If you’re looking to start something new, there’s a simple technique you can use to FINALLY get started.
And it doesn’t even matter what you PLAN to start. This technique I share in today’s video WILL WORK.
Looking to start freelancing? Start a blog? Start reading? Start going to the gym? Start ANYTHING? This video will help.
Here’s the deal:
The Secret to Starting Anything…
There’s ALWAYS a gap between what we know we SHOULD do and what we ACTUALLY do.
And this technique I share in today’s video is designed to help you close that gap.
Watch the video…
Here’s the link I mentioned on how to start a blog.
…and then keep reading.
Starting something new is hard…
…And I should know.
Back when I had just graduated college, I could honestly say I never read a full book in my life.
I don’t even think I read half of a book.
As a matter of fact, I hated reading so much that I would spend more time figuring out ways to sound like I read a book instead of actually reading it.
In college, I remember this one presentation I had to give about a book called “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.”
Instead of giving a traditional presentation, I got up in front of the class and said, “You’ve all sat through a lot of presentations today, so I want to switch it up. Everyone break up into groups, and I’ll lead a discussion about this book instead of a boring presentation.”
The teacher LOVED it and told me I had a natural talent for giving great presentations.
The funny part was I spent more time figuring out how to give a presentation on a book I didn’t read than I could have spent just reading the book (or the cliff notes).
(Kind of like procrastination...).
Now compare this to who I am now.
I read like all the books in the world are going to disappear next month.
How did I finally START reading?
I used the technique I shared in the video today.
It’s called the “Before I go to sleep tonight” technique.
Now let’s talk about…
The Challenge
In the video, I leveled a challenge for you. A challenge that I’d like YOU to participate in.
All you have to do is leave a comment below and say, “Before I go to sleep tonight, I will [insert your goal].
Do it now.
P.S. I’m getting ready to rerelease the Social Triggers Insider podcast. More details soon.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will remember to take my anxiety medication.So I have energy to tackle another day finding a job. Because if I don’t find a job soon I can’t pay my mortgage next week or keep my Internet connected.Good to hear Derek you followed your own path and believed in yourself.I get what your saying.
Hey Derek,
before I got to sleep tonight, I will register my domain name and write my about page.
THANK YOU
Interesting approach to the subject. I had not thought of it that spoób. I’m thinking to commencing their business, and it probably will be useful 🙂
I am over my excuses and where I am in life – so your challenge is actually scary & stirring butterflies in my stomach – but I am officially declaring it as my promise! 🙂 I’m sure your success makes it easy to see how good you are at what you do – but I wanted to let you know this “before I go to sleep challenge” may just save my marriage, my family & my life. Therefore, I want to thank you – personally and sincerely. Thank You.
Now – without further ado:
Before I go to sleep tonight I will learn how to start a blog. Everyone I talk to – and I mean seriously everyone – friends, family, neighbors and even strangers have all said “you should start a blog” or some say write instead of start – but I look at that as the same thing? It is the same? Right? That’s how much (well…little) I know about blogging :/ yikes! Wish me luck!
(p.s. does anyone else feel like they need to say it three times or add a pinky promise to the end or something similar? maybe it’s just me? LOL)
Before i go to sleep tonight – i will finish the first arrangement of my new my solo project – Children of Chaos – thanks man
Before I got to sleep tonight I will choose my first furniture refurbishing project….for the new workshop space I’ve signed up to use.
BEFORE I go to SLEEP tonight I will post to my blog that I got lazy with.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will – Order my logo for my business.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I think about 5 questions for an interview that I want to make.
Thanks for this great Video. 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight I will make contact with possible network. Been totally avoiding this 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight I will line up the next 3 interviews for my new magazine project. Thank you for sharing this amazing tip. As soon as I complete this post I am sharing it with my friends on Facebook.
Brilliant video Derek, before I go to sleep ill prep my blog page
Before I go to sleep tonight I will draw in my sketchbook
I am going to watch the last 6 videos you did that I am behind on before I go to sleep tonight.
Great! So challenging! Thank you, Derek!
wel, before I go to sleep tonight I will translate 3 pages of a magazine that I got to translate 🙂
let’s see how this technique works for me) but it sounds really great and challenging!
