryhistorian.com Michelle Hill

    I probably do not take the most effective approaches. When I first started, I read an awful lot of business books and then joined some small business organizations (most of which have not been that insightful). My most recent efforts have been dedicated to looking at the websites of those who are in similar businesses (found through a trade organization). These companies are not my direct competition, but I wanted to see how they overcame the same issues that I’m facing.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Diane – It kinda reminds me of Michael Jordan. I mean, he was the best basketball player of all time. An amazing athlete. I don’t know if you remember this, but he played minor league baseball (Chicago White Cox) and SUCKED. And his basketball started to slip during that time.

    The point is, I think we are all GREAT at something. But not great at many things. When we focus on one thing, and truly master it. I mean really, really master it – we become the world’s best and all the rewards are there.

    What are your strengths? What is your biggest passion and love in life? Can you do that and master it?

  • http://www.onmyownnow.com Donna Lee Schillinger

    Thanks, Mike. Agree with almost all you put forth. My main problem is trying to find the right kind of people to hang out with. I really don’t have any personal relationships with highly successful people and I live in the boonies, so it’s not as easy as joining the country club to meet some. I feel a real need for the kind of encouragement/example they can provide. I do try to read a lot of biographies of successful people, but it’s just not the same as a personal relationship.
    The part that I didn’t necessarily agree with is the percentage (at best) that I’m right. I’m more like 90%! :)

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Niya & @Diane – Talk about being in the same boat. Sounds like almost the identical situation. You two should talk and share insights.

    @Niya – No F’ing WAY are you thinking TOO BIG. NO WAY. YOU MUST THINK BIG. BIG!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://www.workstyle-lifestyle.com Lowell Ann Fuglsang

    Often the Naysayers are ourselves. We pick up a lot of our beliefs from childhood, and the trick is to discover them and then clear them. Easier said than done!

    Another observation about TV – So many get a lot of their sleep in front of it. We need quiet, restful, tranquil sleep and enough of it. When we are rested, we can be way more optimistic and focused.

  • http://rocketridebooks.com Anthony Rotolo

    Great stuff. Great pep talk.
    This is a good followup to the recent “I’m a failure” blog exercise. We have to be ever learning, ever growing, viewing our “failures” as progress, all while surrounding ourselves with the right thoughts and beliefs – whether via personal mentors or great books. We need to marinade in the big, good thoughts!

    Thanks!

  • Ray

    Great vlog. I personally struggle with this one, which falls into the category of too much information:

    Paralysis through analysis…that’s the one that get’s me nine times out of ten. I will pull the trigger once I have this question answered or this piece of the puzzle in place. I struggle with it everyday.

  • http://www.YourVirtualPatner.org Bobbie

    Michelle — loved your comment. This happens to me all the time when I’m doing research for clients! I’m just too curious!!
    Bobbie

  • http://www.TeaCHildMath.com Eugenia Francis

    Thanks for your Entrepreneurship 101 lecture on Head Junk.
    Entrepreneurship is a crash MBA program. I have become skilled at product development, guerrilla marketing, sales, networking and strategic planning. How did this happen? By doing it myself! For the Naysayers:
    “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” Seneca.

  • http://www.ChicksAtSea.com Sandy Wheeler

    I am making some progress getting women to see the advantages to themselves AND everyone around them, but it is slow. Perhaps I should create a blogcast “Head Trash especially for Women”. I twitter, myspace, blog, have 2 websites, facebook–the marketing is there–but it’s difficult to overcome the idea I AM NOT A GOOD WIFE, MOTHER. etc. etc if I don’t sacrifice myself. No money, no time, kids will become drug addicts and drop out of school, hubby will be upset—women pile more and more on themselves. The key to it is “englightened” group leaders or pied pipers who will bring other women along with them. and for women to realize that being a martyr is not a virture, that they deserve a cruise too.

  • http://biogreenfootprint.com carla

    Thank you for 5 easy conscious head friendly tips that I can begin employing today- getting rid of information overload, and thinking huge everyday! Eliminating the unnecessary junk to create more space for my million dollars future which is looking better everyday.

  • Dan

    Hi Mike, very interesting topic on vlog. I am very new to all this business stuff. And i just started to work on it and working to become an entrepreneur.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @ EVERYONE – This is a great question from Gaylean! What do you suggest…

    “I have been guilty of small thinking. I think it has a lot to do with being unsure. I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced that feeling of being unsure?”

  • http://www.activeport.com Julie Fogg

    Mike – I always have a hard time finding awesome people to network with that are “excited to be there.” I suggest a weekly group conference call that you can lead. Everyone can pitch in a nominal fee for your time & we can slowly get to know one another. Local contacts would be best for me but I’m happy to do a long-distance thing. I was thinking about joining a local golf-networking club for this purpose but was left with a sour taste in my mouth by the CEO of the organization. People like @chrisbrogan and you have left me expecting more and I know you have people watching this blog that could benefit from a weekly experience with other entrepreneurs that are EXCITED TO BE HERE. Let me know what you think!

    Julie Fogg
    @juliefogg

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Gaylean – I agree it is merely the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to discuss.

    In regards to people billing for their expertise, I think it makes sense. I mean, if they provide me with information, inspiration and motivation – and can make it happen now… and if I went it alone it would take months or years… I would (and have) paid a king’s ransom.

    I paid one business exec $750/hour (yes AN HOUR) for helping me navigate the near crash of my first company (I made some STUPID mistakes). 20 hours later, I had my business back and growing and generating $2M+. It was WELL worth the investment!!!

    What pisses me off is when people label themselves as a coach, or guru, or expert and they CAN’T deliver. I only put my faith in been-there, done-that people… not the researcher and the pontificaters, but ONLY THE PEOPLE who have been there.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Donna – LOL. 90% right… me too! They are out there for sure, but I suspect they aren’t at the country clubs as much as they are working in their offices. Perhaps you could start a club of your own.

    Or better yet, keep participating here on the TPE. I am working HARD on connecting everyone here. I mean everyone here is on the same page, and we need to connect… so that is my mission. :>)

    - Mike

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Lowell – So here is a question for you. Totally hypothetical. Say you are a guy, around 37 and you are married. Let’s say your wife likes to fall asleep to watching the TV and that you (the guy) struggle to fall asleep. How (hypothetically speaking) do you navigate that without pissing off your better half?

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – Anthony just shared the quote of the century -

    “We need to marinade in the big, good thoughts!”

    Thanks, Anthony!

    - Mike

  • http://www.YourVirtualPatner.org Bobbie

    Awesome comments by everyone … funny how we all “suffer” from being too “human” sometimes! It really helps knowing tho that you’re not alone and probably pretty “normal”! (Not that my family is convinced of that!)
    Two of my favorite magazines are Entrepreneur and Success. I make it a point to read something out of each everyday to keep myself motivated and my goals aimed at the “bigger picture.”
    Not everything works for everyone … but if you take what you need from each person who’s “made it” … pretty soon you’ll have an absolute impressive arsenal of skills that work for YOU!

  • http://www.enthusemarketing.com Tamsin

    Hi Mike,

    Thanks for this video set.

    My thoughts:
    - I kind of knew most of it.
    - I kind of do some of it (good and bad) – but could do much better!
    - I am a sucker for info-overload and not thinking big enough, which I am sure has a lot to do with my personality type – but I believe that we can all change our personalities if we want to (in the sense of personality profiling).

    Some of the other comments and questions here are really useful and interesting.

    Re: TV/Sleep. I suffer from my hubby falling asleep in front of the TV and then waking up to watch the news right before going to bed! I now go to bed and leave him to watch the news alone, so I get my half-hour’s-worth of fiction reading that I need to go to sleep. :)

    I love to enjoy good thoughts – now I’m off to marinade in them and pump them up to giant size too!

    Thanks again!

