November 1, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
A special thanks to those of you who have commented.
Since it reading your insightful comments after the last post, I’ve thought more about this phenomenon.
It seems like decisions are made at a faster rate when it is crunch time!
If you could make decisions with the same urgency and speed on a daily basis, would you be so dependent upon the last minute?
And would this fast-track decision-making process, cause a greater percentage of bad decisions?
What does your track record or reveal? Have decisions which were made at the last minute, then significantly worse than those made it with plenty of time to ponder pros and cons?
Or could it be that the time you spend pondering the pros and cons, is the time you are actually programming or entering data into your subconscious, which then performs during crunch time?
If that’s the case, the last-minute syndrome is an effective cycle which gets results with minimum effort.
Two sides to that coin, with no experience, no good decision can be made. And yet life shows that things don’t happen, or get done without some sort of deadline.
Please share your experiences and leave a post!
To your Passion, Perseverance, and Partnership Skills,
Mister P
PS This is why you will want to get the book “The 168 Hour Week”
Please purchase it at one o’clock Central time, November 2.
PPS let’s revisit this subject after a couple weeks, but don’t let that stop you from leaving a post now!
Categories: Inspiration | 
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October 26, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
We weren’t there for the last minute… I wouldn’t get anything done at all.
Does anybody relate? Has anybody else had this experience?
So in a perverse sort of way, a deadline is a friend, a stern coach if you will.
Now, who amongst ye, can reveal the secret to setting a very productive deadline?
A deadline which raises the bar to a maximum believability, which induces us to achieve the max?
As you can see, dear reader, I happen to be faced with a deadline. Actually three of them in successive order.
Will I fold like a cheap lawn chair under the pressure? Or will I become tempered by either failure or success?
Myself, I believe that fear of looking stupid stalks us every step of our life. With this bad boy (fear) under control, both failure and success, contribute more to our ability and strength.
Please leave your tips and comments about performing under pressure.
As you can see, I have very little time to expound on that topic and could use some insight for getting it all done.
To your perseverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 7 Comments »
October 19, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
“If only I had more time.”
“If only I had more resolve.”
“If onlyI had an endless well of ideas for blog posts.”
“If only I had _______________.”
This has got to be the shortest formula for understanding your customer’s pain and for your product development.
All you have to do is fill in the blank.
Of course you’ll then have to convince me that you have the super powers to deliver, that I will not be a nieve fool to think that your cure/solution could be so easy, and somehow guarantee that I will not risk time or money by purchasing your product.
Now… If only I had more technical abilities and time, I would be able to continue the story of John and Lisa’s dream for you! 
Thank you for your suggested solution April. The story will be started again, preferably tomorrow.
Just for kicks, please post your “If only I had ______________.” statement…
To your perseverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 10 Comments »
October 18, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
A Rant, Observation and Endorsment… What are the Pros and Cons of each?
Loosely defined, a rant is an emotional outpouring of a negative energy, from a person who is fed up with a certain issue.
While an observation implies an objective third-party perception, which is emotionally distanced from the topic.
An endorsement is basically a sales pitch. It sells the positive aspects, the benefits of subscribing to a certain school of thought, buying a certain product, choosing a certain activity etc.
Typically a rant is very interesting and enticing to read, because it is so emotionally charged.
You as the reader, are drawn into the drama of the fight, of the putdowns, and the history or the story.
Because of this a rant is a very good way to get attention, and develop a quick following.
However, I consider a rant to be a dead end street. Think about the foundation or the source, the feelings and perceptions that a rant is built upon. Hate, frustration, disgust, anger, insecurity, and conflict to name a few.
Now this doesn’t mean that getting attention through negative emotions is unsuccessful. Just look at a young child throwing a temper tantrum. This is how you want to perceive, or think about a rant. Think: “short term gain.”
An observation is not generally thought of as an opinion. A comment from an unconnected source if you will.
A person making an observation typically does not gain anything, as there are unconnected to the topic. That’s why an observation relays a feeling of trust.
Adding to the feeling of trust, is the fact that most influential observations, come from an authority figures.
So the tough part about making observations, is about positioning. How do you position yourself as an authority figure? How do you position yourself as a nonbiased third-party?
The other negative about observations, is how do you make them interesting and fun to read?
When you are endorsing a product or an idea, it segues nicely into listing the benefits.
Now, benefits are positive, even if they are portrayed in negative light. (Think: avoidance of pain)
The general thrust of an endorsement is working to make something better… Improvement is a strong word that will resonate in the heart of almost everyone, thereby increasing your audience.
