A while back I was having a discussion with David about weight training. He told me it was simple. You either do something and get better at it or you get better at putting it off.
The discussion quickly moved to other things in our company. Communication, workload, and prioritizing stuff.
You either grab the bull by the horns and get better at doing the stuff you want, or you get better at putting stuff off and justifying why you suck.
But you’re always getting better at something.
About the author...
Jeremy Schoemaker – who has written 2414 posts on ShoeMoney.com.
Hi I am Jeremy Schoemaker and ShoeMoney.com is my blog. 99% of the post here are done by me but you will see others occasionally make guest posts. This blog is fun to write but for my day job I run several online companies.
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{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
I know the Shoemoney ship never gets stuck at anything. Constantly amazes me how the stuff you show, ends up being everyone elses discussion in 6 months, and the “in” thing in a year. I see it over and over and over again.
I don’t get it exactly what does this have to do with the article, but you are right. He’s always before the trends
I always enjoy your posts, Jeremy. This one’s shorter than most but it packs quite a punch. Something to think about.
Yes, I’d agree. This one left me wanting just a little bit more. Maybe a few more examples would’ve helped?
It’s a great post. I wish he wrote more about the topic though.
The discussion quickly moved to other things in our company. Communication, workload, and prioritizing stuff
Where did sc2 fit into this?
Do not talk about SC2 !
The 7th ranking says he’s getting better at SC2
Do work son..or gettin better at sucking
It just goes to show that whichever direction you’re going, you’re changing. For better or worse, all up to you.
“up to you”. enough said.
This is absolutely one great pick-me-up to start my evening. Besides being very uplifting, the lines “but you’re always getting better at something” is just like receiving a tight hug when you need it the most. Thanks a million, Shoe. Best wishes from Long Beach.
You got damn right! Who needs a hug?
I can totally relate to this. I suck at prioritizing. I’m good at making lists of my priorities though. What I sorely lack is follow-through.
Where’s the LIKE button when you need one? You’ve delivered another gem as usual, Jeremy. Regards from Raleigh.
Only the dead stop getting better. Too bad not everyone use that fact to improve their lot.
You are absolutely right. There are only a few things you can be good at and for the other things there’s always a right guy to hire.
Workload’s heavier when you do it all alone. You’re right, there are always people you could hire to handle the stuff you can’t. What’s important is to share the workload to get optimum results.
Just as I learned from Coach Robbins at UCLA, there is no “i” in “team.” A team is composed of people having a distinct purpose, an individual role that gets the ball rolling to victory. Go, Bruins!
You may only have a few things you’re good at but you must constantly work at being better at it. Every day is a good day to try.
“Every day is a good day to try.”
Good one. An inspiring thought.
Still, you can expand the things you’re good at if you put your mind to it. You may not be as good as those who have the natural talent and skills for it but you can aspire to be better.
Ya Shoemoney readers, you gotta get off your ass and go for it…
Another thing Shoemeister doesn’t talk about is “obstacles”. He makes it looks like making billions on the internet is easy…Come on guys….
Hey Jeremy, you never did answer my question…I know you don’t sit there playing starcraft without blazing…what are you working with over there??
There are obstacles to everything. Nothing worth doing is easy, right? You don’t dwell on the obstacles if you wish to succeed.
Life is how you make it and challenges along the way are just reminders from above that tell you to slow down and enjoy the view for a while before moving forward again.
Well, it’s very naive to think that making money of line is without its share of obstacles. I don’t think you need to constantly remind people about that.
I do think that making money can be quite challenging to others, while a few may find it easy. This is why I constantly monitor Shoe’s blog for useful hints. You can’t get these details from other blogs out there. (By the way, I just reached Gold on SC2, Jeremy. Connected to Battlenet, too.)
True. But you have to admit that sometimes, it also helps to know what you’re up against. Makes you ready an obstacle suddenly pops up in front of you.
Do it. Track it. Analyse it. Repeat.