    Tamsin
    @Tamtam10000

  • http://www.bonniecoffey.com Bonnie Coffey

    What a great way to start a Monday! Thanks! As a solopreneur, I think it’s more of a challenge to try to keep positive people around us, keep away from the icky news and keep thinking like the Little Engine That Could (“I think I can, I think I can, I KNOW I can!!). There’s a lot of energy expended in just keeping optimistic about what we want to accomplish.

  • http://www.creatingwords.com Harry Husted

    Yeah Mike,

    I know what head junk is. I used to have it often. Actually, even today, I still catch myself saying I am always right. I am getting rid of the head junk, although it is taking some time to do. But when I get an idea, I always think huge. I would say out of the 5 points you mentioned, I have to work on the 5th one.

    By the way, you live very close to me. Maybe one day we can hook up.

  • http://www.hillcountryhistorian.com Michelle Hill

    Ok Mike,

    I was just responding to a HARO request (HARO is great, by the way), and the writer called herself a “guru”. I had just read your comments, and had to laugh.

  • http://www.spiritofbroadway.org Brett

    Everytime I begin to think my circumstances are wholly unique, I am “slapped” by the universe by showing me how “alike” we all are! Thanks!

    Now in my 12th year of business, I am STILL the sole employee. As expected, I am seriously crispy from doing everything. I find my chance to recharge my batteries with two annual conferences I attend for others who are in the same industry – theater. Outside of those two conferences, there is no local/regional “peer group” (these are the statements that usually elicit a major slap from the universe!!) for what I do. While books are good, they don’t carry discussions well.

    In a vacuum, it is easy to “talk yourself” into a bad place. (Hello Headgames!) Your video challenges everyone to confront those headgames directly and call them out for for what they are “distractions from the truth.”

    In the meanwhile, knowing I am not alone, is sometimes enough to encourage me to keep going.

    Thanks! I needed that!!

  • Daniel Licht

    Hey Mike Loved what I could watch of the video but it doesn’t work :( maybe you can fix it so it works all i can watch are about 3 mins and then its stops playing maybe its a problem on my end but I can watch all other videos on the net fine (including vimeo videos which this is).

  • http://www.myspace.com/aheadley AUDREY HEADLEY

    Thanks Mike,

    I certainly can relate to some of that head junk, i need to clear it all out, and start fresh and with your help I certainly can see my future clearer.

    Great stuff!

  • http://www.theboasgroup.com Bernadette Boas

    Mike,
    great summary of some important points we often forget about.

    I believe strongly on positive thinking and the power of the mind to effect life’s outcomes. A great book around it is an oldie but goodie, Norman Vincent Peale’s, Power of Positive Thinking. As an FYI

    Also, I often work with clients on your point number 5) Thinking You Are Always Right, but along with that is them being accountable and learning from Failures as well as Successes, as failures will too often create head junk that severely impacts future actions. Folks need to look at failures as lessons to be learned from, not from a ‘boo hoo’ whining position, and they will turn their head junk into winning strategies, ideas and results….

    Thanks for this
    Bernadette

  • http://getonthemap.us Julie Gallaher

    I’m pretty good at hanging out with the right people – but information overload can really do me in. It’s so fun to be in this learning zone with the internet, but I can’t make money without selling to actual clients. Can’t spend day and night researching :(

    Thanks for the reminder and the great video.

  • http://www.paloozatoys.com Roland Edwards Jr

    It’s on!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Ray – Paralysis through analysis. I hear ya. Not to try to “up you”, but I have paralysis through distractions. Even right now i have 10 windows open on my PC, the radio cranking, the phone ringing, 4 note pads with notes, and a messy desk. I feel totally paralyzed like this… then start cleaning up to declutter, and then get pissed at myself for not being productive.

    - Mike

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Michelle – Just like Bobbie.. I am with you.

  • http://www.rachelgaffney.blogspot.com Rachel Gaffney

    OK…Mike , I LISTENED to your video by placing my lap top on the front passenger seat of my car this morning!!!!.So thanks for coaching me all the way down the Dallas North Tollway !!! WHY? I NEEDED you with me. I was on my way to sever ties with a naysayer/doomsday person. Then when I was WAITING for the RIGHT moment(which there isn’t!) I looked up at the parking lot and imagined you there and just DID IT….HOLY COW….You know,when you have surgery or a cut and you have a dressing/stitches. You just don’t leave them there…well you can if you want them to fester!! And fester it will until it is toxic and sceptic ! SO…you just need to take a breath and rip it off….so I DID…!!!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – REALLY COOL STORY FROM TODAY

    Nothing is impossible. Right? I mean we hear that all the time, but do we believe. Welp, I didn’t believe it today. @Bobbie of http://www.YourVirtualPartner.com and I were talking off line about virtual services. I explained to her that I need an assistant that was in my office… because certain things like coffee and a munchy can’t be addressed virtually.

    An email comes from Bobbie saying, “How do you like your coffee”. 15 minutes later a delicious cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie show up at my door. And I am in bumble-hump-New Jersey which is spitting distance from bumble-fuck-Egypt.

    Anything is possible. Kudos to @Bobbie for proving it.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Sandy Wheeler – YOU GOT IT!!!! That is my exact observation – from a guys point of view. Women, as a generalization, seems to have more head junk going on. There seems to be a trade off emotion – if I devote to my business, I am not devoted to my family – going on.

    Guys seem to have less of that type of head junk going on. We just have a boat load of other issues.

    Thanks for that amazing input, Sandy. I hope you start a blog talking about it.

    I think women deserve to cruise. Actually I think women deserve to lead. The world is ready, actually begging for the hard-wired skills that women bring to entrepreneurship.

    - Mike

  • http://haveabyte.com Erik Knepfler

    Hi Mike,

    It’s always good to watch videos like this and get reminders about the things to help us stay on track. Thanks for sharing!

    Erik Knepfler
    HaveAByte.com

  • http://www.revenuestrategysolutionsuk.com Akash

    Now that’s another bomb from Mike, He has explained every single thing which you need to cross to become a successful entrepreneur.All the five things are real life examples which most of us have faced in our lifespan.
    The biggest Head junk for me would be information overload as I really confuse with the information on the several websites.
    Now I can improve everything to roll on the junk as Mike says.

  • http://www.flyasiclothing.com Tahj

    Watching that video was probably the most productive 20 minutes I have spent in years. One add I have to your first step is that many times the WRONG people are disguised as the RIGHT people. For example, there are many people that are extremely supportive and enthusiastic about my ideas, plans and ventures so they seem like the RIGHT people. Unfortunately, many of these people haven’t “been there and done it” so they see me as a Donald Trump type of figure because I have radical thinking and big ideas. In result hey totally feed into step 5. They agree with every idea I have because they trust you judgment / experience so much. So sometimes when I come up with a BAD idea they help me to accept it as a great one.

  • http://www.theorganizedparent.com Stephanie

    As always, great video, Mike. I agree with information overload as being major head junk. One area that trips me up is looking at what other people are doing. I have very big ideas, but I sometimes second guess myself when I see a competitor take a different direction. Should you keep your eye on the competition or should you be more like a racehorse with blinders?

  • http://www.snoloha.com Rod Call

    More ‘real world’ straight talk advice from Mike. See, this is more like it. This is what entrepreneurs need. Not more boring biz books based on stats and studies. Entrepreneurs need more Mike’s. Great video. Great insights. Great reminders.

    Thanks again, Mike.

  • http://www.authenticlifeinstitute.com Ann Ronan

    avg american watches 3-6 hours tv a day. At 6 hours a day the average person would watch tv for 15 years of their life -about 1/4 of your life gone to t.v. Is that a life well lived? I don’t think so! Good reminder Mike.

