Life Lessons Learned At NAMS3 Convention
Posted on Sunday, February 7th, 2010
I know, I know. I was supposed to learn everything I need to know about a Niche Affiliate Marketing System to help me make money on this goofy “internets” thing. I was supposed to fill my head with useful marketing solutions to make me some money. And, frankly, I did learn a lot, some of which I’m still processing… gotta go back and read my notes again.
But all the detail and all the nuts-and-bolts of a system used to make money online won’t do any good without these two lessons I learned. So, for your review, I present the lessons that I learned that REALLY stuck with me more than any of the minutia of the internet marketing world.
Lesson 1)
The Way To Get Started Is To Quit Talking And Begin Doing – Walt Disney
Of course, learning what you need to do and putting those things into action are sometimes worlds apart. During our workshops we learned how to dive in and do it. Nothing fancy – nothing perfect. Just bare bones think it, do it, then go back and fix it if you have to. Every speaker-coach-motivator had the same lesson to teach.
The lesson isn’t new to me; my Dad used to say “Gotta do something, even if it’s wrong.” So it’s the same concept I knew my whole life. But, it’s so darn easy to procrastinate on a project while you try to get it perfect. I know.
Enter my dear Nicole. Nicole has been nudging me gently along for, ahem, a couple years now, to start learning some new stuff. Now she’s put me and her fellow internet marketing travelers’ feet to the fire via her blog, NicoleOnTheNet, and that little quote from Walt Disney, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
I spotted that quote at Epcot, on a sign anchored to a construction area fence, and quickly took Nicole’s picture by it. It seemed a good idea at the time, but now she’s using it to kick my butt into action. Geez! If you haven’t read her “call to action” yet, click here to see the picture and read how she has begun to nudge a bit more sternly. And, to be honest, I did a few things that I’ve been putting off. So, thanks Nicole, and Walt.
Lesson 2)
Play On Your Way To The Park – Aileen Bennett
One of the most interesting and FUN speakers I’ve ever heard is Aileen Bennett. Not only is she personable and funny, but she’s got a way of hitting the nail on the head. She uses simple “duh” moments peppered with irony that just gets you thinking. And, of all the illustrations she used, the one that really got me was that we should all take a lesson from a 3 year old on the way to the park.
Picture a busy Mom or Dad trying to fit a little time at the park into their hectic day. Hurry, hurry, hurry… gotta get to the park to play. Toddler in tow, Mom and Dad are rushing down the sidewalk, trying desperately to get to the park to play. Meanwhile, their little angel is stopping every few minutes to pick up a stone, or a pine cone, or a leaf. “Come on Sweetie, we’ve got to hurry to get to the park to play.”
You see the irony? The little darlin’ IS playing already! Yup, playing right there on the way to the park. A child doesn’t have to get to the park to play… the journey itself is playtime.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. As I work, as I plan… am I enjoying the journey or am I trying so hard to “get to the park” that I’m not playing along the way? Why was it again that I started working at home? Oh, yeah. So I could have freedom and enjoy my life. But, am I so focused on my plans that I forget to have fun along the way?
And, there is a realism that needs to be said no matter how unpleasant. Like it or not, you and I may never get to the park. Pretty grim, eh? I would have to say that little bit of truth should be enough to convince us that enjoying the “walk to the park” is just as important, if not more so, than the park itself.
Enough of the morbid metaphors. I just wanted to share a couple little lessons that I learned, or was reminded of, by some fabulous people. Simply put, I learned to go ahead and do something, even if it’s wrong at first. Then I was reminded that our journeys should be enjoyed for their own sake, and our ultimate goals should be celebrated, but not at the expense of the moments along the way.
I hope you take some time to go out there and do something, anything… and enjoy the journey!
Subscribe to RemarkableWrinklies.com by Email
Great insights Patti!
I hope a LOT of NAMS attendees got the same takeaway message. It seems like a lot of folks have been to all three events and are still in the muddling stage – it’s time to DO somethin!
Thanks, Kelly! Yes, it’s amazing what motivates some people to finally get going. Sometimes it’s just the simplest sign or phrase… and sometimes it’s a big ol’ kick in the pants!
At the risk of repeating what Aileen was saying Patti, the reason I host NAMS is not because I have answers, but because those who come provide answers.
It may be about questions I didn’t even know were important to me, but once I see the answers – like you’ve provided here – I look at those questions harder.
It was a delight to meet you and congrats on such a terrific daughter!
Thank you, David! It is interesting how everyone takes different things away from the workshops. And it’s neat to see that the presenters get something new out of it, too! It was a great experience and one I hope I’ll be able to repeat. Thank you for all you do and for the sweet compliment. I sort of like Nicole, too! 😀
I read this today and it made me smile. One of the great things about NAMS is that we are all inspired by each other. I come away each time with new connections and great ‘aha’ moments, and yes a few ‘duh’ moments too. I am stealing some of this to add to my testimonials. Hope that’s ok! thanks, Aileen.