Yesss very true. Let’s stop procrastinating and lets build something together. Bridges are not build in factory. They’re build one brick at time. one a day 365 a year. Lets imagine if we put more effort than this. We would have thousand of bridges that brings us closer to our destination.
Excellent job derek.
Tonight b4 go to sleep I will build my first brick of progress. Out of clay and immagination.
Charly
Great video! Absolutely wonderful Derek. I have a question: After you have started something, how do you finish it? And one more: How do I stop myself from starting many new things at once or in succession? Ofcourse its teh same problem- How do I finish my projects?
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write the introduction for the free e-brochure that I am offering on my blog. This is to build my e-mail subscribers.
Before I go to bed tonight I will write about my recepy and history of forbidden rice in my new blog about healthy ‘Indo-food’.
Before I go to bed tonight I will start a blog.No content,just register and start it up!
before i go to bed today i will set up a blog for my business even if i don’t know how to i will start something. Thanks sir, so glad i subscribed because i procrastinate a lot.
Before I go to bed tonight, I’ll bullet-point the main ideas in my case study.
Before I go to sleep I make sure my website post is published and make sure I’m up to date in my book
Before I go to bed tonight I will clear my desk and write Q&A for my television segment on relationships. I will do my strength exercises and do running speed work.
You are awesome Derek! Thank you so much.:)) You are so right.Before I go to bed tonight I’ll definitely look for a new agenda.Have a nice weekend!
Anca
Derek, this is terrific. I love the challenge especially! My husband and I actually have a morning ritual where every day, before we get the day started, we express one thing we’re grateful for and one action we’re taking that day towards our goals. It’s the best (BEST) start to the day. I got the idea from Marie Forleo and it’s been a fantastic way to keep forward motion happening towards our goals. So thank you for reinforcing the idea with the “Before I go to sleep tonight…” Awesome!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will create the About page for my blog.
Thanks, Derek. You rock! I’ve been procrastinating for far too long.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will set-up my WP blog.
Before i go to sleep tonight i find a good song i can flip and sample and make a new beat out of it! Thank you, Sir!
before I go to bed tonight I will file @ least 100 pieces of paper on my desk.
before I go to sleep tonight, I will buy some weed killer to put on the lawn tomorrow.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will walk for 30 minutes.
Before I go to bed tonight I’ll make a 3 week business & time plan.
Before I go to bed, I WILL finish watching ALL of Derek Halpern’s video’s that are taking up space in my inbox.
Before I go to sleep I {make sure the work I done for today is enough to carry me into the next day slightly ahead}
Im quite the clinical person
Before i go to sleep tonight I will write this comment. 😉
Before I go to bed I will take a massive dump!
before I go to sleep tonight I will email 5 people about referrals for my freelance business! never thought of just asking right up front!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will contact 2 friends that are small business owners. Thank you for the motivation and effective tip!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will read a book, and think about tomorrow what i do
Great advice as usually. I think if people got the heck off Facebook they would get a lot more done.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will finish reading George R.R. Martin’s “A Storm of Swords”!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will: make dinner for my wife (it’s her birthday) and wireframe a one-pager for a new start-up idea I’ve been mulling over.
I have resistance to communicating, leaving blog comments etc. Today before i go to sleep (now) i will leave comment on some blog (this)…
Thanks for the awesome video…exactly what i needed…
I have resistance to communicating, leaving blog comments etc. Today before i go to sleep (now) i will leave comment on some blog (this)…
Thanks for the awesome video…exactly what i needed…
Before I go to bed tonight I will write 500 more words for my book.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will register my domain name for my site. Although I have no clear direction the goal it to start.
Before I got sleep I will read book
I start faster but don’t know how to keep stretching that startup and that’s why not satisfied with the startups I have done till now.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will start writing the “About” page of my blog. I don’t have a clear direction for the blog as yet as there are many things I’m interested in and want to talk about….so maybe it will be a catch-all. We shall see.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will start composing the first song from my new show.
I’ve been on an aimless jobhunt for months now and sadly, only recently discovered the power of networking. I’ve been putting off building my network to connect with people in the industry via LinkedIn because I feel my profile isn’t good enough.
So, before I go to sleep tonight, I am going to update ONE SECTION of my LinkedIn profile – the one detailing ONE of the projects that I worked on.
Update:
Did the one section as promised to self :D. Attacking the next one now.
