There is one way that anyone can accomplish what they want to do, and even more than they dreamed of doing.
I’m living proof of this and I’m excited about my results which is why I am here to share them with you. The great thing about this is that anyone, yes that includes you, can do this one simple thing.
Now, I’m not saying that it’s necessarily going to be easy. In fact, I’m pretty sure that it won’t be. But it will definitely be worth it! Anything in life that is meaningful and worthy of your dreams will always take some work.
That’s just the way that it is.
We can’t change that. It wouldn’t mean as much if it was easy.
Let’s get down to business, shall we? What is the one simple thing that we can do to achieve much more than we thought was literally possible?
You might have even heard this before, but I might have a unique take on how you can apply it to your life.
Spend time with people who are achieving what you want.
If you’re like me the first time that I heard about this, you’re probably wondering how on earth you are going to find the people who are achieving what you want and how on earth you will convince them to spend some time with you. If they’re even in your time zone, much less your zip code.
One benefit to living in this information age is that we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. We can easily access the wealth of knowledge of those who are living your dreams.
How to spend time with them:
- Find them online. Connect with them on their blog, Facebook page, twitter, subcrscribe to their email list, or wherever they are.
- Read what they have to say: buy their books, read their old blog posts, read their emails, purchase their program if they have one, etc.
- Listen to their postcast if they have one.
- Be creative!
Tip: Spend regular time with them. No less than weekly. Make it a commitment and a habit to read their posts, listen to their podcasts, read their emails, read the books, etc.
Learn from them.
Don’t waste the time that you spend with these successful people who have what you want. Listen intently to what they have to share and put it into practice! Ask them questions and interact.
Most people are willing, and even happy, to interact with their followers. They won’t have time to mentor you personally unless you’re forking over the big bucks, but if you ask a question here and there you’ll likely get some help or at least pointed in the right direction.
Even if you don’t achieve the same levels of success that they have, if you follow the above steps, you will achieve more success than you have – and probably more success than most other people.
A real life example.
About this time last year, I started listening to the guys at the Self Publishing Podcast. It was also about the same time that I started the first draft of my first novel, Deception.
I started out my rough draft with no real aim aside from writing a story that I thought might make a decent series. I wrote here and there, when the feeling struck. I had no word count goals: I didn’t know how long I wanted the book to be, I didn’t have a daily writing goal, I didn’t have any kind of outline, or anything like that.
I knew that I wanted to fulfill my dream of publishing a novel, and I knew that I was going to use Amazon’s kindle publishing program. But I didn’t know what steps to take to get there aside from just write. I knew that I would need to edit and come up with an eye catching cover. I had no clue about marketing a book, aside from the marketing that I’d learned from blogging, which is similar but also a different animal.
I listened, I learned, I applied.
When I started listening to the podcasts, they were on their third episode. I listened to all three in one day. Since then, I’ve been listening to these guys on a weekly basis (or more if I listen to a podcast that I’ve already listened to).
These guys are nuts. I don’t just mean that because of the jokes they crack (which is also true!) but they produce a super crazy amount of books. Sean and Dave have been collaborating for a long time, co-authoring a ton of serials (not to be confused with series). On average last year, they produced one episode of a book a week. That’s about 50 pages a week published – drafts, polishes and edits. We’re talking about 200 pages a month!
Like I said, they’re nuts. Now Sean and Johnny are working on a serial too at about that insane amount also. Sean and Dave are still working on their stuff, Johnny has a vampire series on the side that he’s producing at a rapid rate, and I think Sean is working on a kid’s project too.
They may be crazy, but you know what? Listening to them discuss how they do what they do and listening to their brainstorming sessions is wealth of knowledge. They could charge people a lot of money for this stuff, but they don’t. Anyone can listen in and learn from them.
Results
No, I’m not producing anywhere near the amount of books that they are. I don’t do this full time, but I have still seen some pretty amazing results. Results that I never would have seen without spending about 50 hours over the last year listening to them.
Last November, I published my first novel which is about 135,000 words. This Monday, just over three months later, I published my second novel in the series, Betrayal, which is about 110,000 words. I’m aiming to publish a standalone novel called Chasing Mercy, in May that is about 40,000 words.
That, my friends, is:
3 books at about 285,000 words in just six months!
That’s not bad! I may not be Johnny, Sean, or Dave – but I have had a lot of people impressed with what I’ve been accomplishing – because I’ve been spending time with those crazy guys.
Question…
My question for you is: Who are you going to start spending time with?
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Thank you for reading! I'm Stacy, the owner of this blog. You can learn more about me here.
