*NOTE: This is a guest post from Danny Iny of Firepole Marketing! Danny and myself have agreed to do a guest post for each other, which has been exciting to organise and put together. He has posted my article here. So, ladies and gentlemen, Danny Iny…*
Yes, I’ve been busy.
Guest posting, creating videos, and even working on a start-up that’s still in stealth mode… not to mention my consulting practice, and planning a wedding!
I’ve been getting questions, and voices of concern – Marlee asked if I’ve given up sleep, and Stu suggested I take a break before burning out (I followed your advice, Stu, and thanks)! (NOTE: I did not intend to sound like Danny’s mother!)
I exchanged emails a few days ago with Jk Allen, and he asked me how I find the time. That email exchange inspired me to spill the beans.
I do it by leveraging two simple business principles: Parkinson’s Law, and the Bugs Bunny Effect.
Start with Parkinson’s Law…
You’re probably already familiar with Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”
In other words, if you’ve got to write three blog posts today, somehow you’ll get it done. But if you have three days to write one post, then it’ll take you all three days to write that one post!
This isn’t news – productivity nuts like Tim Ferriss have been preaching for ages about using it in combination with the Pareto Principle to achieve super-human levels of productivity (the Pareto Principle is the 80/20 effect – that you get 80% of results by focusing on the most important 20% of the work).
So far, there’s nothing new here – the moral of the story is not to be afraid of taking on more stuff, and to focus on getting the most important stuff done.
But this doesn’t work so well without applying the Bugs Bunny Effect…
The Bugs Bunny Effect
You know how in the cartoons, Bugs Bunny can run off a cliff, and he doesn’t start to fall until he looks down? That’s the Bugs Bunny Effect.
There’s a quote that I love, saying that “entrepreneurs accomplish the things that they do because they’re too naïve to realize how unrealistic it is”. I’m fine with that – don’t worry about realism, and can this be accomplished, and what are you going to do… just get to work!
See, Bugs’ problem isn’t that he ran off the cliff – it’s that he looked down. Never look down, and just keep on running. If you stop to look down, then you’ll wonder if your plans are realistic, and you’ll start adding buffers to your plans – and Parkinson’s Law is out the window.
Plus friends who care! 
Merging these two principles has worked well for me, and it will probably work for you, too – but it has to come with a warning: burnout can happen, and you need to surround yourself with people who will encourage your efforts, take care of you, and tell you when it’s time to take a break.
That’s why this works for me – I have a wonderful, loving fiancée who keeps me grounded, an amazing family behind me, this wonderfully supportive community that we’re all a part of, and friends like Stu who’ll remind me to take a break.
Danny Iny is an author, strategist, serial entrepreneur, and proud co-founder of Firepole Marketing, the definitive marketing training program for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-marketers. Visit his site today for a free cheat sheet about Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth DON’T WORK… and What Does!, or follow him on Twitter @DannyIny.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Stu, thanks so much for hosting this post – I’m honored to be here. Yours is going live tomorrow morning – ladies and gentlemen, it’s an awesome post, so stay tuned!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..Why No One Can Go It Alone-The Real Meaning of Blogging
Danny, it was a pleasure to feature you here, if only to learn your secrets
Take care, and thanks again
Danny, great article. Love this: “entrepreneurs accomplish the things that they do because they’re too naïve to realize how unrealistic it is”
What a great quote. The running off the cliff thing without noticing was always hilarious to me, especially in the Road Runner/Wiley Cyote cartoons. True, they never take breaks. I think it’s important that when you’re going, going, going, though, that you make sure to find ways to refresh yourself. I don’t tend to take many breaks either, and sometimes that makes my blog and other things suffer (though one thing that shouldn’t suffer is my family). But I have to find ways to recharge. I read a lot, and listen to podcasts. I’m probably not the best for “quiet time/meditation/etc.” I know, I know, it’s good for you, but I have a hard time slowing down that much.
Stu, hope you’re well, bro!
