Alaa Hassan

The Most Passionate eCommerce Coach & Advisor

Productivity

How Planting a Tree Can Help You Succeed Before You Go to Sleep Tonight

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Why plant a tree

 

Stop telling yourself……”I will do it”.

Do it today!

A young man once asked a wise old woman, “When is the best time to plant an oak tree?” She answered: “Twenty years ago.” He then asked, “When is the second best time?” She answered, ”Today.”

We all have ideas and projects we want to start.

We all have a passion for something that we wish we could do for living. The big question is, how badly do we want it?

Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a part-time business, blogging for fun or becoming a freelancer, you need to have a daily plan of action & just do it!

Are You Happy?

How many of you are really happy with what you do for living? I can safely say that 50% of you are not and that’s ok.

What’s important is what are doing about it if you’re not?

If you’re simply whining and complaining……that’s pretty sad 🙁

So What Do You Do?

If you keep giving yourself excuses ( I don’t have time, I’m married, I have kids, I don’t have money, I don’t know how – all valid reasons), that’s totally fine but are you putting an effort in eliminating those excuses? I’m not saying to get a divorce or give your kids away, but to actually do something about it so that you finally start what you’ve been wanting to do for a very long time.

I bring this topic up because I’ve dealt with this for the past 4 years. I love what I do being Vice President of iNetVideo.com (my full time position). I’ve been doing that for 14 years almost. Nonetheless, I’ve always wanted to have my own business. Unfortunately, I’ve failed at every attempt for the last 12 years.

Not only did I fail at it, but I’ve also gotten divorced, lost money and time.

Do I regret it? Not at all!!!! Honestly, I’m beyond grateful for having failed because it lead to new opportunities.

I met a person that completed me, I made more money by focusing on what I’m good at instead of venturing into the unknown and as for lost time, well I kinda learned how not to waste it.

How I Plant a Tree Everyday

It all started with me writing my thoughts in a small book and then started blogging about anything that came to my mind. From there, I decided to share knowledge with those that I felt would benefit from (Ecommerce topic). I didn’t have a plan yet, but I had a goal which was to find a new opportunity within my true passions. I did something everyday that would be bring me closer even if it was sending a simple hello to someone within my industry (great way to expand your network).

The secret is to get started. Just start doing something everyday that will bring you closer to your ultimate goal.

Oh and the other secret is CONSISTENCY.

Too many people start something with energy and determination only to quit after 30-60 days ( just like a gym membership in January).

Have a fantastic day!

robert kiyosaki quote

5 Unusual Places Where I Do Most of My Thinking

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Where I do Most of my thinking

As an entrepreneur, we deal with the constant need of accomplishing new things.

Seth Godin defines an Entrepreneur as someone who builds something bigger than himself and beyond his or her own capacity.  I’m one of those people 🙂

One thing I enjoy the most in being that type of person is the process of getting new ideas.  Ideas for projects, business improvements and anything to help me build my vision.  One thing for sure, I’m constantly thinking throughout the day while doing all sorts of tasks.  It’s what keeps me going.

Last week, I asked my brother-in-law where does he get most of his thinking done?  He responds without any hesitation…..”in the car!”

Now that got me thinking for myself……where do I do most of my thinking?

Here’s my list:

1. In the Shower

I tend to take 2 showers a day, one in the morning and one after the gym or work in the evening.  The morning one is usually longer since I’m half asleep.  I can honestly say that it’s my favorite time to get most of my thinking done.  I’m alone, no one is bothering me and I’m fully relaxed from the warm water.

I use this time to also plan my day.  I prioritize a list of tasks in my head on what I need to get done by the end of the day. I also think about what I’m going to eat for breakfast and lunch.

2. At the Gym

Recently, I’ve been more active and finally got back into the habit of going to the gym at least 3 times a week.  I spend about 1 hour during each visit and man do I think during that time!!!!

I usually start with a 25 min cardio session on the treadmill.  I do it while watching a movie and listening to a podcast.  Even though I’m multi-tasking, I still get lots of thinking done while on the treadmill.

Towards the end of my workout, I spend some time in the jacuzzi and steam sauna. Those 2 places allow me to think about my whole day.  I evaluate what have I accomplished so far and what will I do in the evening.

3. In the Car

I don’t drive much but recently, my wife and I have decided to own one car instead of two.  Now, we have to spend some extra time together in the car driving to work.  Even though I live close to my business, I love the fact that I can spend 10-15 minutes in the car because I listen to all my favorite podcasts during this time.  I do the same thing when picking up my daughter from school.

While listening to podcasts, I get inspired in improving my own businesses.  I honestly don’t care about traffic anymore because I’m being very productive when stuck in it.

4. Cutting the Lawn

About 2 years ago, we bought a new home with a beautiful backyard.  That’s when I got introduced to the world of lawn care.  I never thought I would enjoy cutting the lawn but you know what, I really do!

I even started smoking a cigar while doing it and I love it!  Lots of thinking happens during that time and sometimes I wish I had a bigger lawn.

5. Hiking

Last year, my wife and I decided to start hiking as a hobby.  We usually hike no more than 3 hours.  During that time, we think together.

We talk about family, health and work.  We plan our upcoming days, weeks and months.  I really miss it since it’s now winter and we haven’t done it during the cold season yet.  I enjoy being part of nature.

Some great thinking happens during that time since we’re disconnected from our daily life.  Sometimes we bike or even canoe. It’s simply an amazing time to reflect on your life.

So there you have it.  This is where I get most of my ideas, thinking and inspiration in anything I do.

Your Turn: 

Where and when do you get most of your thinking done?

DISCUSSION: Are we more productive on Weekends…

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Are we productive on Saturdays

Who doesn’t like having the weekend off?

But for some reason, I feel that I am sometimes a little more productive on Saturdays! Not sure why exactly, but it  may be the fact that the regular routine is abolished and having some sort of flexibility allows our brain to be at ease when working on the weekend.

One thing for sure, I get less interrupted when I am working on days where not all my staff is present.  It allows me to brainstorm, re-evaluate current processes and just think!

Let’s just say…….I love dreaming while at work on Saturdays!  Innovation is best accomplished when relaxed!