  • http://www.healthwiseexercise.com Suzanne Andrews

    I feel it’s important to organize your day as to what’s the most important. Begin with throwing away negative thoughts. Just get rid of them and place them in the basket so you don’t become a basket head. It’s easy to get caught up in the “what if I can’t,” just try and surround yourself with people who believe in you but are ready to give you an honest answer.

  • http://www.YourVirtualPatner.org Bobbie

    @Sandy Wheeler — Yes, PLEASE start a blog — we gals need it and sign me up!
    Bobbie
    YourVirtualPartner.com

  • http://www.jonidaniels.com Joni

    Albert Ellis – Rational Emotive Therapy. Many people have irrational beleifs that lead them astray. The ability to replace these ideas with rational beleifs is not as simply as ‘just doing it.’ For the majority, it requires a theraputic relationship, a mentor, or a friend held in high esteem. While the internet serves a great purpose in connecting poeple and relaying data, this kind of collaboration requires a dialogue best had in person or over the phone.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #47 @Stephanie – Gotta start putting numbers we have so much going on here. Gonna swear so be ready… fuck the competition. I mean if you watch them, you will fall short of your potential. In my opinion, you instead you need to have the blinders on and race forward. That way, when you leading you will continue to race hard because you won’t know how close they are. And if you are losing, you will be staring at their ass (and know you need to race harder).

    - Mike

  • http://www.jonidaniels.com Joni

    Looking at the competition is useful only as amatter of information gathering. It isn’t unlike parenteing – keep your eyes on YOUR kids, not on how someone else might be raising thiers. If you think their approach might be of use, think about how it can be integrated, or maybe an aspect might be useful. At the end of the day – - you want to keep your unique focus

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – Wow! Do a search in Google for “head junk”. Look at where this discussion is. Holy cow!

    - Mike

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Joni – great observation and comparison. Thank you!!!!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Akash – funny I just needed to change my phone plan. I considered briefly getting an iPhone or equivalent. But email anywhere and everywhere is like the crack-cocaine of information overload. Way to dangerous… not for me.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #44 @Erik – Hey!!!! Great to see you here. Thanks for checking in.

    #46 @Tahj – Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE!

  • http://blog.changearchitects.ca Keli

    Wow, how timely…have been working on “head junk” for a while, and will definitely watch your video a few more times :) I feel pretty good about being surrounded by the right kind of support, and with my skills to avoid the wrong kind. Learning always is my motto.
    I think my biggest problem with junk is that I do spend a lot of time on the internet – both in a research and in an SM capacity. There isn’t anything you can’t learn how to do on the internet, but you are right, sometimes you can get bogged down by it. I have resorted to booking research time so that I have a time frame that I don’t allow myself to go over. It works pretty well, when my calendar tells me it is time to stop I almost always do.

  • http://www.frankeriksen.com Frank Eriksen

    Why not spin this in a positive way instead of a negative. For instance…
    1. Hang out with the right people.
    2. Think Positive!
    3. Think & Dream BIG!
    4. Learn Smomething New Everyday!
    5. It’s OK, to make mistakes!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #60 @Frank – I like your thinking. Very good point!

  • Gaylean Woods

    Thanks Mike,

    Iam from the old school of thought that says each one teach one, and sometimes find it hard to pay a mentor. I have been mentor to many and never charged anyone. I guess I must change my mindset. Is this another case of head junk?

  • http://www.morethanpaper.com Debbie

    I agree with comment #53. Keep your focus and move ahead! If you mimic the competition, you lose your uniqueness. If you’ve got an idea that you think will work, go for it. Keep in mind, when your competition goes in another direction, it may very well be the WRONG direction!

    Debbie
    http://www.morethanpaper.ccom

  • http://www.SucessSkills.com Jim “Da Coach” Rohrbach

    If you have a lot of “head junk,” consider joining Affirmations Anonymous, my recovery group for Negaholics: http://tinyurl.com/mpmxwh

  • http://www.groveland.com Joni G

    I needed that. Got way too much Head Junk going on. Now I can realize it and reframe. Love it. Thanks!

  • http://bloomingoodfarms.wordpress.com Dan Diamond

    Mike;
    Great topic to focus on!
    You mentioned get the books of people who might be dead!
    Well here is one I have read and use for myself, Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow rich! Here is a link to the ebook for anyone that would like to read it! And so far everything you spoke of – nay-Sayers and so forth I have and am dealing with.
    Please keep the great knowledge flowing!
    Dan Diamond

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #66 @Dan – I see dead people. Scratch that. I read dead people.

    I don’t see the link. Would you mind posting it again. Think & Grow Rich is a MUST read.

    #64 @Jim – Naysayers Anonymous is genius!!!!

    - Mike

  • http://www.SuccessSkills.com Jim “Da Coach” Rohrbach

    De nada Mike. Here’s an article I’ve written about Think and Grow Rich’s author Napoleon Hill with a link to a hard copy version I recommend: http://tinyurl.com/dmlnee

  • Pamela

    Mike…this was exactly the “kick in the ass” that I needed….my pity party was growing into a mosh pit! Thanks … I’m feeling jazzed again!

  • http://www.execulon.com Roger Lollar

    Loved the part about not watching news, etc. I am a news, email and facebook junkie. I have not been focusing on the high value tasks near enough.

  • http://www.MyEliteGrocer.com Gale Peart

    Both video posts were excellent, Mike. Took out my notebook and made notes…Be gone head junk be gone!!! :-) I highly recommend your vblogs (as usual) to my fellow entrepreneurs and Meg team. Keep being the vessel of positivity and showing us the way ‘Mikester’

  • http://bloomingoodfarms.wordpress.com Dan Diamond

    Hey Mike;
    I saw it was not there, thought it was something you had to approve.
    But here is the link again
    http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/

  • http://www.healthnharmonygrenfell.com Christine Convery

    Hi Mike,
    Thanks for these very useful tips on eliminating the head junk. There are some great lessons here for me. I’ve taken notes and am eager to put them into practice. The head junk so easily creeps back and I find I need to be ever vigilent!!
    Thanks again.

  • http://www.66secretsbook.com Marie O’Riordan

    5 Excellent Points Mike! This is positively not the time for any of us Entrepreneurs to sell ourselves short. Thanks for the Wisdom! – Very much appreciated here in Ireland.

  • http://www.myweddingfavors.com Susan Hawkins

    I recommend reading “The E-Myth,” and “The E-Myth Revisited.” Also, be consistent, persevere and don’t expect huge ROIs overnight. Yadda. Yadda. Yadda. Oh, and one more thing–if you’re going to write your own copy, LEARN GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION and HOW TO SPELL. Here’s your first lesson: The adjective “everyday” (one word, which means common, routine, mundane)IS NOT INTERCHANGEABLE with the phrase “every day,” which means something happens on a daily basis. Here are two sentences to demonstrate the difference: “Come in for our everyday low prices!” “We offer low prices every day.” You wouldn’t spell everynight, everyweek or everyweekend as one word, now would you? “Every day” falls into that same category. There IS a difference. Stay tuned for Lesson Two: Compound Modifiers–When Should They NOT be Hyphenated. It’s riveting information.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #69 @Pamela – pity party is over. Focus and take action. Time to rock and roll (but not mosh pity party).

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – Some great books are being recommended:

    Susan Hawkins recommends E-Myth Revisited – http://tinyurl.com/ku365e

    Dan Diamond recommends Think & Grow Rich – http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/

    And I think someone suggested. Ooohhh, what was it. Oh yeah… http://tinyurl.com/lz5ma2 …. whoops, Did I say that?

    - Mike

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #74 Marie – Thanks so much for the kind words. Hey you should connect with Rachel Gaffney (comment #41), she is in Dallas, but is originally from Ireland. She is trying to bring more Irish goods to the US. Perhaps there is a biz opportunity if you two connect. I will make the intro if you want.