Nice synthesis. But would it be much better if we added best practices to the bunch? To put it simply: Do it. Track it. Analyse it. Repeat best practices. Do away with lapses.
I agree! It’s pointless to keep doing the things that fail to deliver desired results. Do what works and make improvements on what failed. Nice recipe for success.
Just getting ready to do something,now what was it ? Look at to do list, ok back on track, page 1 list 1 “take action” cross that off the list next !
I think that alot of people do this in their Internet Marketing businesses Jeremy. They love to learn and buy the latest product, but when it comes to putting the “rubber to the road”…they just don’t have the time to do it.
If more people would just “do something”, they would be better off.
You just gotta dive in!
Get better or get worse. Your choice. Your future. Thanks, Jeremy.
Love coming to your site Jeremy. I am a C-level exec that writes a career blog for fun, but you do motivate me to try to make some money too.
Later -
Mike
I monitor Shoe’s blog for the same reasons. Aside from the free web marketing tips and tricks, I’ve been a fan of Jeremy for two years and still counting because of posts like these — short, direct to the point and definitely a winner. Looking forward for tomorrow’s post, buddy. Keep up the good work.
Reminds me a bit of the SNL “Just fix it” skit. Either do it or don’t.
Is it just me or does this post vaguely remind you of Larry, The Cable Guy’s shenanigans? Blue Collar TV is still king. LMAO
LOL. Is this the skit that also featured Tina Fey’s Palin look?
Good one. So, what was it that prompted you to write this post?
I know many Shoemoney Blog readers will find this post quite different from the others. Nonetheless, it still is a post that really deserves poring over. Keep the great stuff rolling, Jeremy.
Perhaps the fact that I’ve passed his Silver level in Starcraft 2? On my way to conquer US and UK Battlenet, baby!
Or is it the fact that I just made him bite the dust with 4 squads of carriers with a loving side dish of fully-upgraded zealots?
If you don’t get better then you must either be doing something wrong or you’re better off doing something else.
Well said! I think it’s important that you’re 100% committed to whatever it is that you’re doing. Because if you’re not, it’s going to be a waste of time. It’s hard to get better at something you don’t really enjoy doing.
This is what makes life truly exciting. The constant hunt for what you are really cut out for is an adventure of all sorts. Often painful, I agree, but when you find your calling? Pure, epic success.
That’s what she said. Pow! I am on fire right now. ROFL
Weight training’s a good example. It takes time, effort, and commitment. And gives a lot of discomfort along the way. But once you see and feel the results, you’ll realize all that effort was worth it.
Love it! It’s very timely. I’ve been procrastinating for some time now and it’s not doing me any good. About time I stop delaying what needs to be done.
I’m thinking of doing a “getting better at something” challenge. One month should be enough to start seeing some results.
Estoy muy agradecido por el post de hoy es Shoemoney. Nunca dejar de hacer mi día, Jeremy. Usted es el gurú de la mejor web de comercialización con vida. Por cierto, ¿podría dejar de usar camisas apretadas? Huelgan las palabras.
Bottom line, it’s about choices. Some people choose to do whatever it takes to get better while others choose to sit on it and wait.
While sitting may be a far more comfortable choice, seeing other moving forward is always painful to go through. I guess this is just normal among humans. Kick up your heels and strut like Mick Jagger to success!
This post certainly deserves two thumbs up. Just got back from work and chilling with my Margarita while reading my fave web marketing blog is the best method to top off a nice day. Kudos, Jeremy.
Simple but awesome. A great way to end my day.
Honey, all things simple and minimalistic are awesome. Just like the flowers my boyfriend gave me this afternoon with a cute tag saying “You make my days more colorful.” Isn’t that awesome or what?
This makes me think of my hockey coach. He’s always telling us stuff like this.
I understand what you mean. I’ve had a swimming coach before that made Hitler look like Mother Teresa. But it was while I was training with him that I broke all my previous records. When faced with difficult challenges, I think about the grueling trainings I’ve had and everything else becomes easy.
