by
Scott Lorenz
Westwind
Communications
Think
you're in a rut?
If you are pondering that question, then there's good
chance you're in one. You must know the signs such as boredom, lack of
get-up-and-go, etc.
The reason people get in a rut is that they do
the same thing all the time. In order to break free of the things that
bind you and your thought process you've got to do something different.
It's been said you can't expect a different result if you do the same
thing all the time. Here are a few suggestions from my perspective as a
publicist and marketer about getting out of a rut.
1. Find your weaknesses
and make them your strengths. My weakness 16 years ago was a
complete lack of computer skills. Now, it's one of my strengths. How'd I
do it? Took the time to go to classes on Microsoft products and became
proficient in MS Outlook. Why does it matter? My entire day revolves
around that program and I am far more efficient than ever. Furthermore,
I could not do what I do without those computer skills which in
themselves opened up other opportunities. Not sure what your weakness
is? Ask your spouse, children, boss, coworkers, etc. Believe me, they'll
tell you.
2. Consider establishing a consulting practice. The first step,
read Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss. This is my bible
for consulting and should be the bible for anyone else considering this
field. As a marketer, this has been the single most important book that
has helped me establish my firm and charge the fees needed to succeed.
One key point Alan makes is "don't sell your time, sell
value." Not comprehending this fact dooms many people who try
consulting and fail; they don't charge enough for their services. My
copy is so beaten up, the cover is about to come off. Why? Because I
read it all the time! Furthermore, I have given this book as a gift to
budding consultants so many times I've lost count. If you are a
consultant now or want to be a consultant, then read this book.
3. Travel. Hit the beach. Go to a foreign country where you have
no idea about their language or culture. It'll force you to think
differently. Some of the most significant trips I have ever taken were
to China where everything was different: food, culture, language, etc.
4. Read something different like poetry or business books. Get
some business books like PyroMarketing and Freakonomics
and read them. Break out of the mold and read something you'd never
consider, like poetry. I suggest Hero
Island by Stephen Wiley, who was (and is) a successful New Jersey
attorney who decided to learn how to write poetry and became a published
author. He didn't let 50 years of being a lawyer stop him from pursuing
a dream.
5. Do something exciting. Take a hot air balloon ride; go sailing
on a barefoot cruise for a week in the Caribbean where you are part of
the crew doing the work. When you're focused on sailing, your
subconscious mind will help you get free of things that trap you in the
rut.
6. Meet your fears and conquer them. Can't stand heights? Learn
how to parachute. Don't like to go underwater? Learn how to scuba dive.
Don't like raw fish? Eat some sushi. Force yourself to do something you
don't want to do. You'll be better for it.
The bottom line? You are the
captain of your own ship. Start calling the shots and get out of that rut!
Scott Lorenz
is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations
and marketing
firm. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX &
Friends, CNN, ABC Nightly News, ESPN, The New York Times,
and Howard
Stern.
Email: scottlorenz@westwindcos.com
Website: www.westwindcos.com
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