  • nic

    Thanks for sharing the 5 short but important pointers. My question is even if we think BIG, A)how to build up the guts to move ahead? and B)what if there are outstanding morgages, taxes, expenses to pay? how to over come these main two factors , which i think most are facing.

  • http://www.inspiretovision.com Danielle Douglas

    The timing of this video is impeccable! There are so many reasons like the failing economy that we as business owners can justify as reasons why our business isn’t as successful as we would like it to be. In spite of this, we have to realize it all starts with our belief system. Even when we evaluate and change our actions, if our belief system hasn’t changed we may still not get the outcome we desire. When we change our perception, we create a new reality!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #79 @nic – How to build the guts? I think you need to be part of the right “team.”

    Believe it or not, I played kickball this weekend. Yes there is an adult kickball league in my town. Same pinkish brown rubber ball as when we were kids. This is the first time I played… and when my teammates (who I just met) started playing, I noticed they were serious. So I instantly, naturally, tried harder and did it.

    I think the same is with thinking BIG… you need to first decide to think Big, then and IMMEDIATELY you need to join a “team” that is also thinking big. You need to be part of a movement, that way when the going gets tough, and it will, you will be surrounded by supporters (and not by yourself).

    Part B – In regards to paying stuff, I believe it is our psychology that gets in the way. It is human nature, in my opinion, to fear more what we will lose than fear what we won’t gain. Meaning once I have something I panic to hold onto it, even if it means I won’t get something else. So… a mortgage means I have a house, and it is my psychology to fear losing it. To the point where I will do everything to keep it in the moment, but will gladly jeopardize my future. Then we back fill it with “logic” – if I lose it, my kids will have to go to a different school and I won’t be able to do this and that. The “logic” goes on and on.

    So here is the point. We MUST change our psychology. We must align with what our heart is telling us is right and then go for it. Let me be clear, it will be SCARY. I mean really scary. But if you don’t do it now, you will never do it. You will wait for the “right time” but there never is.

    I have been there, and I go back there. I take leaps that are SCARY (The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur has been a scary ride too)… but when I look back I am always thrilled. Most pay off big time financially, all pay off even BIGGER with emotional satisfaction — no regrets.

    OK my fingers are tired from typing. I know that isn’t a black and white answer, but that is my 2 cents.

    Anyone else have ideas / experience to share?

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #80 @Danielle – I agree 100%

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – This was just twittered to me:

    snoloha – @MikeMichalowicz “My head won’t leave my head alone” – Dave Matthews Band, “Rhyme & Reason”

  • nic

    thanks for your comments that quickly:)

  • http://www.DebraParisi.com Debra Parisi

    Thank you so much for the “head junk” reminder. I am a very positive woman, but every now and then I do allow the head junk to enter my day. From here on in I will stop the head chatter from entering into my life. I did make a bad investment in the past, learned from it and moved on….I follow all of the rules you mentioned and will keep doing so in the future.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    From Vera Babyeva -

    Hey Mike, hope you are doing well.

    I really liked your video on Junk in your head, and how to clear it. I tried to leave a comment but for some reason it didn’t work. I wanted to tell you that it was amazing and much needed.

    Thanks much. I hope we can do an event soon. I’ll partner up with some people so we could get a good number to attend.

    Vera Babayeva

    Women Can Have It All-a community for mom entrepreneurs in Queens NY.

    http://www.womencanhaveitall.com

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #84 @nic – my pleasure. keep us posted on your progress. The world is STARVING for your entrepreneurial success!!!!

  • http://www.peoplenrg.com Lawrence

    Love it! Especially:
    The WRONG kind of people vs. right kind of People
    And “I’m always right” – my biggest business failure resulted from me thinking I was right and everyone was wrong. They WERE right…and I ended broke and homeless! However….it was the best learning experience of my life – both personal and business. I wouldn;t trade it for the world. So sometimes thinking you are right, and following through on your thinking to the end to discover if you are right (even if you are wrong) is a good thing.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    Comment from Bobbie (web browser is giving her problems, so she email it to me). The cut and paste is…

    I know it’s a little long …. too long? I tried posting it to the Head Junk discussion this morning…

    I hope everyone feels as “re-empowered” (hhhmm, is that a word?) as I do!

    I’d like to add a few words to what Mike said earlier in response to Nic. Being part of the right “team” IS critical – remember the old saying, no man is an island, entire of itself. It’s still very true!

    Especially when you’re trying to grow a business in a competitive and tough economy. Because we’re so damn human … the pity parties WILL happen (Pamela) .. the head junk WILL creep back in (Christine) and the doubts will surface. It just will .. it’s written! I believe it’s entitled, Murphy’s Law.

    BUT with the right support team around you, you can overcome and rise to ANY challenge. You all made it this far where so many other people didn’t! Give yourself a pat on the back … that’s no small feat.

    I’d like to suggest that we ALL give some thought to delegation … for several reasons.

    One, it can help relieve carrying the entire burden of your business on your shoulders only. It seems like a good idea when you’re starting out and you’re trying to rein in your expenses to the nth degree; but in fact it’s counter-productive.

    Not everyone does everything well! So with all those things that you DON’T do well, more head junk, negative thinking and just plain old stress now have a fertile ground upon which to blossom.

    Also, having the right “partner” (yes, even virtually) can keep you on track, keep you organized, give you new ideas, keep you motivated on that “big picture” AND even send you a sorely-needed hot cup of coffee and danish (right Mike?!)!

    Yes, you DO need to choose carefully, but a “Virtual Partner” can be an incredible, priceless necessity.

    I’d love to speak to anyone about how “partnering” with us can push you to the next level at the fraction of the cost of an in-house employee. In fact, you can still get one free hour of our services to “test-drive” until EOB today!

    Thanks for the space here and Mike, keep up what is obviously, an AWESOME and APPRECIATED service!!

    Bobbie

    http://www.YourVirtualPartner.org

    520-762-7624

  • http://www.caroselli.biz Marlene Caroselli

    HEAD JUNK reminds us of self-limiting, as opposed to self-fulfilling prophecies. Michael has captured the entrepreneurs’ worst emotional enemies. Keep them arrested so we can free ourselves to reach for the success-stars.

    Appreciatively,
    Marlene Caroselli, Ed.D. (keynoter, corporate trainer, author of 60 business books and one e-book, Principled Persuasion, named a Director’s Choice by Doubleday Book Club when first released.)

  • http://www.ididitplans.com Dan Aragon

    Just struggling and trying to understand all of the marketing terminology is overwhelming.

  • http://www.Cheryl-Hill.com Cheryl Hill

    @SandyWheeler & Others -
    I agree 100% that woman, thanks to the emotional side we connect with have ALOT OF HEAD JUNK!!! I know that I have had to work out alot of my own head junk of feeling like I was not good enough, smart enough, had enough time and so on to be successful.

    We also tend to put others before ourselves and then feel guilty when it comes to doing something that makes us feel accomplished and satisfied, especially when it comes to creating our OWN dreams.

    But what we don’t realize is that when we are HAPPY and Fill our own cup up we make the world around us a much better place to be and are able to bless others.

    For those women that are looking to learn from AH-ha moments, I recently started a blog JUST FOR YOU…. if you are interested http://www.ChillforaMinute.wordpress.com – It is in the beginning stages, but would love to have you come on over!

    On a side note – The books that were recommended are A MUST Read for all TPE’s. I just finished reading “Thinking your way to success” by Michael Clouse FANTASTIC read as well -

    Thanks for an amazing video and discussion – You inspire me to be better and grow!
    -Chill

  • http://www.wellnessjourneys.com Ellen Brown

    I love your ideas, Mike. We all have head junk or limiting beliefs to a certain extent. And I see so much of this as a coach, in working with solo business owners. And certainly, when we immerse ourselves in the news, these days, the head junk can get way out of hand! I’m a big believer in limiting our exposure to “news,” especially during the recession, because listening to the same gloomy forecasts over and over can pull us down.