Update 2:
Did the other section too and sent out an email to an older, experienced cousin asking for his advice on improving the profile.
Goal for tomorrow night : incorporate the suggestions. If I don’t get a response, I’ll send it out to another person, seeking their input.
It’s far easier and fun to be on a roll once you get started 🙂
Before I was to go to bed that day I said I would learn how to create e-book cover for my web-form. So, I learned how to do it, created it, inserted it in a web-form, tried out different variations of every single editable feature there, wrote the first letter of my accompanying autoresponder, edited it, used a block builder of my e-mailing software editor to make it look beautiful. Then I went back to the site, didn’t like how the web-form looked on the site, edited it again (all editable features again, of course).
In the end, I didn’t go to bed at all. Not that it’s any of your fault. And it’s not the first time either.
Maybe you should make a post about how to finally go to bed.:)
Cheers!
“Before I go to sleep tonight, I will work on my About page for my new website and read 3 pages from The Challenge book.” I am almost done, so want to keep the positive energy flowing before shut eye. Then I can wake up with new ideas and extra energy.
Now, I need to write these down in my planner so I won’t forget.
Madeline Yau
“Before I go to sleep tonight I will work on my About page for my new website and read 3 pages from The Challenge book. I am almost done, so want to keep the positive energy flowing before shut eye. Then I can wake with new ideas and extra energy.
Now, I need to write these down in my planner so I won’t forget.
Madeline Yau
Before I go to sleep tonight I will get print out a photo of my kids in their Glastonbury T-Shirts and post it to my folks
Before I go to bed tonight I will research : How to start an online business , jot down 5 of them. One that will bring profit to me at the same time be a needed and helpful service to other’s.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write down my goals for Wednesday. I will read the next chapter in the book next to my bed and your post on Procrastination.
Before I got to sleep tonight I will do 10 minutes of yoga.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will work 30 minutes on my conference presentation. Gathering more information!
Great Video Derek!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will actually sleep early tonight so I can get up early tomorrow for a jog and turn it into a daily ritual.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write down 5 things I was gratefull for today.
before i got to sleep tonight i will get started my blog !
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write the first page of that book I’ve been meaning to start…
Thank you! I started my blog successfully thanks to this post. For that I will always be thankful to you.
It’s always a pleasure to see you speak!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will list my top 5 goals for the week.
Thanks for the push 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight I will record Episode 2 of my podcast.
I’m lying in bed now but before I go to sleep I WILL read at least five pages of the book I’ve been putting off and make notes of how I need to pply what I learn!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write my first blog post and then commit to promoting it.
I need to start commiting to my movement The Invisible Sorority. Which focuses on personal development of survivors of sexual asssault.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will place my sneakers, and workout clothes on my end table next to my alarm clock to workout tomorrow morning.
I’m just about to launch my freelance web design business. And before I go to sleep tonight, I will fill in my “About” page.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will order the printing and all other materials needed for my upcoming direct mail campaign.
I have neglected my blog for more than a month.
Before I go to bed today, I will create a post, no matter how short.
Off to post this on Facebook and Twitter 🙂
Derek,
Great approach. Personally, I’m also a huge fan of the “before I eat” method for smaller tasks, probably stemming from the fact that in the film industry, the crew generally wants or needs to get a certain number of shots filmed before “breaking for lunch.”
For me it’s sometimes more effective, because, as a night owl, procrastinator, and perfectionist, I can easily be lead to believe that staying up late is a reward and not a punishment. A good meal on the other hand, always functions as a reward for completing the task.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write a paragraph of my paper that I need to finish up.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will finish my Toastmasters speech project 2.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will record and produce the podcast for Thursday! POWERFUL DEREK HALPERN!
Before I go to sleep tonight… I will write a rough draft of the About page of my blog.
I’ve been getting overwhelmed with “what if’s”.
Appreciate the motivation Derek.
Before I got so sleep tonight, I will write a post on Facebook that I’m looking for freelance social media clients AND write a post in an FB group about social media work.
tonight before i go to sleep, i will read 5 pages of kelly starret’s “becoming a supple leopard”
Before I go to sleep tonight I will make an entry about my day in my blog…
Before I go to sleep tonight I will do some sort of abdominal exercise routine.