The obvious downside to an endorsement is the biased position you have, the gain you will get if your audience complies, subscribes to the way you think.
Another negative point is the possibility of rejection. (Boo, Hiss, Thumbs Down!) Who wants that?
Also the attention-getting factor is less powerful or slower than a rant.
As a blogger, as a copywriter, as a marketer, as an employee, as a parent, as a spouse, as a friend, or any other role you may have in life, you will convey your messages in a negative, neutral, or positive format. Typically we tend to use a combination of all three.
What kind of the ratios do you prefer?
To Your Perseverance,
Mister p
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 8 Comments »
October 15, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
Each night for seven nights, John and Lisa worked on one of their goals. Lisa was impressed by the efforts John has been making to be organized. He even came home with an accordion style file folder. He had all of their notes in one pocket and each of the goals in a separate pocket. He even had a mechanical pencil and a yellow highlighter. For the entire week, Lisa had not gone out shopping once. They were both a little surprised at how much money they still had in the bank when John’s paycheck came.
Then one day at work, John’s boss stopped by his office.
“Hey, Smith, good work on those blueprints. First rate as always.”
He turned to leave as quickly as he had entered, just as John was saying, “Thank you, sir.”
“Mr. Johnson!” John called.
John’s boss turned back around to face him.
“Yes?”
“Just wondering, sir. I really like working here, and I’ve been here a year already…” John decided to just blurt it out. What was the worst that could happen? Would he be fired? Not likely. The worst the boss could say was ‘no,’ in which case he was no worse off.
“Isn’t it about time I had a raise, sir?”
Mr. Johnson’s eyes widened a bit. “How long have you been here now?” he asked.
“Thirteen months, sir.”
“Really? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it had been that long. How time flies. How’s 10% sound?”
Trying to act cool, John said, “10% is just fine. Thank you, sir.”
“Thank you, Smith. You’re one of the few men I know I can rely on around here. I’ll tell Margaret to make it effective for your next paycheck. I’ll ask her to throw in a small longevity bonus as well.”
Mr. Johnson turned and left. John wanted to cheer. Instead he closed the door and called Lisa’s cell phone. She happened to be on a break between classes.
“Lisa!” he said excitedly, “You’ll never believe what just happened!
- -
They arranged to meet with Rob the next afternoon. Rob could tell something was very different about John and Lisa. Something positive. They were arm in arm and as they sat down, they continued holding hands. Before they had sat on opposite ends of the couch, now they were so close, Lisa was nearly sitting on John’s lap.
“Well, Lisa, John told me you two have been having wonderful success using the Master Method”
“Oh, yes! We can’t thank you enough for helping us out. We’ve gone through each of our goals, made all the objections we could think of, then we found solutions to all of the objections. We don’t just have hope, we know we can do this.”
“And we’re doing it together,” John chimed in, giving Lisa’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“Well, that’s terrific. Let’s see what you’ve done,” said Rob.
John opened up his file folder and took out all of the goal sheets. He laid them out on the table in front of Rob, who came around to sit next to John on the couch so they all could see what was written together.
“Wow! Great work! You two really must have been busy!” Rob exclaimed with approval as he looked over the pages.
Seem to be having trouble loading up the solution diagrams.
Hope fully you’ll have them tomorrow!
To your persverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 9 Comments »
October 12, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
Lisa took the pen and paper and wrote down what John was talking about. She also drew a little arrow back to the part about using regular dates to connect with each other. “I think I really get it now,” she said. “By focusing on the 5 Steps, we aren’t focusing on each other’s failings. It takes the personal hurt out of the problem, and we work together to look for solutions instead of complaining.”
“Well, we’ll see how well that works on the next topic: your mother.”
The next objection was, “Lisa’s mother will continue to have a polarizing affect.” Lisa looked at it and drew a line through the word “polarizing.” “You know what?” she asked. “She will always have an affect, but we are the ones who let her polarize us. She’s just being who she is. We have to commit to not let it affect us so much.”
“Deal! I don’t like it when she criticizes me, but I married you, not her. I’ll try to not let it get to me so much. But why is she always this way? What is she really afraid of?”
“I don’t know, but that’s another good point to put down.”
Lisa wrote, “Find out what is really scaring Lisa’s mother.” She thought a moment, then added, “After understanding core issue, use The Master Method to solve.”
“Is she afraid you’re going to end up homeless? Sure, there’s a setback in the house right now and we both hate this apartment, but we both have decent jobs. I mean, it’s not like the landlord is going to throw us out into the street any time soon.”
“Maybe she just thinks I should have a higher standard of living. Let’s face it, this apartment isn’t exactly the Ritz.”