    I also ask clients to explore their limiting beliefs, so that they are more aware of the rules that they’re living by. That way, they can rewrite their rulebooks, if they choose to do so. But the first step is just being aware of those “ugly thoughts” that emerge, the ones that tell us we’re not good enough and we can’t achieve our dreams, so why bother trying!

    Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and suggestions for the ways in which entrepreneurs can navigate their way around their limiting beliefs. Your timing couldn’t be better!

    Ellen

    To learn more about how solo entrepreneurs can boost their productivity and sense of inner peace, visit my blog at http://www.wellnessjourneys.com/blog

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #91 @Dan – agreed. It can take years (for me) to really understand something.

    #93 @Ellen – I like the term “ugly thoughts” – that nails the concept. I really like your idea of bringing that to the conscious level as the first step. Question for you… when people do identify the ugly thoughts, how do they navigate past them?

    - Mike

  • http://www.wellnessjourneys.com Ellen Brown

    Mike,
    The path is so different depending on the client. Sometimes, it helps people to repeat affirmations to counter the “ugly thoughts.” But in my experience, it’s important that the person be able to believe the affirmation to a certain extent, in order for the process to be successful. So, while a client may not believe an affirmation such as “I’m now making $20,000 a month,” she might be able to believe “I’m beginning to believe I can make $20,000 a month.” It’s a subtle difference, but I’ve noticed that if the affirmation is too far of a reach, the client won’t believe it and may give up on the idea of using affirmations.

    Another strategy that works for some clients is to see their ugly thoughts as “gremlins” that they can talk back to. So, for example, if their “I’m not good enough gremlin” pops up, they can tell that wicked fellow where to go!

    These are just a couple ideas that can help people combat their limiting beliefs. But there are no one-size-fits-all solutions!

    Ellen

  • A. Nony Mouse

    Just out of the hospital Mon 6/22 and GF of 5 years asked me to move out that night. Business has been a struggle for years and no pay since Sept of 2007. Dealing with a LOT of head junk at the moment. Fighting the urge to be my own doomsayer, trying to stay focused on big things in the future – just feel like I lost a major part of that future. Right now, said she “wants distance” and that we haven’t broken up… *sigh* hard to motivate others when your own motivation is in the toilet.

    > We MUST change our psychology. We must align with what
    > our heart is telling us is right and then go for it. Let
    > me be clear, it will be SCARY. I mean really scary. But
    > if you don’t do it now, you will never do it. You will
    > wait for the “right time” but there never is.

    Unfortunately, our heart can be blinded by our fears or guided by our anger (or resentment). Rather than stay and deal with a situation, it’s often easier to make distance or run (which doesn’t solve the problem, just carries it forward).

    There’s only two games to play in life: “Win” and “Don’t Lose”. 95% play the “Don’t Lose” game – so breaking even is good enough. 5% play the “Win” game – and that opens up the risk of loss, but the wins more than make up for the losses over time. Just have to make the decision to “pay the piper,” regardless of the game.

    Humans enjoy our routine, our rituals, our rhythms. Just two weeks ago my routine was home @ 8:30, shower, make dinner, feed cats, dishes, get ready for bed. Now… no “home” – living off friends for the time being, no ritual – go to bed whenever, no sense of purpose, no direction, no connection… forever or just for now? All head trippy drama that gets in the way of business. Part of the price for being human.

    Having the right people on the bus, in the right seats is crucial to success. The wrong person can derail an entire operation.

    Sincerely,
    A. Nony Mouse

  • http://www.frugaldegree.com Padma

    The things you’ve mentioned Mike, they are so simple and yet so profound and can make that critical difference between success and failure. Much appreciated!

    I’ve had to learn to keep away from the wrong people the hard way over the years and am certainly guilty of the ‘I’m always right’ philosophy. I’ll keep a watch on that.

    I also believe in the power of words, cos’ when we use the right kind of positive words when talking, it reiterates in our thinking when we make that a habit!

  • http://www.businesstribes.com/ Joseph Joel Sherman

    Great video. Get rid of the head junk. Awesome.

  • http://www.vintagebodyspa.com Alyssa

    Wow, wow wow. This was the first vlog of Mike’s that I’d watched, and what a powerful one! I’m guilty of all of the areas of head junk, but particularly hanging out with naysayers/doomsayers and thinking small. Am going to immediately seek to connect with other big thinkers both on and offline. Loved the bit about it being statistically proven that I can be anywhere I want to be in 10 years if I don’t let my thoughts become a roadblock.

    Thanks for the wisdom and encouragement, I’m looking forward to reading the book and blog posts!

  • http://www.saltychix.com Dianne

    Love the vlog!! You are the Man!
    There are successful people everywhere and I totally agree with spending time and networking with people that are smarter than I am!

    New Song title -
    Head Junk Puts Me In A Funk

    I think I can I think I can…Wait…I know I can I know I can!
    Thank you for the inspiration and the constant reminders about “Getting Rich, Right”
    Di

  • http://mycbudget.com Sonya L. VandeKerkhof

    Right on Mike!

    Here is what I have been doing now for a couple years….

    Some times you have to hang out with the “wrong people”.
    You know the ones you are related to, those relatives that have been around since birth.

    So this is what I do, I don’t tell them what I am doing in regards to business especially when it is a big. I just do it. When they find out they just say WOW and usually they are mad that I didn’t say something about it before hand.

    It works, I don’t have to listen to them say, Sonya you can’t do that. Even if I know in my head they are saying, ” I can’t do that!, so what makes you think you can do that?.”

    When we stop looking for approve from the people around us a whole new world opens up. One of truth, love and being really REAL!

    Sonya

  • http://skyplace.wordpress.com Kirill

    Great stuff, headjunk is a part of many barriers, but the powerfull one… thanks for the great video and keep going…

  • http://www.redcapsalestraining.com Hugh Liddle

    My grandson was being lectured by his dad for messing with his sister’s stuff once too often, His dad asked, “Do you understand what I’m saying?” He responded, “I’m only 5, my head is really small and it’s all filled up!” We are all like that, aren’t we? Our heads are full of something…whatever we have put into them! That’s why the books we read, the people we hang out with and videos like this one are so important! GREAT stuff, Mike! Thanks!!

    Hugh

  • http://www.breakpal.com Phil

    Hey Mike,

    Great stuff. Same old stuff but you put it across well. Can’t hear it enough.

    Point #1 just kind of happened to us all at once 17 months ago. During a one month span a large number of very negative people in our lives left our lives. It was a traumatic time.

    We actually call it the big flush. While it was going on the sewage pipe kept getting plugged. I’d clear it out over and over and it just kept happening. Then one time I used a bigger rooter to unclog and sllloooooosshhh and it all got sucked away. The vacuum was so intense it seemed like it would suck everything around down with us. My wife and I both looked up and both had the spontaneous thought “That’s what’s happening in our lives” All these incredibly incredibly negative people are being flushed out of our lives. So we refer to that time as the big flush.

    It was a painful time but we are much better and much happier for it. We’ve been rebuilding our social network ever since and I can say we definitely look at who we hang with very closely.

    Phil

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – Did you read what #101 @Sonya wrote? That strategy nails it!!! Thanks Sonya!!! Here is her quote:

    “So this is what I do, I don’t tell them [the naysayers] what I am doing in regards to business especially when it is a big. I just do it. When they find out they just say WOW and usually they are mad that I didn’t say something about it before hand.”

  • Tim

    So wait. Number 2 was all about getting overloaded with infomation and how to stop it, but number 4 was keep getting more information. huh? maybe it’s just because I’m right ;)

  • http://www.buybigtires.com Tom

    Mike I like, and appreciate your down to earth style. My SEO introduced me to you. Point 4 was a great point. For some of your other readers joining EO, or YEO is a great avenue I have found. It really gets you away from the naysayers.