Bryan recently posted..A Letter to My Six Year-Old Daughter!
Hey Bryan, you’re absolutely right about the need to take a break and refresh yourself. I’m not too good at that either, but my fiancee is a very good influence on me in that department.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..Why No One Can Go It Alone-The Real Meaning of Blogging
Bryan, great to have you here man!
I must admit, the first time I slowed down, I then found it hard to get back to speed, as I was so used to charging around! But practice makes perfect, and once we’ve used to slowing down and speeding up, we can then do both as we please
Great post Danny! “Never look down, and just keep on running.” Wisest words my friend! Rather like, “If you’re going through hell, just keep running” one of my favorite, live-by-phrases.
I’ve been on the burnout end and it took me long too recover. Honestly, I didn’t think I had it me any more to start a new business and pick up the jagged pieces. Ah … but I have a wonderful 5 year old that lights up my world and some very rock solid friends and family that help lift me up and fill me again. Thankfully my belief in the impossible wasn’t too far lost; I’m just a bit wiser this go around.
Thank you for this thoughtful post Danny. It’s humbling to witness the gifts that you, Stu and a few others possess in your ability to relate and connect to another’s journey in thing called life.
Blue skies,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..WebsitesGiveBack Celebrates wwwyourgreatlifetvcom!! Whoo hoo!
Hi Elena, thank you for your sweet and thoughtful comment!
I was pretty burned out after my first start-up imploded, and for a while I didn’t think I would have the energy to take on anything new. Eventually, though, we recharge, and get excited about new ideas.
I don’t have a wonderful 5 year old to light up my world, but maybe someday…
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..Why No One Can Go It Alone-The Real Meaning of Blogging
I like that quote Elena, “If you’re going through hell, just keep running”!
Thanks for the kind words
Danny, you define the term “OMNIPRESENCE”! lol.
Echoing Bryan’s words I LOVE the quote as well, already sent it to a friend of mine, he’s a successful Internet Marketer and that sums him up perfectly!
I know what you are saying about combining the Parkinson’s Principle with Pareto’s Law, great points to bear in mind. It’s so true, deadlines completely alter our productivity, something I’m currently working on getting on top of
I don’t think any of us should start looking down, “buffers” and “contingency plans” can be useful up to a point, but when we look down we are already doubting ourselves! As Benny was saying, its all about maintaining momentum, and keeping going. Over-thinking things can be extremely detrimental.
Thanks for an awesome post as per usual! You always raise the bar with your blogging! lol
Looking forward to Stu’s post on Firepole tomorrow as well.
Hope you are having at least a bit of a rest, you deserve to! lol
Robert
Thank you, Robert, you’re too kind!
It isn’t necessarily the be-all and end-all of productivity strategies, but it works for me at least.
Of course, it should be used in moderation – you don’t want to find yourself over a cliff that is just dying to catch up with you – that wouldn’t be fun.
Rest? What’s that? I’ve heard of this “rest” thing that you speak of…
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..Why No One Can Go It Alone-The Real Meaning of Blogging
Yeah that’s a great point, like many great things, excessive use can lead to negative effects!
I recommend a bit of research on this “rest” thing, you may find it beneficial!
I’m sure Danny will be taking early retirement due to all the effort he’s put in
I have a slight fear of heights, and I’m usually alright with it until I look down from high above – then I start doubting myself. If I don’t look down, I’m fine. Funny that
Thanks for the comment Robert, great to have you here!
Ha! The Bugs Bunny Effect! I like it. Very original take on things, and somewhat true too I think.
On a side note: Seriously…Danny…dude…I can’t get away from you! They need to make a horror movie about you. You’re like the Freddy Kreuger of blogs. Every time I visit one you’re there!
…but in a good way, haha. Awesome post again!
Eugene recently posted..Blogging Lessons from Macho Man Randy Savage
Haha, thanks… I think…
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..Why No One Can Go It Alone-The Real Meaning of Blogging
Lol, I’ve never come across the Freddy Krueger of blogging before, though I’d hear of rumours as I went from blog to blog…
Loved the post! The Bugs Bunny effect is such a cute thing to learn from and you make a lesson out of it so beautifully.