I am so happy, Aileen, that you enjoyed this post. You sure made me smile! I’m glad I got a chance to let you know just how much I enjoyed meeting you. And, of course, use anything you find in my post for your testimonials. Thanks!
This was a really great post Patti and such great reminders too. Taking action is so important for us to moving forward and keeping the momentum going.
I too enjoyed Aileen’s presentation and wrote about the grocery store/traffic 5 minute part of the motivational talk in my blog post 🙂 Above all, it truly is about enjoying the journey and not just the destination. Work hard, play hard!
Hey Kimmoy! Thanks for checking out my post. I’ll be surfing by yours soon, too.
How’s your momentum going? My brain is still muddled and I’m trying to get everything I’ve learned going in the right direction… forward. So far I’ve made a couple decisions and implemented a few small things. But there’s so much more to do! But, hey, I’m enjoying the “walk to the park!” Thanks again for stopping by, Kimmoy.
Patti, I love your takeaways from NAMS. This was my second one and the first one I have to tell you, your dear Nicole changed my life.. It was one simple question she asked me.. What type of life do you want to live? At that point I never really thought about having much of a choice about the type of life I wanted to live. I knew I had to work…lol hopefully enjoy some of it. Never really thought about having a say in how I want it to be.. I will forever be fan of NAMS for that and love Nicole for that.. It really is the total sum of NAMS that makes it great. It was such a pleasure to meet you..
Hi Andrea! Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. It means a lot to me. 😀
Yes, NAMS sure had a lot of insights when you just take the time to listen. And, yes, that Nicole is sure a sweetie pie. AND really really smart! She asked me the same question when I was struggling unhappily in my “regular j-o-b” a few years ago. “What type of life do you want to live?” Well, freedom to begin with. And how about making some money doing something enjoyable? I, like you, didn’t really think I had a choice. After all, Nicole is so smart, it has to be really IMPOSSIBLE for an average person like me to work from home earning money online, right?
Well, I’ve learned a lot from Nicole and people like you, Andrea, and all the other great folks at NAMS. Pick something, anything, and just do it. And like Nicole says when I’m frazzled about getting something done… “There is no open chest on the operating table waiting for YOU to put a heart in there.” Perspective, eh?
Patti, my dear sweet Patti! I just love you and wanted to take a minute to let you know that.
I took so many life lessons away from NAMS that I literally am remodeling most of my life now. 🙂 I’ve never thought while having so much fun in my life…as I’m sure yours did too, my brain HURT every night it was full of so much great information.
I’m with Aileen the connections and the willingness to help others from EVERYONE at NAMS is AMAZING! 🙂
The hardest part is deciding which part to implement first, but I’m with you I think I’ll enjoy the walk as I tackle one little piece at a time!
Mwaaahh!
awww… thanks, Arika. 😀
Yeah, it wasn’t just learning the “how to”, it was definitely about the why. Why do we work at home? Why do we want to do this? I figure my brain will sort out the information eventually and I’ll start implementing what I’ve learned. But, understanding where my heart lies was a great start. And being surrounded by such generous people, like yourself, was an eye opener. This is one group of people I certainly have grown to respect and love. Thanks for the time you spent with me. I look forward to getting to know you better! Peace and Love to you and your family.
Patti, it was so fun to meet you and your daughter (lol) at NAMS and to share such a good laugher. I’m still processing stuff to and seems like life and the lessons are moving along quickly.
I’ll keep my eye on you and watch you grow and learn.
awww… hey there Grace. It was so much fun meeting you as well! Thanks for the virtual {HUG}!
My head’s been spinning, too. There’s a lot to learn, isn’t there? But, it’s so nice to have wonderful people, such as yourself, and everyone at NAMS to help out! (It also helps having an “in house” guru like Nicole. Lucky me!)
Thanks again for the compliment and for visiting me here on my newbie blog! 😀
Patti,
I truly enjoyed meeting you at NAMS. Your take aways are right on the money. I find myself getting paralyzed sometimes by the thinking, and getting nowhere with the doing. I also think as adults we forget to have fun along the journey. I’m so thankful we have Aileen Bennett to remind us to enjoy the little things. I have been slowly implementing what I have learned at this NAMS. It takes a little longer when you have to work a full time JOB, but you long to be and do something else. 🙁
You have a truly remarkable daughter. (No wonder with a mom like you) 🙂 I met Nicole for the first time at NAMS2 and in her wisdom, set me in a direction that I never would have thought of on my own. One of those situations of “I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.” I so look forward to seeing you again and getting a chance to talk with you more.
Thank you, Mary, for the kind words of support and for the virtual {HUG} regarding Nicole. Sweet words for any mother to hear. Thank you again.
Yes, regarding NAMS and all the great people, including you and Aileen, boosting each other up with words of encouragement… and great knowledge, too! I hope I can do it again and I look forward to seeing you hopefully in the not too distant future.
Till then, take care!