I'd love to hear from you, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments section.
You can get free bonus chapters from my novel Deception!
Website: → Stacy's Fiction
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That is some serious writing Stacy!
You’ve hit on a powerful personal growth tool though. It’s inevitable to be affected by those you spend time with (or listen to). Podcasts seem like a really great idea right about now! Thanks.
What I’ve been doing (which is similar to what you’re talking about) is achieving a goal with a friend who wants the same goal. We get up at 8 AM every day and meet on Google+ Hangout every morning (yes, this is early for us). It’s been 9 days so far and it’s great!
Stephen invites you to read… Technology Won’t Solve Your Problems – Why I Regret Buying The Galaxy Note 2
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 7:58 am
Hi Stephen,
It is some serious writing!
That’s why I get up at 4:30 to get my writing done. That’s great that you’re masterminding every day. Keep it up and I’m sure that in six months, you’ll look back and be amazed at what you’ve accomplished!
Stacy
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Excellent story Stacy,
You’re 100% right.
Anything worth having is worth working and waiting for.
Congrats on getting so much done.
You’re right again.
People fail because they listen to other failures.
Delete all the idiots from your circle and start listening to the successful.
I’ve been doing this for YEARS it works like a charm.
Darnell Jackson invites you to read… Link Building: You’re Doing it Wrong pt. 3
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 7:56 am
Hi Darnell,
Thank you! I’m sure that you’ve experienced many benefits since you’ve been following this for so long. It seems that the results get better exponentially over time.
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… Betrayal Full Cover Reveal
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Love this Stacy! You did all the work. Great job!!
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 7:54 am
Thanks, Sean!
I’m really grateful for you guys and the podcast. You guys rock! I’m actually planning on listening through all of the podcasts again. Being at a different stage of writing, I’m going get new insights.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… Betrayal is Available on Kindle and Nook!
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Hi Stacy
What an inspiring article. Hats off to you in your dreams coming to pass.
Inspiration can be contagious,and you inspired me.
Sometimes we think we need lots of money to fulfill our goals, yes we do need money,but we all need to connect with men and women that have been where we want to go.
I am a newbie, but I am longing to learn.
I have completed my first e book, but now the steps to get it on my blog is another thing.
Stacy continue to be an inspiration for us to help us believe that we can manifest our dreams.
Gladys posted…A disease Called bullying
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Stacy Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 7:43 am
Hi Gladys,
Thank you very much! I’m so glad that you’re inspired! Grab the inspiration and go with it!
Getting an ebook onto your blog is a great first step! It took me a long time to get to that point.
Stacy
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I agree with Gladys, what an inspiring post Stacy. I know that for me a lot of times I had a difficult time grasping this concept too because I was being told to call them, talk to them or spend time with them. We all know that a lot of the people who are where we want to be charge for their time so that’s not possible for a lot of us.
Your examples are spot on though about learning from them. Grasp everything they’ve ever put out and they are sharing with you how they got there and yes, you’ll even have to invest in some of their products. That’s all the goodies right there.
I love that you found that information that has not only inspired you but girl you’re going for it. I love that and we all need to take after you.
Great job Stacy!
~Adrienne
Adrienne invites you to read… Change Your Thoughts By Playing The Prosperity Game
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Hi Stacy,
Well I love this post because it really inspired me. Spend time with people who are achieving what you want can be done! I find this point interesting because we learn so much that way.
Listen and apply is the golden rule in business and that is what you have done! Stacy, you are living proof to us all that using this methodology helps us create results.
Thanks for the inspiration,
Donna
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Terrific tip Stacy! I bookmarked their page and will definitely be checking out what they have to say. Your advice about spending time with people who are already doing what you want to do is such a great reminder – I mean I knew this – but the last few months I became mired in “Helpful Hanna” mode and as a result feeling like all my energy has been going out and very little coming in. Last week I invested a few days of focused time fine tuning my business plan for the rest of this year and I was already feeling more energized, but your article is like another piece of the puzzle! Thanks for the inspiration, and congratulations on your achievements, sounds like you are on the right track.
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Great post. After I finish being The Wicked Witch of The West in a play this weekend, I will finish my book. And I will listen to the podcasts you suggested.
Pamela Hodges invites you to read… Don’t be afraid to be green
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Loved your post, Stacy. Really inspiring. Ever since joining Tribewriters I feel I’ve been getting great inspiration.
Congratulations on your success!!