Although, about the “productivity” thing; though I agree with what you have to say, I feel that we are running so much to achieve a higher output that it might get a little scary. I would definitely vouch for the Parkinson’s Law but somehow I feel that people are highly compromising on quality and that becomes a trouble and as a psychologist, I see patients coming in who expect great deal out of themselves and somehow always feel that they have just lost their “steam”. Taking it easy is so important.
Wonderful guest post, the bugs bunny effect is going to become a phenomenon for sure!
Have a great day!
P.S. Hi to Stuart too!
Hajra recently posted..Reasons I am Breaking Up With Your Blog!
Hi Hajra!
Yeah, I hadn’t thought about the Bugs Bunny cult like that before, but it makes sense. The more you refuse to look down, the more you keep moving forward, blissfully unaware of what ‘might’ happen.
Take care, and thanks for contributing to Value 101
Well, if to paraphrase – you are going anyway – either ahead or down – so you might as well keep on going ahead
It’s definitely a tricky balance, but I’ve found that it works for me – keeps me going, and striving for more.
It would really be a lot harder without my fiancee, family and friends to ground me, though.
Hey Danny, did you respond to your own comment? Just askin’……….:)
You are so correct about Parkinson’s Law; typically the most successful people are the most busy. You just find a way to get it done.
As I clunk around in the blogosphere and picking up some momentum I find it has been a time-eater to a certain degree so I have to start planning more instead of the helter skelter approach.
I’ve seen you all over the place but I think this is the first time we have officially crossed paths. Stu’s a great guy and glad to see you at his house.
Good luck w/ your project.
Bill Dorman recently posted..Do you have a defining moment
Hey Bill, it’s great to officially connect!
You’ve touched on something very important here: the whole “keep on going” idea doesn’t preclude planning, and keeping it up beyond a certain point demands it.
The “planning” becomes one more task to complete – that makes it easier.
Respond to their own comment?! How does that?!
I hear you when you talk about planning Bill, have you had much luck with planning your blog? Let me know if you need anything, I’d be happy to help
Hi Danny!
) image of Bugs Bunny plowing across the sky! Haha!
I’m loving the Bugs Bunny Effect! It’s actually the way I’ve always approached things, and I’ve had to deal with many over the years people saying things like “it’s too much”, “shouldn’t you slow down?”, etc.
I know that, just like in your circumstance, it’s only people’s way of trying to look out for me and keep me from being overworked.
But now, instead of getting frustrated with the admonishments, I can take the advice with a grain of salt, examine the areas where I might need to readjust and then focus on the (now stuck in my head!
Great post Danny!
Tisha| tMedia recently posted..Interview with Jenee Dana of My Focus Book
Hey Tisha,
People will always watch out for you in that “Slow down, don’t rush, that’s too much!” way. It’s their way of expressing their love and concern for you; not the best, but it’s the only way they know.
Maybe watch some Bugs Bunny to use as a reference Tisha?
Hey Tisha, thank you for your comment! Yes, when people try to put those brakes on you, they usually do it with the very best of intentions – they don’t think they could handle what you’re doing, so they assume that you can’t either. They mean well, but that doesn’t mean that their advice is really in your best interest.
It’s tricky, because you definitely do need rest – you just need to trust your gut as to when that will be. And I guess the better people know you, the more you can trust their judgment.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Danny,
Now that’s how you make cartoons educational. I miss the ole Loney tunes. Nothing like comedic violence and cleaver catch phrases to make my day. Now my son watches Power Rangers and Spongebob. It’s just not the same.
I love the idea of the bugs bunny effect. In essence this type of effect can be beneficial because you go as long as you have the courage to keep stepping and moving forward. Your own limitation is the distractions of life that make you lose focus and fall. This was a great read. Thanks for hosting it Stu.