    Here is another great comment from another entrepreneur you guys might enjoy.

    http://outspokenmedia.com/online-marketing/you-just-suck/

    Now is a time when the small business should be knocking everyone else out, and you have some great advise.

    Thanks
    Tom
    wwww.buybigtires.com

  • http://barfieldmanagement.com Chase Barfield

    As it pertains to “The Wrong People” I couldn’t agree more. I categorized these people into one group. I called them “doom and gloomers.” I do not associate with them as they poison the hell out of your mind. What is interesting is that people listen to advice from others who have no practical experience in the arena for which they are giving advice. So be careful who you take advice from.

    As it pertains to “The “Right People” once again I concur. Find a mentor. Seek out others who have done what it is you are trying to do and provide them with value. They will be happy (often times) to provide you with nuggets of wisdom in return. T. Harv Eker made a statement that if you do what the rich do then you will receive the results that the rich receive. This is a simplistic statement but it is true. By the way, the rich people in the world often fall into “The Right People” category when they made the moves to make and grow the money rather than get it through occurrences like the lottery.

    Small Thinking…I see so many people that suffer from this. What they don’t understand is that they are setting a glass ceiling. If you think huge and you only achieve 1/2 of it, I would venture to say that you will far exceed your goal to “be comfortable.” For those who are thinking small, I am putting you on notice as you are being selfish. Entrepreneurs love to give back. How much can you give back if you are broke? The more you have the more people you can help. And if you have a family, don’t they deserve the world? Think big, if not for your sake then for the sake of those you care about.

  • Kumaresh

    Can you provide some more ideas on how to avoid ” Wrong people”, if they happen to be your spouse( Wife), who constantly reminds me that we are happy now why to rock the boat( taking a entreprenuer plunge from a good paying job)?

  • http://kthiru.podbean.com/ Thiru

    Very interesting facts Mike.,

    Love to hear some more…

  • Claire Elliott

    Thanks for this video. You are so right about info overload especially on the internet. I start off researching one thing and hours or days later have bookmarked thousands of links to revisit and created infinite new projects for myself of which NONE ever get off the ground. I will take all your words to heart and more importantly try to stay focussed on achieving what I want. Can we please have more info on how to work out what you really want as opposed to what you just ‘think’ you want? Thanks again.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – Check out Kumaresh’s commnet (#109). That is a interesting question, that effects many of us. What are your thoughts?

    Kamaresh – check out this video I did addressing that question – http://tinyurl.com/cocqet

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #106 @Tim – LOL! I guess you could say 2 and 4 are a conflict. But what I am trying to argue is that we need LESS overwhelming and distracting information and that we need MORE concise, actionable information.

    - Mike

  • http://www.66secretsbook.com Marie O’Riordan

    Re: 74 Marie/Rachel Gaffney, Dallas. Thanks much Mike. It’s always brilliant to connect with like minded people from the old turf! Deep Thanks, Marie

  • http://www.adminconcepts.net Francesca Frate

    Thank you for the video. You spoke in plain old fashioned english, no fancy buzz words just plain talk. Everything you said I’ve heard at other times you put it together and delivered simple rules that can be followed and put into practice.

  • http://www.personaaffairs.com Kim

    Thanks for the great information. During my current transition, I am always looking for ways to improve how I conduct business. So I normally fall into the information overload category. Now I will seek out my Solid Supportive Mentors first!! Loved your clean concise presentation style….

  • http://www.inspiretovision.com Danielle Douglas

    Hi Claire,

    To answer your question regarding how do you know what you really want vs what you “think” you want, I think it starts as an inward journey. You have to work from the inside out. You said you have been creating a lot of new projects but none get off the ground. Take a moment to answer questions of yourself like what is your vision for your life, how do you like to serve others (purpose), what are you passionate about, what are your values (our behaviors dictate what is truly important to us), and then put strategies and goals in place that will move you towards your vision. Most importantly, TRUST YOUR GUT! Let your head and heart be in alignment so that you began to see the manifestation of what you see for yourself. LIVE THE VISION!

  • http://www.inspiretovision.com Danielle Douglas

    To answer Kumaresh’s question, if its someone who is not part of your inner circle, who cares what he/she thinks. BUT I think based on the example he gave, his “wife” is saying she has fear. We have to ask ourselves is this person really being negative or is this FEAR? So, he has to be willing to peel back the onion with her for both of them to get better clarity on what is the source of the fear so that it can be addressed. You do that by asking the appropriate questions. What are her concerns?, What does she envision for your family five years from now?, and etc., Show her how you have a common vision for your family. Then demonstrate her how this transition to entrepreneurship will help to achieve that vision! And make sure you have a solid plan so she sees that you thought this transition through. Hopefully, this answers your question. LIVE THE VISION!

  • http://barfieldmanagement.com Chase Barfield

    @Kumaresh – if you are thinking of leaving your job for any reason, then you are not completely happy, satisfied, fulfilled (pick your adjective). So the assumption made by your wife is not entirely true. One thing that helped me with my wife (she too wanted me to have a safe secure job) was to point out Enron, then WaMu, then (insert recently dead big company here). I explained that I had more control of my future and the future of my family when I was an entrepreneur than if I was a cog in the corporate wheel.

    As to how to stay away from the wrong people that you do not have to live with and come home too, simple, have the intestinal fortitude to not associate with them. Or, you can be so overly positive that it leaves no room for them to be negative. If you let their comments roll of and give them no credence, they will eventually stop and target someone else they can revel in misery and negativity with.

  • http://www.BestCareerStrategies.com Bonnie

    Thanks for the wisdom-filled video, Mike! Of the 5 challenges, thinking too small is the biggest problem for me. I suppose it’s because I’m relatively comfortable with my job, and there’s been no “gun to my head” reason to stop thinking small about my home biz.

    But your video (and use of exclamation marks) made me sit up and take notice, and realize that what I’ve been doing (thinking small) is basically like treading water. I’m never going to get anywhere (and will eventually drown) if I don’t pick a direction and start swimming!

    Chase’s comments (#108) have also helped to give me a new perspective: “How much can you give back if you are broke? The more you have the more people you can help. And if you have a family, don’t they deserve the world? Think big, if not for your sake then for the sake of those you care about.”

    I do love helping others and could do so much more if I’d get serious and THINK BIG.

    BTW, I’ve seen a lot of gurus inspire their followers to leave a ton of comments about their videos or other content, but very, very few take the time to read and respond to those comments. You are amazing. APLAUSE! :-)

  • http://www.Brownmob.com Rick Brown

    Mike,

    Good stuff! You’ve nailed it…

    I’m looking at #4 “Stopped Learning” and thinking this may be the root of all the others.

    Thanks for your leadership!

    Cheers – Rick

  • Paul Sabaj

    Mike -as always great stuff. I have often said that you are where you are at because that,s what you want. If you don’t like it it’s up to you to stay positive and surround yourself with the positive people. To me it is all about action and moving forward and keeping your goal in front of you to not loose site of the goal. Your also so right about how much you can get done when you put the T.V. on your terms with tevo. To chase your dream with action steps and positive people and teachers as you and guys like Yanik Silver is always better that years latter looking back and saying (What If) The video holds true not only for business but in all areas. Thanks
    P.S. did you ever find the guy you had us looking for. I have not seen any up dates. keep up the good fight

  • http://www.workstyle-lifestyle.com Lowell Ann Fuglsang

    Re: #26 – Sleeping in front of the TV – Discussion that explores personal impacts – This is not about the person, it’s about processes/activities. Suggest an experiment: Move the TV out of the bedroom. Try it for a week or two, then discuss what differences are noted. Does the TV take the place of intimate discussion? Just my idea…I’m no marriage counsellor :-)

  • pj

    There is LOTS of junk out there…specially from self proclaimed gurus. Too much information on internet riches and lack of touch with reality.