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Oh, and I am going to spend more time with the interviews and podcasts of those I really admire, that Jeff had in his course.
http://annepeterson.wordpress.com
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I have been floundering around on several projects and not getting a couple key priorities done. One of my time-consuming but valuable projects ends tonight. I look forward to adding the structure that you’ve shown us in this post–and to getting my priorities accomplished. Thank you much.
Susan Ekins invites you to read… Life is an Adventure: Ann
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You have talked about these guys before and I never got around to checking them out. It’s funny how things come to you when you need them, because now I am totally interested in the information these guys are giving out and I’m kicking myself for not really checking them out sooner!
In any case, I agree with everything you said, and I was just reading about this very thing being true for writing fiction and even non-fiction as well. Follow people who live a life parallel to your characters lives (or as much as possible) to get inspiration for the story, goals, and accomplishments.
Kari invites you to read… Stick To A Daily Schedule And Be Happy?
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Stacy,
Congrats on your books!!
You inspired me to get back into listening and interacting with people that are doing the same things I am. I want to write simple ebooks to help mompreneurs online. I get distracted so often by other projects but I always go back to the idea that I really want to write these books.
I’m going to grab my copy of APE and subscribe to that podcast and get started this weekend. OH, and lock myself in my room, lol.
~Allie
Allie invites you to read… Video Thursday: Does Your Mompreneur Business Belong on Social Media?
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[...] I decided to look at one of my favorite sites and landed on this article. And that article led me to these [...]
Congratulations, Stacy!
You’ve really done great and I am impressed by your books coming and coming one after the other.
It’s so very true. The more time you spend with the people that do or have what you want the faster you’re likely to be like them. As you said it’s very simple. It may not always be easy, but frankly the internet makes it way easier than ever.
Thanks for this tip
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Hi Stacy. Great article. And you have pinged exactly what should happen. I’ve done just what you said lately by surrounding myself with people of like minds and learning from them. Each person offers something unique from their own experiences and listening and learning from great minds definitely expands your own. Thanks for sharing this and reminding us that we are doing the right thing.
Barbara
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What a great idea Stacy – and I think the most important part of it is to do it regularly and constantly. Congratulations on the three books!!
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Stacy, how wonderful! Congratulations for accomplishing so much!
You are absolutely right about learning from the experts. A smart way to learn easier and faster something they spend time and energy to do.
You are an inspiration to m. Thank you!
Much more success in anything you endeavor!
Blessings and light!
http://journeyswithkatina.com/
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Hi Stacy
A great post with excellent advice. Congratulations on your achievements.
Learning from people who have done what you want to do is always a good thing to do. And of course learning is only part of the equation. Applying is the necessary step and you have done that.
Well done.
Sue
Sue Price invites you to read… Would You Rather Be Right Or Happy?
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IOoooh, I’m in the writing phase too and like you in the beginning, I don’t have any goals yet on word count, etc. I will def check out their podcast. I also follow Johnny B. Truant who shares how he writes books quickly too…
Thanks for sharing Stacy!
Kesha Brown invites you to read… Strangers, Dreams, & Change: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
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Kesha Brown Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 8:26 am
Forgot to mention that Johnny has a separate podcast in his community (Everyday Legendary)…and yes all of these guys are freakin’ hilarious!!
Kesha Brown invites you to read… Strangers, Dreams, & Change: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
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You rock! I’m new to your blog but really like your spirit! You are live inspiring example of success) thanks a lot for the article.
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Your strategy seems like a good one. I’ve been trying to reach out and interact with other bloggers in the self improvement industry. Some are just too busy to get a hold of. But others will contact me back and I can learn a lot from them. I think our industry “blogging” making connections is extremely important because it helps you to generate a buzz and get a reputation online.
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Hi Stacy,
Thanks for your inspiring website, and congratulations on your book-writing accomplishments.
This is very good advice, and a good reminder for me. It is so important to be aware of who you are spending time with and who is influencing you – even if it is on-line and not in person. So often, we are unconscious of these influences.
I know of an aspiring teenage writer who I am going to refer to your blog
.
Cheers,
M
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Thanks for sharing your example and how you achieve what you want. It’s good to hear your story and it’s motivate me try to achieve my goal through everyday spend time to relevant people who are achieved already.
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Good post Stacy, I liked what you said about interacting. I believe life is an ever-growing process, we learn all through our lives. And yes, it is very important to interact with like-minded people, it helps you know which way are you going. Thanks for sharing the post with us.
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Awesome Stacy it’s so inspiring Post. i regularly visit your blog and your blog good source of Knowledge and as a Novice Writer i absorb some great information and i always strive to implement all points in my work.
Thank You STACY share this Experience.
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