“you go as long as you have the courage to keep stepping and moving forward” – you’ve got it exactly right, Frank. And when you feel like you don’t have it in you to take that extra step, you just push for one more, and realize that there are still a few steps left in you!
Hey Danny,
I miss those too, Frank. Although, there seems to be a bit of a comeback as my 6 year old is watching He-Man…back when men were men and Skeletor’s were Skeletor’s. It is a travesty that I have to resort to YouTube to show him who Fred Flintstone is.
Oh wait, the post.
Danny,
Never actually explored this in such a concrete way. I love the bridging of these two concepts and know they will add some direction on those days that I seem to be meandering about. About the Bugs Bunny Effect: Years ago my brother and I speedily climbed a steep cliff w/out equipment. We were really moving out until we got to the top. At this point, as we took in the view, we realized we were in trouble. It wasn’t easy geting up, so we knew we were in for it making our way down. We ruled out helicopter rescue as death would have been easier to live with:) We did make it down, but very, very slowly.
The lesson: Bugs Bunny did use some discretion. Thanks.
Stu, see you over at Danny’s.
“Bugs Bunny did use some discretion.” – very wise words, Rob!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..The Most Important Thing You Can Do
At least YouTube is doing us a favour and bringing back the golden oldies! Who here remembers Button Moon? Anyone?
That’s a great story there Rob, I wonder if we can apply that to business and everyday life, about how getting down can be harder than getting up? Might be a post in there somewhere
Button Moon???
That’s a really good idea, Stu – I remember having a similar experience hiking/climbing at one point – getting down is often harder than getting up. I think you should write it!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Danny, Button Moon is a British kids TV show, back in the late 1980s when I was discovering TV! I would wager NO-ONE has heard about it
I might just write that…
Hey Frank,
If I want to learn cheap martial arts and dodgy stances, I’ll watch Power Rangers. If I want to learn about life, I now watch Bugs Bunny
What cartoons did you want back in the day Frank?
Hey Danny, I love the message in this post. Focus is essential. There are many things that will attempt to distract you today, from pressing needs and responsibilities to just about anything that stops you from marching (running) forward.
The folks that can do this with purpose are going place’s in life… And understand, it’s much easier said than done. If it were easy….
Cheers Danny!
Definitely, Mark – if it were easy, everybody would be doing it. That’s why it’s worth the effort to pick ourselves and keep on running when we stumble or fall (which we all do)!
…it wouldn’t be worth doing. Something like that, right Mark?
Hope you continue to shine Mark, have you got any big plans which are challenging and require focus?
Hi Danny, Great post! I’m reminded of two lessons I learned as a child. First, the Parkinson’s effect. When I was in high school, my grades were always better when I was on sports teams after school because I budgeted my time for studying much better. When I had nothing to do after school, I goofed off and waited until the last minute to study.
Second, the Bugs Bunny effect. When I was 9, I climbed the highest tree in the neighborhood, much higher than any house. I was marveling at the view (I could see for miles!) when a neighborhood mom started screaming that I was too high. My mom came running out of the house panicking and told me to hang on tight, that they would call the fire department. The firefighters came with their ladders and I was an emotional wreck by the time they got me down. If no one else had been there, I would have climbed down without a worry and not given it another thought.
Thank you, Danny, for your brilliant blog bringing these concepts together and showing us how to relate these to success!
Carolyn@The Wonder of Tech recently posted..Crackle- It’s Cracklin’ Good Fun!
Hey Carolyn, welcome to Unlock The Door! Great to have you here!
That’s an amazing story regarding climbing the tree Carolyn, that’s very interesting. Do you think, then, that if your mum and others saw you and encouraged you to climb higher, would you? Amazing how peers can sometimes influence us.
Take care
Hey Carolyn, thank you for sharing these stories – I love how much more “real” they made the concepts for everyone here.