  • http://bloomingoodfarms.wordpress.com Dan Diamond

    To all:
    The one thing I have learned in being an entrepreneur is most any that comes easy isn’t really worth having or doing.
    And planning, building, starting a business is hard and makes you question why you even try starting it sometimes.
    But wake up each day and find at least one thing that can help you move forward in bringing your Damn good.. no great idea to life.
    And if your unsure or scared to keep going, Just remember all the things in life you really wanted. You probably got what it was you dreamed of, So just apply that same desire to making your business all it can be and strive for a bit more!
    The head junk is just a test of how bad you really want to be in business for yourself and what you will do (Legally) to make it!

  • G Slayton

    Mike, I have a major business opertunity that I know you will be very interested in. Please contact me… I have been in contact with Louis Lautman and obsidian launch are you interested. Thanks, G Slayton

  • http://www.Obsidianlaunch.com Mike Michalowicz

    #120 @Bonnie – Thank you so much for the “BTW” comment. I am thrilled about what is happening here… doubley thrilled that it is just a Q&A with me. So thank you for appreciating my participation, but please know that I am equally appreciative (actually THRILLED) about your participation and everyone else.

    - Mike

  • http://www.Obsidianlaunch.com Mike Michalowicz

    #111 @Claire – Responding to this question – “Can we please have more info on how to work out what you really want as opposed to what you just ‘think’ you want?”

    A friend of mine a few months back told me something that I have totally taken to heart. He said “What you do in one instance, is what you do in every instance.” I mean, really let that soak in… that is powerful, and you can use it to find what you really want.

    In other words, look for all the “micro-instances” in your life that where you already get enjoyment. Perhaps you have a favorite TV show, or books you like to read. Or maybe you love some kind of volunteer work. Or maybe it is a hobby. Or maybe something else all together.

    Examine all these “micro-instances” and find the common theme of what you love. Then when you discover what you love, what brings you the most happiness, excitement, energy, satisfaction, etc.; start building a business that encapsulates what you love.

    Too many people try to find a business and wedge it into their passion. I think we need to do the opposite. Find our passion (using the method I just explained) and then build a new business around it.

    - Mike

  • http://www.Obsidianlaunch.com Mike Michalowicz

    @EVERYONE – I second Dan’s (#125) comment BIG TIME:

    “Planning, building, starting a business is hard and makes you question why you even try starting it sometimes. But wake up each day and find at least one thing that can help you move forward in bringing your great idea to life.”

    That’s how you build momentum! – Mike

  • http://www.Obsidianlaunch.com Mike Michalowicz

    #62 @Gaylean – Just wanted to respond to your GREAT question “I have been mentor to many and never charged anyone. [It doesn't seem right to charge to be a mentor]]. Is this another case of head junk?”

    Yes. That is HEAD JUNK. And this is why… when you buy food from the supermarket you pay for that, right? It is something that you could have made for yourself for free. I mean, you could have grown/raised the food, harvested the food, cleaned it, cooked it, and stored it all by yourself. Obviously you wouldn’t though since it would take all of your waking hours, and you could do nothing else. The supermarket, and all the suppliers are offering you a method of getting something done faster and easier… and ultimately cheaper. Not only is it fair to pay the supermarket, you actually get more (all that time and effort saved) then you spend.

    As a mentor the same is true. You offer something that brings instant knowledge and perhaps simplicity to people… saving them time, money, effort, etc. So not only is it fair for people to pay you, they actually get more then they put it.

    Now there is ONE BIG CAVEAT… you better not be delivering spoiled milk or tainted food. No one in their right mind would ever pay for that at a super market. Nor should anyone in their right mind ever pay a “guru” or “expert” for services that aren’t of the highest value, and delivers value far in excess of what they pay. In other words, only deliver on stuff that you are an absolute been-there done-that authority on!

    - Mike

  • Anna

    Thanks for your frank talk. I needed that I need to work this business and put less emphasis on my job. It is so important to stay in the NOW and do what you know you ca do. Thanks again for the ‘kick’.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Anna – My pleasure. Keep me posted on your progress!

  • http://misterpopsicle.com Kevin

    Thanks Mike, for the awesome advice! I’m a big fan of keeping the news and television out of your life – great inventions but they are too distracting. I’m not sure if anyone else suffers from this but I feel as though my business idea (loungewear and clothing) is such a saturated market that those who’ve been successful in this area hoard information. No one really seems to want to help someone else get to where they are in this biz. How do you combat a lack of willing, reliable mentors?

  • http://www.niyacristine.com Niya Sisk

    Kevin, that IS such a great question. I do it through false illusions that I’m queen of the world and bull headedly stay inspired. And when I’m not, I eat a lot of ice cream and complain to anyone who will listen, which generally clears the room until it’s just my rabbit molly left. But she has long ears.

    In all seriousness, get as much ‘you can do it’ support from your circles and maybe books, research, late night sketching and a ton more believing in yourself than you thought possible. It will come back around…me thinks.

    Niya Cristine.

  • J. Nyach

    Hi Mike

    It’s so great to hear what you do have to say and I just wanted to let you know that it is so encouraging to me to hear this! I have been feeling pretty low as me and my sister are gearing up to start our business together (I am in my 3rd year of college). It seems as if everybody who is soon to graduate is going for the path usually travelled and yes we’ve received discouragement from both our parents as they state that working a 9-5 for someone offers better “job security” and seniority later on.

    We’ve always been entrepreneurial from a young age, I guess it’s a phase my parents thought would just “go away”. But to tell you the truth, being an entrepreneur, along with the creativity and discoveries is what really makes me extremely happy, I just come alive when I think of all the possibilities.

    I especially agree with you that you definitely MUST sorround yourself with the right people! 8 months ago, me and my sister just decided to go to networking events that interested us- even though most of the people there are usually older than us, it’s been a super great experience and I can’t trade it for everything!- I’ve met people I now keep in contact with and who are actually willing to help me, even if it’s just simple advice or encouraging words!

    Thanks soooo much =)

  • Karen

    Thanks. Great Video. Very inspiring. I unfortunately suffer from information overload every minute of every day.
    I need to get rid of a lot of it and just deal with the essentials.
    Keep up the good work.

  • http://www.bbgrand.com Heidi Lueck

    Do you have any ideas for getting creative juices flowing? I run a small business and am about to start another, but neither can ever go huge (piano teaching, early childhood group music instruction). HOW can I breakthrough and come up with an innovative invention or method that can launch me past being a business owner to an entrepreneuer? I worked with a life coach last year, and it was the BEST move ever, but I still struggle with finding new, creative ways to create income from my music.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #135 – @J Nyach – Hi there! From the IP address (the administrator – me – can see it), it looks like you are in Florida. So right there you have something to be fired up about. Nice weather year round.

    The 2nd thing you should be fired up is you are SMART. Clearly you are looking around (here, and hopefully other sites) AND participating. That is the only way to get positive momentum… so kudos to you.

    In regards to you parents saying the “9-5 is safer,” means you clearly have loving parents (another good sign for you, bucko). My parents said the EXACT same thing when I told them I planned to start a company. Then when I sold my second company to a Fortune 500 (Robert Half International), I had a 4 year employment contract. On that day I made more money than my father had made cumulatively over his lifetime as a 9 to 5er. But my father applauded the fact I had a 4 year contract, and “finally some security.” The point is, all of us (our parents included) feel security in what we know… in what we have done. So if you parents, like my parents, just have done 9 to 5, that is the security they know. And since your parents are clearly awesome and love you… they want you to have that security. So I would respect their opinion and love them back sooo much for their desire for your security… BUT, I would sure as hell go and build your business. It is hands down, from my experience, the safest thing you can do… since you control your destiny.