Before I go to bed tonight, I will look at the submission form for the photography exhibit in China.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write 3 pgs of my book
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write one more cocktail script for my book
Before I go to sleep tonight I will turn off the light.
Before I go to bed tonight I will think of 3 useful topics to read up on that will help me achieve my immediate business goals.
Awesome as always…totally loved the simple-anyone-can-do-it-language…now i actually use this technique myself…every night…and every morning i do the follow-up so you could say 24/7 isn’t enough for me lol! I’ve just got my second blog going, it’s my second niche (hey, Pat Flynn’s foodtruck niche challenge is my motivation here) and yeah, like i say 24/7 isn’t enough. So…keep them coming, Derek….awesome!
Before I got to sleep tonight, I will finish email #2 of my SOS series! 🙂 Thanks
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will record a Soundcloud Message.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will spend 15 minutes translating Gredt’s Thomistic Philosophy from Latin to English.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will start a blog and write my about page.
This is an awesome video! Thanks heaps for the kick-along 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write a book review that keeps getting moved to the bottom of my to-do list 🙂
Great video, Thx.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will clean up my desk.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will paint something.
Before I go to sleep tonight I am going to write for 5 minutes about a new business strategy.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will clear the table, wash the dishes, tidy up the draining board and make the kitchen look as beautiful as it should look. It’s not going to help my business, but it’ll make me feel great. And that is worth it 😉
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will brush my teeth, change into my pyjamas and start counting the sheep.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will complete the detailed outline for my new 4-week course, including the four experts I want to interview for each week.
Great strategy Derek! My fiance was in the room while I had your video playing and he’s joining me by creating his own “before I go to sleep tonight” declaration. And he’s NEVER one to take the first step!
Before I start snoring tonight (oops, TMI?)…I meant to say, before I go to bed tonight I will schedule 10 posts for my Facebook page so I don’t have to think about it next week. (and I’ve been neglecting my page for awhile)
50 push ups. And 10 burpees. Thanks Derek for the push.
Before I go to sleep tonight I’m going to fix my headlight I’ve been putting off and clean my studio up.
Antonio
P.S. your “nailed it” at the end almost made me cough up my mouthwash 😀
Hi Derek! Tonight before I go to sleep I will purchase my domain name! Thanks for the swift kick in the butt. Can’t wait until your next post!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will complete the title/copyright page of my new
book.
I promise before I go to bed tonight, I will write my about me page for the above website (it’s still unlaunched, but nothing stopping me from writing the article and posting it when it’s up).
Derek, I LOVE this type of challenge and this is why I love your work so much. You really know how to get people out of the dreamer into doer mode and I really appreciate that.
Thank you for the amazing job you did at BehaviorCon. I had hoped to stop by and say hi, but never mustered up the courage.
Betsey
Love it.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will develop my story to tell at speaking engagements.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will get a newsletter ready for distribution and take time to absorb this brilliant viral marketing strategy that this young man is using! He delivers content and value with 90% of the post or more and uses the rest to subtly suggest ways to get more information and creates a system where the ideas can be spread. Brilliant! I need to stay in touch with you, sir!
Thank you for another awesome video. Just the kick in the ass I needed to get started.
Before I go to bed tonight, I will practice juggling.
Scratch that, I did it while listening to this video. NAILED IT.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will finish transferring blog posts to my new website!
Love the idea of breaking it down with such a simple technique, Derek! Before I go to sleep tonight, I email 3 people to interview for my Living My Legacy segment on my blog and I will outline a draft for an article I want to submit to a magazine.
Before I go to sleep, I will text my sisters and tell them I miss them… (and try to set up a skype-date with them).
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will have a WORDPRESS account.
saying it how it is! About time someone did.. good points, really shows the right and wrong way to go about things
I can’t do things right before sleep because they keep me awake. Especially now that I’m reading the 4 hour workweek – that book gets me amped up! haha. However, after reading The Ultimate Sales Machine I’ve been implementing the TO DO list. I put a star next to the most important task or two that need to get done. Generally I try to star the big, scary projects like starting a PR campaign or brainstorming my next project. That way I feel compelled to do them.
Another thing I have done, and this is probably the most helpful part, if that I put “1 hour” next to those scary tasks. So it reads like,
“1 hour on PR”
“1 hr emailing leads”
That way I know I only have to dedicate one hour to it.