You know, you’ve got a really good point about looking for peers to tell you what’s okay and what’s dangerous; I’m reminded of babies falling down, and then looking to see their parents’ reaction to see if they should keep on going, or start crying.
(My approach is to say “oops, you fell down!” and keep on going – unless they’re really hurt, they won’t miss a beat!)
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..The Most Important Thing You Can Do
the title really caught my attention Stu
very interesting read, a friend once told me we entrepreneurs are crazy enough to take the risk
I completely agree Farouk! Do you think Bugs Bunny can offer any more advice on being entrepreneurs? Maybe to do with carrots?
Hey Farouk, it’s interesting that you say that, because a lot of people perceive entrepreneurs to be such risk takers, but research suggests that it isn’t true (and my experience agrees with that).
Entrepreneurs aren’t gamblers, for example – we don’t like to leave things up to chance. The risks that we take are very calculated, and what does differentiate entrepreneurs from other people is the circle of things that they feel they can influence.
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Love it! What else can we learn from Bugs? When all else fails, use an anvil?
One of my favorite songs is by David Wilcox, called Farther to Fall. He says “Balance is no harder, now you’ve just got farther to fall.” It’s all the same thing, just at different levels.
Amy recently posted..Why I&8217m Becoming a Bag Lady
Hi Amy, great point to add there!
Perhaps we could use an anvil as a threat (visit my blog or I’ll visit you with an anvil!)
Bugs is my favorite actually so he was a great choice! I always feel like I am running on empty, but I keep going because I always have stuff that needs to get done. Multi-tasking isn’t for everyone, but when your given a task, thinking about it will make you go bonkers. It’s just easier to “just do it”, then to make excuses. During the day, I support 5 C-level execs that don’t take ” I didn’t get this done” for an answer and it just rolls over into every other aspect of my life. Goal setting and writing things down helps me see what I have to tackle each day.
Sonia recently posted..How Not to Paint Yourself into a Corner and Get Pigeonholed
Hey Sonia, thanks for your comment!
You hit a great point there, writing things down. If I have a plan, and I know it’s a good one, I’ll write it down before I forget it. If I don’t, I’ll regret the missed opportunity!
How do you differentiate the importance of different tasks Sonia? Do you have a system where you can decide what needs doing first?
I have always been a big believer in Parkinson’s Law combined with the a self-enforced time out.
When I mean a self-enforced time out isn’t that you make yourself go take time to listen to ocean waves or practice yoga or snag a cookie from the kitchen. I mean that if you have to do something you don’t want to do (or aren’t as motivated to do at the time it needs to get done), you need to give yourself a time out. You’re not allowed to surf, paint your nails, make a grocery list, or skip ahead to something more fun.
You can sit at your desk and do nothing, but those are the choices – the thing you don’t want to do or NOTHING.
Pretty soon, putting together that list of guest post proposals or responding to 75 comments on your latest blog post (if only we all had such problems) doesn’t seem as awful as staring at the home row.
It takes a little bit of Hal-Jordan-style willpower, but it works!
Jana Quinn recently posted..4 Takeaways from ‘The Sims’ That Sharpen Your Business Skills
Hey Jana, welcome to Unlock The Door!
Whilst painting my nails doesn’t apply to me, I can agree with your idea of forced time-outs. We can let the work carry us away, and we become imbalanced as a result. Time-outs bring us back to the middle.
Without a balance, we lose ourselves.
Thanks for the great comment!
I love Bugs Bunny. He was the first ever cartoon I drew when I was a child. The effect was addictive that turns into passion and career. Now, the term “Bugs Bunny Effect” is an awesome principle that can be applied to my daily life as an entrepreneur. Thanks for reminding us (your readers) that we all need to be a child once more to accomplish tasks while enjoying every bits of it.
Rongen Robles recently posted..Jovert & Jill (#67-68)
Hi Rongen, good to see you here!
This was a great post by Danny, who helped us understand the benefits of adapting such an attitude. He did us all a wonderful service by writing this here!
Thanks for commenting
{ 4 trackbacks }