“Well, write both of those down for us to explore later,” John suggested. “You might also ask if my ‘lack of prestige’ hurts her pride. I know she has a lot of ‘successful’ friends.”
“Well, mom does love to socialize. Now about your infuriating disorganization!” She said it as a joke, so for once John didn’t take offense. He gave her a sheepish little smile, then grabbed the paper and pen back. He spoke aloud as he wrote, “Will…always…aggravate…Lisa. Why?”
“Why?”
“Yes, why? What really bugs you about that? I know I’m pretty disorganized at times, but is it really that big of a problem? I don’t see how it really affects you.”
“I really don’t know. Maybe it reminds me of my dad. I can’t tell you how many time I missed the beginning of a movie, or lost something, or missed a party with my friends because he couldn’t get me anywhere on time. I actually missed out on a scholarship to Princeton because he lost the acceptance letter he was supposed to mail back for me. I found it a month later in a pile of old bills. You have no idea how upset I was over that or how much it hurt!”
The pain and anger in her voice gave John a pretty good indication of how much it hurt, but her anger wasn’t directed at him. He put down the paper, sat next to Lisa, and gave her a big hug. She buried her face in his shoulder.
“I’m sorry honey. The fact is it hurts you, and that’s something I can’t allow to happen any more. I need to own this problem myself and I will. And I promise I will change. I just need you to be a little more accepting of me. I think the more we get to know ourselves and each other honestly, it will help a lot.”
She lifted her head and gave a little nod, then wiped a few tears from her eyes. “What’s the next one?” she asked.
John hesitated. She was pretty emotional, and this was like throwing a bomb at her. He decided to say it as unemotionally as possible. “Lisa’s spending will emotionally bankrupt relationship.” Then he added quickly, “You know, I think we’ve more than covered that under money and values.”
She nodded again, this time with a little smile. He really was trying to be gallant. “You know, John,” she said. “There are other ways to improve our marriage.”
Before he could ask what, she gave him the answer. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
How will the drama play out…?
To Your Perseverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 12 Comments »
October 10, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
John picked up the phone in his office and dialed Rob at around 10am.
“ABC Construction. This is Rob, how can I help you?” Rob’s voice answered.
“Hi, Rob, it’s John.”
“Oh, hello, John! How are you and Lisa doing?”
“We’re doing great. We’ve outlined 7 goals and objections and we’re ready to move on with the 5th Step, solve your negative objections one by one. We were wondering if you had any pointers. This looks like the hardest step.”
“Actually, this should be the step that’s the most fun. You’ve already done all the hard work and you’ve cleared the air of any negativity. Now you just need to look at each objection positively, thinking outside the box, so to speak. Think of each objection as an obstacle. You might not be able to move it, but maybe you can go around it. Look at other options and be creative. This is where you need to focus your positive energy and creativity.”
“Alright, we’ll give it a try. Thanks for the encouragement.”
“Just glad to help!”
- -
That night, John and Lisa tackled the first goal, “Always improve our marriage.” They decided to take one objection at a time, from top to bottom. The first objection was, “We always fight about money.”
“Well, this is easy,” said Lisa. “We fight about money because we never have enough.”
“But that’s not really true,” answered John. “Not only do we have enough, we had enough to make a large down payment on the property and to build a house. The problem is we constantly overspend.”
Even though he said “we,” Lisa knew he meant her. She wanted to say something snide but she realized it would not be productive. Besides, he really didn’t spend that much. He would only come back with something about how he needed to spend money on the car and hadn’t done it. That was true.
“Well, I realize I can’t just try to console myself when I feel upset by just going out and buying something new. I want the house more than anything. But I think you need to be honest about your work and what you could do to earn more money. You haven’t had a raise in a year, yet you’re always working late.”
“That’s fair. Maybe we should try to understand why we want to spend so much?”
He said “we” again. Lisa realized that he was obviously trying to make this as non-confrontational as possible. This was the first time either could remember that this issue hadn’t led to a shouting match.
“OK, as a solution, let’s put down, ‘Dig into and understand the hopes and dreams that are behind the money,’” she offered.
He added it to the page and said, “That’s a good insight. I suppose we both realize that our hopes and dreams are all tied up in the new house for the moment. Well, in the house and in working together to build a new life for each other.” He gave her a little smile, and it touched Lisa’s heart.
“You’re right, John. Any money that’s not spent on the house isn’t going to get us toward our goal. From now on, let’s work on making a budget we can follow and stay on target with the house. Whatever’s left over we can split. That way we don’t have to worry about having no money left at the end of the month.”