What’s that Sean Connery movie again where he plays an inspiring coach? I’ve been looking it up for months now but I still can’t get my hands on the title…
Not sure if you’re referring to Finding Forrester. I remember he played the role of a reclusive writer turned “writing coach”/motivator to a talented HS kid.
Playing a sport can certainly teach you a thing or two about perseverance, hard work, and the importance of aiming to surpass your previous games.
Inspiring! It’d be good to remember that we could always do more despite setbacks. The point is to keep at it until there’s no other way but become better.
There are no shortcuts to getting better, which is patience and resolve are important. Like weight training, you don’t get to build muscles or tone your body in one go. You need to make a consistent effort even during the most difficult moments.
It’s like the subtlest way of saying TITS or GTFO. Catch my drift?
What’s this? Has the Shoemoney Blog turned into a mushy TV drama? LOL
He’s just keeping it real. Deep inside, Jeremy is a certified sensitive guy. (Now, does this qualify me to be your mate on next year’s Playboy party?)
In a different perspective, can you achieve a similar effect at failing? LMAO Just kidding, Shoe.
Knowing where you perform best and where you require a bit of improvement is the first step to holistic development. Just like admittance in other cases. Thanks a lot for this, Shoe. (P.S. Did John Chow attend the Playboy party?)
The word over the grapevine is Hef made a grand entrance when the soiree is reaching its pinnacle. Wore his sailor’s costume with an old-fashioned pipe to accessorize. I’d love to have a picture with that guy. Much appreciated post, Jeremy. Miami props!
You couldn’t have said it better. I totally agree with this. Knowing where you excel and where you need a bit of polishing is the very first step to making it to the top. I hope Shoe has more posts like this in the near future. I didn’t know I can also get inspirationals here. Thanks, Shoe.
Is there a Shoemoney inspirational series coming soon? Web marketing hasn’t made me feel this good ever since I discovered your blog, Jeremy. That’s 10 points for feel-good factor, buddy.
Absolutely one of the best posts for 2010. Congrats, Shoe! You’ve done it again. By the way, where can you update your Starcraft 2 rank in the online forum? Need help on this. TY in advance.
Continual improvement separates performers from non-performers. There are always better ways of doing things.
This is especially true whether you’re talking about web ventures or simple relationships. It’s either you keep progressing or stay where you are and slowly crumble. As for me, I have to keep advancing or else I’ll be left behind in the Shoemoney System sessions I’ve signed up for. I’ll give this super post 5 stars!
Definitely an awesome topper for a long day. Thanks. Best wishes from Tempe.
This is quite a change from your last post. A bit more serious but not any less relevant. A nice thought to have especially when I feel stuck.
Thanks, Jeremy. This post is a reminder that constant progression is the key to success in life, love and of course, web business. Hope to catch more meaningful articles like this. (Shoemoney fan for 2 years and counting.)
One thing to start with is to surround yourself with people who inspire you to become better. Stay away from naysayers who eventually break you down. Change is faster with a support group.
Weight training? How about trying jogging or hiking instead?
Intuitive, inspiring and smart. Hoping to read more posts like these, alright?
I used to dread making presentations. But part of my job is to present regularly to stakeholders and clients. I guess it was me doing it over and over again (despite the fact that I hated it) that eventually made me better at it.
What a way to put it. It’s a slap to my face. I’m definitely better at putting things off than getting than getting stuff done.
Best wishes from shako
This was a short, yet extremely powerful post. 100% true and I wish I fell in the category of getting better at the things I want to get better at, but I do tend to slip and end up better at putting it off.
So much to read and so little time. This is short and sweet.
Failure is simply not taking action at the approprite time, repeated over and over. Failing high school math is the result of not competing math assignments in junior high school. Not being able to play basketball with your 12 year old is really sitting on the couch eating that extra wedge of pizza when you should be out walking and running.
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