Three Quick Steps to Regain Control of Your Life & Career April 30, 2009
Hey Folks!
I've had a few epiphanies in the last few weeks about my own life and career, and I thought I'd share with you what I've done, so you too can be sure you are on the right track. Before I do, I wanted to thank the 50+ who responded to the survey I sent out last week. I am going over all the responses, and using them to improve my services, and also to construct a follow up survey. Thanks again.
Okay, here we go. The five steps to regain control of your life and career.
1.
THE FIVE STEPS
STEP ONE: Ask yourself, "Are my long-term goals still the same as they were last year?" If the answer is yes, write them down again. If the answer is no, ask yourself, "What has changed, and how are they different? What are my new goals? Then write them down. In both cases, don't you DARE give up your childhood dreams. If anything, those are the most important. Remember: think big people! Dreams CAN come true.
STEP TWO: Synergize everything. Make sure that everything you are doing is synergistically related--do not be running around in ten different directions. A lot of people think I am "all over the place" but the reality is that everything--and I mean everything--is part of a bigger plan than many people cannot see and do not understand. Who cares if they don't understand; the key is: do YOU understand why you are doing everything you are doing?
STEP THREE: Cut your losses. Stop doing everything that has nothing to do with your new plan. Ask yourself, "Is this slowing me down?" If so, drop it. Ask yourself, "Has this run its course?" Is so, drop it. Ask yourself, "Is this only a short term solution, rather than a long-term solution?" If so, DROP IT. Get rid of everything (and everyONE) in your life that is slowing you down.
STEP FOUR: Recognize change. Ask yourself every day, "How have I changed? What is different?" In my opinion, most businesses (and dreams) fail because their CEOs fail to give themselves a reality check on a daily basis. If you just got fired, everything has changed. If you just got promoted, everything has changed. If you just appeared on a talk show on television, everything has changed. Get my point? Do NOT run your current business using a business plan that is long outdated. That is not just stupid, it's downright suicide for your career or business.
STEP FIVE: Get off your ass. Enough planning. Everyone likes to plan; no one likes to do. I want you to GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD BE DOING. Hearing me?
2. REAL LIFE CASE STUDY Okay, so now you know the steps. Here's real life example (using me as the case study) to show you what I mean.
Step One, Monroe Mann: My long term goals are pretty much the same. Some include: Playing my music to a live sold--out crowd at Madison Square Garden; making $10,000,000 a year as a SAG feature film actor; turning Unstoppable Artists into the most amazing entertainment law firm in the world; etc. All good here.
Step Two, Monroe Mann: I asked myself, "Is everything synergized?" Most things are. My books are motivational, and so is my music. My company is all about helping people. I am actively making movies and performing so that my clients see that I practice what I preach, etc. All good here too.
Step Three, Monroe Mann: Okay, now it's time to cut my losses. This is KEY, and you can't let your ego get in the way. I have pretty much decided to shut down my celebrity talk-show Before the Big Break. Why? Well, it has served a great purpose: I now have a film school as a result, and more importantly, I have the confidence to shoot feature films now, which I'll be doing next year. In addition, the whole project was losing money, and with me doing all the editing, it was taking valuable time away from my law school studies. So, goodbye talk show (for now). In addition, I have been trying to put my band back together for years. It hasn't happened. What is this? Clearly a losing battle. The other day, I read an article in Spin that No Doubt is back together and touring. They are actually more popular now than they were before Gwen went solo. She is now done with her solo stuff, and is back as front girl for the band. Lesson: going solo may actually be a springboard to return to the band. So, I'm putting 'the band' on hold for now, and have secured a list of open mics in Manhattan. Monroe Mann is going solo, and I hope you'll come see me performing this summer! :)
Step Four, Monroe Mann: Now, I need to continue to recognize change. For instance, I already know that in 17 months, I will be an attorney. That is going to be a HUGE change. So what am I doing? Recognizing change NOW and planning for the future by interviewing potential law partners NOW. I also noticed my hairline starting to recede, so I am now also (listen up boys!) taking propecia pills every day to halt the process. As full of confidence as I may be, I also know when to put my ego to the side, and how to react accordingly. You must too.
Step Five, Monroe Mann: As far as getting off my ass, I'm writing this email while standing up, leaning over the computer. Why? Because I have things to do baby! As you all know by now if you have ever called my cell phone and reached my voice mail: "I'm off making history!"
Meet you all at the top!
3.
OTHER BITS OF FUN NEWS In other news, I just wanted to let you know that:
* I am creating an 'investor opportunity' group, i.e. a group of those who are interested in investing in showbusiness and entrepreneurial projects that I come across. You don't need a lot to invest (many opportunities can be secured for only $100/share, with no minimum shares), so if you have any interest at all, just reply to me, and I will add you to the list and provide you with more information.
* My Accountability School is about to launch. A 6-month time management and accountability program designed to help you think big AND make it happen. The course will run for about $250, and will include use of my new online time management software, plus monthly meetings with your support group (of which I will be a part).
* I am nearly done writing my stand up comedy act, and will let you know when I am performing so you can come laugh with me, not at me
* My new book, "Time Zen - the shortest and most effective time management book ever written" is done, and I hope to have it available for you to read by mid summer!
* Ronnie and I are going to begin casting our feature-length horror film this May. It will be SAG Ultra Low Budget. It's about time!
* Will you write a review about Unstoppable Artists? You can do so by clicking here:
www.ratepoint.com/tellus/13968
Okay, talk soon everyone! Thanks for all your support, and I hope this information was helpful for you.
MEET YOU AT THE TOP!
-Monroe
P.S. - Call or email to set up your free consultation to discuss your career, your business, your marketing strategies, your financial situation, your time management skills, your dreams, and your goals. In return for my 20-minutes, I ask that you hear my own pitch regarding how I might be able to help you. My offfice number is 914-481-1641, and my cell is 646-764-1764. Call me!
Websites:
www.UnstoppableArtists.com www.ActorsFilmSchool.com www.MonroeMann.com 
