Apparently, I’m insane.
At least, according to the definition bandied about:
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results
Hmm.
I don’t know about that.
In fact, I have the exact OPPOSITE definition:
Insanity is NOT doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Let me explain my “madness” here:
I don’t know about you, but I’ve found stubborn repetition, ESPECIALLY when you don’t see immediate results, essential to succeeding in almost everything.
For example, things like…
1. Repetition of learning
I’m a BIG believer in consuming the best books, CD’s and courses 10 times, minimum.
It’s one of the big “secrets” to learning something not only very quickly, but at a much deeper level than your lazy competition ever will.
2. Repetition of following up
Some people think it’s nuts to write a DAILY email.
Yet, ever since doing so, my sales have exploded, most of the do-nothings and nitwits have unsubscribed (or I unsubscribed them), and (when I did client work) got FAR more new client inquiries, and other cool opportunities I never would have gotten otherwise.
Doesn’t take a sane man to know 1 email didn’t get those results.
3. Repetition of good habits
Imagine eating ONE good meal or exercising just ONE time and expecting to feel and look great.
Maybe I’m crazy… but to me THAT would truly be insane.
4. Repetition of doing what works
Lots of marketers get bored of their own ads, or of selling the same product that consistently outsells other products, and then wonder, “What happened to sales?”
Maybe it’s just me, but that doesn’t sound “right in the head.”
5. Repetition of words
When you repeat certain words in your ads, speeches, videos, etc, in a very specific way, you’ll find people have a very, very hard NOT listening.
And no… there’s nothing “voodoo” going on.
But if you read great speeches, ads and other persuasive messages, there’s a certain repetition of thought at work.
6. Repetition of attitude
Even a lunatic would agree having a strong mindset helps you better cope with life’s curve balls whizzing at your head. Imagine the insanity of not keeping a strong attitude just because it didn’t “work” the first time?
7. Repetition of action
Let’s face it…
A lot of success is just showing up — ready to work.
Of course, if you only show up to work on your business one day per year, because, you know, that last time didn’t produce any sales, I think we’d have to call the men in white coats on ya.
Anyway, there’s power in repetition.
Of doing the same things over and over.
Which is why, in the “asylum” I call my mind, it’s the popular definition of insanity that’s really insane.
More:
Tomorrow I attack another popular idea:
Positive thinking.
Forget “The Secret”.
Forget what they taught you in MLM.
Forget “Think And Grow Rich”.
The secrets of harnessing raw anger and negativity tomorrow on “The Ben Settle Show” blows all that away.
It has for me, at least.
And, it can for you, too.
Stay tuned for my email tomorrow.
In the meantime, check out the podcast archives here:
Ben Settle