“That’s a great idea! And you made another good point earlier. I think we need to add, ‘Self knowledge and acceptance.’ I need to accept that I could earn more money and understand myself enough to make that happen.”
“And I need to understand why I feel the urge to spend, but I also need to know my own priorities. Right now, not spending money we don’t have has to be a priority.
You know, this is the first time we’ve been able to discuss this rationally. We should do this more often.”
John wrote on their goal sheet, “Use regular dates to create ‘safe’ environments to discuss and understand each other’s hopes and fears.’”
“That looks good,” Lisa agreed. And that really applies to the next objection as well. We don’t share the same values.”
“You know, I think that is already changing. Using the Master Method has really helped us realign with each other. It’s easy to say our values differ, but emotionally it hurts. It’s like the person I care about most is rejecting me and stomping on my values, hopes and fears.”
More coming…
To your perseverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 10 Comments »
October 8, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
“Alright, list all the reasons why our goal is unrealistic. Hmmm. We always fight about money,” John said. “We don’t seem to share the same values, either. And frankly,” he looked directly at Lisa, “your mother is definitely a bad influence.”
“How should I write that down?” asked Lisa.
John shrugged. “Something like, we can’t control your mom’s negative opinion about me.”
Lisa spoke as she wrote, “‘Lisa’s mother will continue to have a polarizing affect.’ What’s another objection?”
They continued in this manner until all 7 goal sheets were complete through step 4. Here’s what they wrote down:
John and Lisa’s Goal Sheet
1) Continually improve our marriage
We always fight about money
We don’t share the same values
Lisa’s mother will continue to have a polarizing effect
John’s disorganization will always aggravate Lisa
Lisa’s spending will bankrupt the family
2) Always have clear planning, discipline and goals
John’s disorganization will derail efforts
Lisa’s scorn will further derail efforts
It’s impossible to see the future – we will make mistakes
Getting both parties onboard with unified discipline and plan to move forward will be impossible
3) Systematically acquire a timber framed home
Too big of a task if everything is in shambles
Timbers are for wealthy people – we don’t have 2 nickels to rub together
John’s disorganization will hinder anything systematic
John is unable to move up in pay fast enough
Lisa’s spending will eat up any gains
4) Free up the cash from the property
The developer won’t give us money back
We can’t afford a lawyer
With the wetlands issue we can’t sell without a loss
If we lump the property with the house loan – that means the bank turns us down faster
5) Get approved for the house loan
Credit has black mark
No money for down payment
Can’t control the banker
Hard to get fair appraisal for timber home
We’re too young to afford big loan
6) MAINTAIN A POSITIVE INCOME TO EXPENSE RATIO INCLUDING A STRUCTURED SAVINGS PLAN
We don’t have unified determination to save
John doesn’t make enough to save
Lisa spends too much
7) Solve the Wetlands Glitch
Can’t change the regulations
Lawsuit could be very long and expensive
Don’t have time, money or expertise to fight county
“Wow, I feel like we are getting somewhere!” exclaimed Lisa, looking over the goal sheets. “Too bad it’s so late, I’d like to finish.”
“We’ll have to do it later. We’ve been at this for hours and I’m bushed,” agreed John, “but I think it looks hopeful. How hard do you think step 5 will be?” he asked.
“Why don’t you call Rob tomorrow? You can get pointers for step 5, and ask him if what we have done so far is correct.”
“Ok,” said John with a yawn. “I’m going to bed, goodnight.”
“Goodnight honey. I’m going to read a bit first.”
To be continued…
End of step #4, The negative complaining, used correctly…
will be liberating because your problems will be isolated, exposed, manageable!
How hard do YOU think step 5 will be?
To your perseverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 7 Comments »
October 8, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
“Fine by me,” said John, handing her a pen and a pad of paper. Let’s see here, list your goals, 1 per piece of paper stated as ‘pie in the sky’ goals. You go first, honey.”
“The most obvious is to get a timber framed home,” Lisa quipped, “but we should go about it systematically”
“Do we want it by a certain date?” John asked.
“Let’s add that after we set all of our goals,” Lisa replied. She flipped to a new page. “Your turn.”
“Far more important than that is the quality of our relationship.”
“So how should I write the goals?”
John thought for a bit. “Just write that we will use the formula to continually improve our marriage.”
Lisa smiled as she wrote that down. “What do you think if I write ‘Always have clear planning and discipline’ for goal 2?”
“That’s probably one we should solve first. We should also solve the wetlands thing and the bank loan.”
Lisa held up her hand, “Hang on…OK how should I write that?”
“Uh…” stammered John “What’s wrong with ‘Solve wetlands glitch? And the next could be about freeing up some cash from the property.”