Before I go to sleep tonight…
I will complete the small list of client work I’ve been putting off…
I will complete the list of work I will do next week….
I will organize my bookshelf and put the books I want to read on my nightstand…
I will work out until I can’t.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will record one lesson of my video accounting series. Thanks as always Derek.
Before I go to sleep tonight I’ll read 5 pages of my book
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will finish my Thursday blog post.
Great video Derek
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write down the table-of-contents for my “Triple Your Growth” ebook.
Hmmm, good one (and now so many things I want to do too! >.<)
Before I go to sleep tonight I will…create 10 product pages on my website! (Mind you this product is already created, copy written, & photographs taken – it's just not made it to my official website yet.)
No time like the present! As an aside, something I've noticed about myself. I've got this major desire to overachieve, which leads to my eyes being bigger than my stomach when it comes to goals. Sometimes, when I have an important to do that I know won't take hours it's good (for me personally) to just stop and "do it now". Because otherwise I'll spend so much time telling myself I ought to, should, etc that I waste at least twice the amount of time I really need to even get it done. So perhaps a helpful tip to others – if it's quick (let's say 30 min or less) do it Now. Otherwise schedule it.
Thank you, Derek. This is a great video. I’m so inspired.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write one post for my blog.
Guys, Have a great weekend.
A Big hug from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Before I go to bed tonight, I will register my blog … even though I have no clue what it will be about. Thanks Derick!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will get to page 100 in my novel…
… and eat some junk food.
Loving social triggers right now Derek. You have a great style which gives real advice and value but doesn’t overwhelm people like many other blogs in our industry.
I have to congratulate you on your videos, you have great charisma and make for great watching. I think there are very few bloggers that can do what you do.
Oh I almost forgot.. before I go to sleep I’m going to add some content to the about me and consulting pages on my site.
Paul Back
I’ll start with reading tonight.
G.D. ok, before i go to sleep i will contact 3 publications that I think would be interested in my products for Christmas gift guides.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will email 5 people I want to interview on my blog.
Thank you Derek!
Derek: Your video reminds me of a great piece of advice I received years ago. Here is the advice: “You must act WHEN you are inspired. Tomorrow you will be in a different place and a different time, and there is no guarantee that the inspiration that you possess today will be with you tomorrow.”
Great video to give us a kick in the pants. Why get kicked in the pants tomorrow if you can have it today, right? Before I sleep tonight I promise to buy 3 English Teaching books today to start researching an info-product for teaching English to Brazilians.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will contact 5 people to interview for an upcoming speech to a bunch of web designers.
Gene
Before I go to bed tonight, I will pack one box. Just one.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will email 2 people I want to inteview for my blog.
Additionally, I like to set reminders on my phone to take action on things and also reward myself for finishing tasks. Finish a task -> watch a video on YouTube.
I totally didn’t leave my “Before I go to sleep,” but I totally fixed my website that was running slow and scheduled some posts to promote it. Thanks for the motivation Derek!
Tonight before I go to bed I will create my first FSB store.
This ones going straight to hubby 😉
As for me, before I lay my head down tonight I’ll compile a list of experts I’d like to get to know.
Thanks Derek
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write at least 2 lines for a new song on my upcoming EP. Yes!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will figure out what I want to start saying before I go to sleep tonight……
Love your vids, so much great content. Its been great been on your list, because in Latin America we dont have access to any of this info.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write the Aknowledgement Page of my ebook
It does sound like you’ve been smoking BJ’s Fogg
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write 3 blog posts for my upcoming website.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will finish my info packs for Sundays expo & make an about me video
I think the best news in this post was that Social Triggers Insider podcast is starting back up!
Thanks for this, Derek!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will walk my dog and do at least 10 sit-ups.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write 750 words on my free ebook.
I was going to say, “Before I go to sleep tonight, I will email ALL of my its-been-forever-since-I’ve-seen-you clients.” Instead, I’m doing it right now. As always… a huge Thank You to YOU for kicking ME in the ass!
When I am ready to hit the pillow I am usually drained of energy and can’t get anything done (I would barely make it through one page!). So instead I changed it to “before I eat dinner tonight I am going to post the new promo video for our podcast that starts next week.”