    Alright, J., that’s it from here in NJ for now – I gotta get some sleep. I sure ain’t a college kid anymore (even though I think I am).

    And I hope you are a Gator and not a Seminole. I am a Hokie, and our arch-enemy is the Seminoles.

    - Mike

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #137 @Heidi – Did I send you a check or something to say that?!?!? Watch what for something that addresses that EXACT question tomorrow at around noon EST. Wow… that is bizarre, like you are a mind reader or something.

    OK that’s it for now. Just make sure you check in tomorrow and share your thoughts.

    - Mike

  • Mike Santini

    I’m not an entrepreneur but I really enjoy your thougts and delivery style. Your tips are applicable in very day life not just as successful business strategies. I am looking forward to your next post.

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #140 @Mike – I appreciate it (something new may just be coming today). Oh yeah, one day when the entrepreneurial urge hits you… I mean at a gut level, you feel that now is the time. Then jump on it right away. Too many folks feel “the call of entrepreneurship” and then quickly squelch it.

    - Mike

  • http://www.robbwindow.co.cc Robert

    Thanks Bog roll, great site. I’ve seen a few vids on just how is the best most economical way to wipe the floor in blogging. Again from what I have seen of your video your doing a great job. Yanik said I should say where I hope to go in the future. Well I would like to do a video on how I made a few pounds with Google Adsense. It should be fun, I can honestly say I’ve made over $5 in three years. We learn from other peoples mistakes and achievements right? Hmm secondly I would like to keep up practising outside of blogging good information to refer people to reasonable e-books maybe even earn 75% commision in the process. Then thirdly I would just love to log on computer for less than an hour a day and make some serious dough. If you know of any new ways of using the script Michalowicz, then please keep me up to date. Baby steps, right! Success buddy.

  • http://www.nordgrenactive.com/ Victoria Nordgren

    Thanks Mike! Here’s why this video was so helpful – having you (someone) tell you directly (as opposed to reading it) has great impact!! It works on many different levels. This is certainly my Achilles heel as an entrepreneur – head junk & wrong people. I love your consistency, your energy, your positive, supportive, entrepreneurial spirit. This really triggered something for me! Thank you and Rock On Mike!!

  • http://rochewealth.com Martin Roche

    Mike,

    More truly insightful stuff. I really appreciate all that you do and am confident that with a little help from my friends I’ll get to where I want to be! (I’m allowed to plagiarise the Beatles, I’m English!)

    Thanks and I’ll be keeping in touch.

    PS – As well as all the other good stuff, humour is the key to me

  • http://www.discountsforyouandme.com Jocelyn Wiebe

    Once again…spot on, Mike! I agree wholeheartedly with the point about who you associate with is who you are most likely to become. We need to surround ourselves with successful people and like-minded entrepeneurs if we are ever going to succeed ourselves! Also, keeping up the personal growth is one thing that can easily get overlooked. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is an awesome book everyone should read if you are in business for yourself and want to grow as a person!!

    Thanks for the awesome video…your delivery keeps our attention once again:)

  • http://www.jmackfineart.com Jennifer Mack

    There are so many comments, but for one nearer the top re: “being unsure”

    I find myself there when I am surrounded by some of the wrong people, some of the right people, having HUGE thoughts, and knowing I am not always right.

    The only way I have found through this is to get the hell out of my head and feel which way to go, feel what is right – stop listening to everyone including my head, and sit back and listen carefully to my ideas. Follow that very carefully under the radar of everything until I get a better footing in my idea and direction and can come up with the questions i need to ask – avoiding information overload.

    Mike, thank you for saying much more clearly than I am able to.
    I am really appreciating your generosity, insight, and cooperative rather than competitive style,

    I think you are right, and I think I am right in thinking that. :)

  • http://www.jmackfineart.com Jennifer Mack

    Above, I meant “feel carefully into my ideas” not listen carefully to them.

    Thank you.

  • http://www.hranilovich.com Barb Hranilovich

    People look at me like I’m a slacker, because I avoid the news, so it’s great to hear someone say my reasons – it’s just noise I’m trying to filter out. Small thinking is the toughest of your points for me…it’s FEAR based and I continue to struggle with why that fear is so persistent – may go back to point 1. Ok, I’m thinking as I write here, so will go do that somewhere else. Thanks – AGAIN!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #145 & #146 @Jocelyn & @Jennifer – We are totally on the same page. It is ALL about surrounding yourself with the right people. And one more HUGE point that Jennifer hit on… success into today’s entrepreneurial landscape is ALL ABOUT COOPERATION. Entrepreneurs who “compete & destroy” no longer are progressing and are now failing. The new breed of entrepreneur who “collaborates & elevates” is the ultra-success. Its the folks who actively seek out relationships and to help others, even the competitors, are the ones who are winning!

    - Mike

  • Melissa

    Maybe this has been discussed but my issue is I’m pretty good at a lot of the things I’m passionate about…that’s why I’m good because I practice (blah blah blah). However, these things are pretty random, I’ve gotten to a point where I’ve figured out a way to link them all together but now I don’t know where to start!!

    I feel kind of foolish doing some of the things first even though they are “easier” and require less of the skills I am trying to perfect…IDK. It’s the typical “It makes sense in my head but I can’t get it on paper” situation…HELP!!!

  • Melissa

    oh yeah, greta tips Mike, THX!

    xox
    Melissa

  • Mike Michalowicz

    #150 @Melissa – Well darn it, you need to share more details. But from what I can read into what you are saying… you have found what I call a “super strength” – this is when you combine multiple talents/strengths into a unique package. That combined strength is probably very unique to you and often a business can be built around it.

    Share more deets, and I will gladly share more thoughts in response.

    - Mike

  • Robert

    Well Mike,

    I have decided to follow you, and do just what is suggested, by you, one day at a time. I am open to what you are saying and I believe you Mike, I have only 3 sheets of toilet paper, and have never considered using only 3, as I have always been a 10 or 15 sheet guy, but, who was counting, not me. I am willing and I will keep you appraised in an honest and open way.

    So I am on board, I have taken notes, I am responding to this blog, I am off to do a two day course on MS Excel and I wish you and you team all the best.

    Robert Huggins :)
    Melbourne
    Australia

  • Melissa

    Well I guess the best way to describe it is by naming companies like LVMH, PPR and Fortune Brand…I want to build on & create luxury brands/services. I’m a marketing major right now but I want to have have everything from a clothing line to concert production firm. I’ve found that I value quality & function, the people around me appreciate that characteristic about me. And like I said, that’s where the problem begins, the way I tie them together is seeing my clothing line fund a media source and that building a service brand. Businesses/brands have branches from where they began…cool…but where should I start? Am I biting off too much? Is biting off too much even possible? (I’m just tired of psyching myself out because I’m intimidated by my vision) : \

  • http://www.freemytimenow.com Marvin White

    Good stuff Mike! I like how don’t over complicate things and tell it like it is. Much success to you in all that you venture into.

    Marvin

  • http://myfood.co.jp/shop/provider Mitsuko Mori

    Thanks so much for this video.

    this video was a wake-up call for me that I let way too many wrong people try to convince my dream business is never going to work. really, really appreciate what you’re doing.

    I was an exchange student in California, and when I came back to my country after graduation and started my business, I was shocked how little entrepreneural my people are.

    It is so hard to encounter people like you here – so please keep it up…I’ll keep watching!

    I really wish fellow entrepreneurs in my country (Japan) could watch these videos.
    Japan is not so entrepreneural and rather conservative, and people still think women should get married and be a house wife after 30. so a lot of young people give up way too early because of too much head junk.

    (My apologies – my server has been currently down since yesterday. my website can be viewable very soon.)