“Uh-huh. Definitely,” said Lisa, writing furiously to keep up. “What about financial goals like retirement and such?”
John looked up. “That should be covered when we do goal #2, ‘Clear planning and discipline.’”
“I’m almost thinking it could be lumped in with a goal about income versus expense ratio,” contradicted Lisa, looking thoughtful.
“OK,” said John, “just write something like, ‘Maintain a positive income to expense ratio including a structured savings plan.’”
After Lisa was done writing, John held out his hand for the notebook, “Can I take a look at those?” he asked.
1st GOAL – Continually improve our marriage
2nd GOAL – Always have clear planning, discipline and goals
3rd GOAL – Systematically acquire a timber frame home
4th GOAL – Free up cash from the property
5th GOAL – Get approved for house loan
6th GOAL – Maintain a positive income to expense ratio including a structured savings plan
7th GOAL – Solve the wetlands glitch
“Are there any other goals you can think of?” John asked, after flipping through the pages. “Let’s avoid prioritizing them until after we’ve gone through the formula. Step 4 is next, so we need to come up with objections why our goals are unrealistic or won’t work. Which goal should we do first?”
“Let’s do the one about our marriage,” Lisa replied…
To be continued…
So, that is step #3, the fun easy step… state your uninhibited, pie in the sky goals!
To prepare for chapter 13, post some reasons why john and lisa’s 1st goal is a pipe dream- unrealistic…
To your perseverance,
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 10 Comments »
October 6, 2009 | Posted by Mister P
They stopped off at Barnes & Noble on the way back and picked up some home magazines to gather ideas from. Lisa found a book on timber framing, too. At home, John dug out the rough sketches they had from before, got out some paper and placed the stack of magazines and books on the table.
They decided to each draw some houses and compare them later. John picked up the timber framing book, a collection of old style timber houses along with other structures. He browsed through it, trying to rate the different styles that stood out to him. There were so many nice options with timber framing. He was in awe over the way it looked! Timber framing had a strong look. It gave the homes a very comforting and secure feel. And each home had a unique style all its own.
John began drawing. They didn’t need a very large house; two stories would be plenty, he thought. A stout, rustic timber framed entrance was crucial, a two car garage, of course, and maybe a shop.
Lisa was busy redrawing hers again. She was going to make the best looking house! Timber framing was something they had both agreed on long ago but they needed to come up with a specific cost-friendly design. Keeping the budget in check was their first priority! Finally satisfied with her 3rd drawing, she put down her pen.
John was intently drawing yet another sketch, this one quite different from the first three. He still did not have a clear picture of exactly what he wanted, so he was experimenting with completely different styles and looks. After finishing the fourth sketch, he gathered them up and said, “Well, do you have some good ideas?”
“I had several, but I’ve narrowed them down to one drawing.” answered Lisa.
“I’ve got four drawings that I like. They are very different from one another and I can’t decide between them. Let’s lay out all five drawings and compare them.”
They cleared space and laid the sketches out. They stood back and looked over the drawings and noticed one detail that stood out immediately. All of John’s drawings showed a two-story house whereas Lisa’s perfect house was only one story.
“Two stories?” Lisa asked.
“Of course, I’ve always wanted a two-story house. I never liked ranch style houses very well.”
“But that’s my favorite style!” contended Lisa. “It’s not like we need another story and besides, a one story would cheaper.”
John wasn’t agreeing. Ranch style just didn’t provide the look he was after. He imagined a unique prestigious look and a ranch just didn’t offer that. It might cost more to build a two story but they could cut corners elsewhere. It would still be the same square footage, just two stories instead of one.
Lisa was not impressed with this kind of argument. “I thought we had agreed on a ranch house earlier,” she said, pouting a bit.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We never agreed on that. You must’ve misunderstood. Ranch houses just don’t have the exclusive look that I like. I want our house to be unique and contemporary.”
“How can you say what makes a house unique? There’s so many more multi-story houses than spread out ranch styles,” argued Lisa.
“The unique part will be in the timber framing, not that it’s a two story. But a ranch isn’t as classy or exciting – it’s too simple and neutral. I want a stylish modern house.”
“A ranch is sensible.” Lisa added. “We have to save money where we can.”
“I can see we’re not getting anywhere on this. It looks like we need to think about it some more. Why don’t we start Step 3 of the Master Method?”
Lisa grinned. “Let’s do it! I might as well write because my handwriting is much more legible than yours.”
What is the major benefit of Step 3?
More tomorrow…
Mister P
Categories: Inspiration | Tags: | 9 Comments »