P.S. I just did it so now I can eat 🙂
Derek,
Loved the suggestions, the video, and the advice!! So, before I go to sleep tonight I will watch the other two videos you sent in previous emails, and I will write a blog post! Thanks for the soft “kick in the pants”! 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will do 15 minutes of meditation.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will learn three Russian words.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will send emails to five clients asking for reviews of my services to show potential clients. I’m a freelance writer and want to kick up my marketing so I can pick and choose the projects I want to work on, instead of hoping I get enough work at all.
Tonight before I go to bed, I’ll solidify my setlist for my 30 minute standup magic show.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will find 3 YouTube celebs to research
Fantasticly motivating post, Derek…thank you! As always, you’re serving up the good content, my friend. Love it. So – before I go to sleep tonight I will complete my “Interview With” document which I’ve been struggling to complete due to time constraints. Wishing the best to you & everyone else posting their tasks here. Ciao!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will read at least 20 pages from one of the 5 books on my bedside table that I am currently reading.
Derek, I love this video! I’ve been coaching a lot lately about having enough time, getting going, and just starting!
I’m going to post a link to this video on my “Top Posts of September 2013” page at the end of the month. Great stuff!
Just finished what I said I would do before I go to sleep tonight! Thanks, Derek.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will hand write thank you cards.
Padrica, Owner
Naturalista Cosmetics
Before I go to bed tonight I will do 30 kettle bell swings!
Hi Derek,
Before I go to sleep I will e-mail 7 other personal finance bloggers from Poland and suggest we shall finally set up “Financial Bloggers Meetup” 🙂
Thanks and all the best!
Great video and such a powerful little idea!
Before I go to bed tonight:
“I will sketch out a plan for my new business idea.”
DONE! You’re right – once I got started, I did more than I bargained for, so now I think I’ve ended up with a pretty good business outline for my new venture! And feelin really motivated about it now I finally got the ideas brainstormed, out of my head and written on paper.
Will be continuing this idea for a while I think – thanks Derek! x
Yay!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will: email 5 product/brand managers working at gaming companies in Montreal.
Before I go to sleep I will write two more chapters of my book. 🙂
I LOVE this video. 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight, I’ll make a list of ten blog post/podcast topics for my new writing, publishing, and marketing books blog.
Derek,
Every time I read one of your posts, watch one of your videos, or listen to one of your podcasts, I’m inspired. And yet 99% of the time, I save it until “tomorrow” (aka never).
I’m going to take one of the exact actions you described and email five of my friends about my business. And rather than waiting until I go to bed, I’m going to do it right now, because I’m going to a craft beer event later today and don’t know how compelling my writing will be by the time it’s over.
Thanks for the push!
…and I just did it! Now I can go reward myself.
Thank you, Derek! This is exactly what I needed today.
Before I go to sleep tonight I’ll have completed the first draft of my cover letter, (changing careers), and finished the first chapter of Investing in REITs by Ralph L. Block.
Before I go to sleep tomorrow night, I’ll have drafted a launch plan for my new blog.
Thanks again, you kick ass!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will: Write one blog post and post it!
Dammit, Derek! Before I go to sleep tonight I will put out an ad for my etsy shoppe. I haven’t told you lately, but I still love you. xx old lady maker fan (I am an old lady who makes, I do not make old ladies). a
Tonight, before I go to sleep I’m going to list advertising space on one of my websites!
Before I goto sleep tonight, I will e-mail 10 potential customers/beta testers for my almost finished software product.
Before I go to sleep, I will do the first lesson of a course I’m taking at the moment and which I have been procrastinating on
Before I go to SLEEP tonight I will write my services and about pages for my website.
Thanks for the ideas and accountability Derek!
Thanks for this insightful info Derek!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will make outline for our joint paper and post it to the Google document for others to see.
Hey Derek, I usually don’t comment on the wardrobe but I have to say, the polo is way more you 😉
Ok so, before I go to sleep tonight i will write an email to my beta test group to let them know when they can expect the program I’m designing for them.
(I also have to pick a date to give them and get my rear in gear writing this program!)
Before I go to sleep tonight I will publish a new post on my website.
Before I go to bed tonight I will put all the things that are on my to do list into my agenda, as well as all the course dates that are scheduled for the business ecourse I’m doing. AND I will make an outline of my planned blog posts.
Tonight before I turn on the PS3 and before I go to sleep, I will figure out how to change the contact form on my website and do it! Thanks Derek.
Before I go to SLEEP tonight I will pick a date for my 1st Speaking Engagement!
Thanks Derek for the PUSH!
I just recently started listening to your videos and I love your enthusiasm!
Before I go to bed tonight I will write an about page for my new blog.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will buy my domain name and write my About page.
Hi Derek, I absolutely loved this video. You’ve given me the kick in the butt I need. And, before I go to sleep tonight, I’m going to start that exercise program. It’s 30 minutes a night… What the heck! Thanks again.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will finish that “new” blog post I started weeks ago.
Thanks for this… I will get the my Facebook page header designed….
Derek — you’re killing me on the podcast. I keep checking your itunes feed to make sure I haven’t missed the next one. Love the podcast and am looking forward to the relaunch!
And before I go to sleep tonight I’ll do just 5 situps / 5 pushups. Time to start getting back into a workout routine…
before i go to sleep tonight I will write the about me page of my new blog
Before I go to sleep tonight I will finish my lead-generating freebie report and post it on my website!
LOVED this short video! Derek, you’re hilarious and have a great style! You’re a natural motivator and speaker! 🙂
Before I go to bed tonight, I will finish the last two books I was asked to read from my business coach so we can get moving with my brand and website.
Carol.. What were the two books?
Before I go to sleep I will write 6 chapters of my Email Yoga course and I will plan what to do next days!
I forgot the most important thing (apart from the feedback)
“Before I go to sleep tonight Thursday Sept 5 2013, I will have registered a totally new domain name (i.e. it does not exist at the time of writing this today) for my upcoming program on ‘Moving from Managing to Leading.’ It will have at least a holding available if nothing else.
The domain name will be AnybodyCanLead.com.
It may not look ‘pretty’ but it damn sure will be online. So feel free to check it out anytime up to midnight CDT (Chicago time).
If it’s not up by the end of today, I owe you $100 Derek!
BAYO
Thank you for this. I feel annoyed at my accomplishments on a daily basis and now a graduate, there’s no more assignments, no more deadlines and I miss them.
Before I go to sleep tonght I will:
write my first entry of my blog.
write a flash fiction.
Do the first lesson in short hand
and read a bit of my bible.
Before I go to bed tonight, I am going to update the shows on my blog. This came right when I needed the kick in the pants to keep going! Thanks and keep ’em coming!
Nice post!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will research how to create a website using WordPress and graphic and web design courses at our local community college.
Amandah,
There are three people in Austin doing that. I tracked their sales (cuz I was thinking about it) and their classes seem to sell out every time.
Then of course they make not only the cost of the class (actually it’s 50% in Austin) but the affiliate sales of hosting, email, etc. Plus they can sell their books or products.
You would be a natural with your knowledge.
darlene
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will finish a rough cut on my video and get a workout at the gym/trail.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will set the date for the webinar that will kick off my coaching program!!!
Thx Derek… Sometimes even “starters” need a kick in the pants!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will exercise for 30 minutes.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will write the script of my next travel video
I’ve always had trouble with the ‘Just Do It’ solution. But I’m willing to give this a shot. So:
Before I go to sleep tonight, I’ll spend 30 minutes editing early posts for my blog.
There, we’ll see how it goes…
Before I go to sleep tonight I will send out a servery to my list.
To insure I do this, I just set an alarm to ding an hour before I usually go to sleep. If it dings and I haven’t don’t this task, I know I have an hour to crank it out.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will edit ten pages of my Kindle book that goes live Sept. 22.
FYI, this is the first time ever I’ve done something like this where I announced to all my peeps that I’m publishing my book on a certain date and it’s not even finished. And it’s my first book so it IS important that it’s amazing! No pressure!
darlene 🙂
p.s. Telling the world I’m going to do something has helped me a lot in getting it accomplished. At 1st I was nervous about completing but now I’m sailing right thru.
If you haven’t tried this strategy yet (kinda like Derek’s podcast) I highly recommend it. 🙂
You can do it!
Amandah.. So good to see you!
Thanks for the vote of confidence. 🙂
I have added an off the wall twist that I’ve never seen in a business book before so I’m actually getting super optimistic about it. In fact I’m getting SO optimistic that I’m already formulating (in my head) a 30-day plan to go from zero to best seller in thirty days! That includes the writing, btw. Omgosh.. we shall see.
I may soar. I may flop. But I am giving it my all.
Derek I am tweeting this post. I bet it gets a lot of pp moving today!
darlene
Before I go to sleep tonight I go to the gym 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight I’ll come up with 3 topics for emails to my list – and watch at least one hour of the PPC online course that I’m currently working on. I’ll also have a scotch and watch opening night of the NFL!!
I am working on my second book. My goal is every week to get more done than the week before. Over the past few weeks, I have written close to 5-10 pages.
Great post Derek and I echo your sentiments.
Getting things started and actually working through them systematically can be a pain in the neck, but the recommendations you shared should go a long way in solving those problems is people take action after watching the presentation.
BAYO
…and big thank you Derek!!! This was awesome!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will have written my first blog for my new foodie blog site.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will make a list of 5 things I can do to get/be more organized, and do them.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will publish my first blog post for my new WordPress Services business.
…write 1,000 words.
Derek, loved the video and wanted to share some research you can use to back up your small goals theory using “pledges”… have you ever heard of BJ Fogg, he’s a Psych Dr. at Stanford. I took a week long course of his, it was awesome! Here’s some info on it: http://tinyhabits.com
His theory is that when you link together an existing habit with a new habit, you are able to create rippling changes. (Which is essentially what you did when you put your book next to your alarm clock, that was the old habit linking to the new habit. BJ says you can take this even further because that new habit becomes an old habit that can then be linked to something else, and then again and again…)
I have been able to change a few habits by doing just that. Like since I work from home, I usually wait until later in the morning to shower/get dressed/eat/etc. because I was getting my family ready to head out the door for school. I hated this because it put me behind for HOURS. So I changed my habit by attaching my alarm to a new habit, hopping in the shower before anyone else! I’ve been doing it for 3 weeks now and my day has completely changed!
Hope this helps!
Justiss, thanks for this tip! Hopping over there now. darlene
No worries Darlene!
Before I go to sleep tonight I will do 5 pushups.
Oh, I like this one! And a very doable. Don’t overwhelm with an outrageous number! I may do pilates.
Exactly what I needed today. As usual with you. In BTC for a new project but hesitating because I’m stuck with my SPS and how to divide & conquer and it’s preventing me from starting. So Derek- before I go to sleep tonight, I will register my domain. Before I go to sleep tomorrow- I will get my coming soon page up with optin. Each day I wake up- will decide on my “before I go to sleep” for the day. Thanks!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will memorize 10 hiragana character.
This video make my day.
As my first boss used to say, ‘Begun is half done.’ Love that.
Thanks for another great video, Derek.
Before I go to sleep tonight I will write another page in my eBook!!
Been working on it for months and it needs to get finished 🙂
Thanks for the kick in the a** to get me going again 🙂
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will register my car online. Thank you!
Fantastic as always, Derek! You are so funny and honest, and so right, I can’t help but follow this advice! So, before I go to sleep tonight, I will take a walk!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will post the three opening articles on my new blog (they are mostly written just need to be tidied up and tied together).
Before I go to bed tonight I will write my About page for my new site above. I am aiming at people who need to know the basics of cooking because they didn’t lern from their mom before they left home. This unfortunately is what I let happen to my boys and now they are at college and beyond. My bad so gotta make it good!
Linda, that is a FANTASTIC idea! You have a huge market, and tons of different types of media that you can use – blogging, video, podcasting, ebooks, webinars, etc. You could even get advertising or sponsors eventually.
Best of luck,
Vickie
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will do an hour of yoga – and I am totally not a yogi so this is a big deal.
Before I go to sleep tonight, I’ll brainstorm 5 new blog post or podcast episode topics since I need to produce more content.
Fantastic as always Derek! Thanks once again!
Before I go to sleep tonight, I will read 10 pages of Dan Kennedy’s The Ultimate Sales Letter.
“Before I go to sleep tonight, I will press send” (ask)
Awesome content as always Derek!
I’m using a similar strategy right now to accomplish my goals…Just started my second blog past week and he’s doing great!
Thanks so much for inspiring me.
And today before i got o sleep I’ll finish my 3th post and my about page!
Maybe a better idea would be to leave your laptop by your coffeemaker?
that’s true!