GET UP OFF YOUR RUMP, and DO something! How to succeed in
GET UP OFF YOUR RUMP, and DO something! How to succeed in
almost anything with LESS effort!
Written By Stephen Knilans C.E.O. Seasoned Software
Copyright © 2003 Seasoned Software All Rights Reserved
One Saturday, I decided it was a good time to start on a new
project. Hopefully you will soon be able to see it, and love
it, but this story is about how I got over the rough points
and finally started it! Yep, this is the secret of my
success. In fact, whether they verbalize it or not, this is
the secret of almost everyone’s success. It is simple, easy,
and requires no payment, so I hope you will take it to
heart.
Don’t get me wrong, I am guilty of not following this, and I
wrote it to be as much a rebuke to me as it will be a help
to you. Had I followed this, by habit, I would probably be
far better off. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to copy and
exchange it. HECK, Email it to all your friends, as long as
the copyright and Acknowledgements are kept.
PLEASE read this all, and take it to heart. I for one am
ashamed That I am guilty of not following it. I may give
this to the next apparently needy person I see, as it is
THAT important.
First of all, I should say that I have met some people that
were poor, not very smart, and lazy. If they took these
simple steps to heart, they would be richer, smarter, and
find enjoyment in some work. Sounds GREAT, huh?
Also, I have met some geniuses that were nothing of the
sort! I heard a story about one such genius one time
standing trial because someone said he was incompetent. He
was quoted as saying something to the effect that HE
followed this plan! He didn’t HAVE to understand how
anything worked. He only had to follow this plan!
Since I don’t know how true the story is, I won’t say any
more about it. The fact is that the world would be VERY
different if he didn’t do this. Today, he is famous for
basically coming up with the idea of building plants and
products to be compatible with the ideas presented here!
Look inside most electronics, and at most mechanical
devices, and you will see evidence of this plan being
followed. The WORLD would be very different if it wasn’t
ever followed. Interesting, huh?
Today, I see a lot of businesses being built around this
concept. There have been books written about how to
facilitate it. Companies pay people on the hopes that they
can facilitate it.
STEP #1: Come up with an idea.
Yeah, I know. This can be the hardest part. Luckily, I have
had few problems with this part. Still, it doesn’t matter
how difficult it is to do. If you wish, this can be to build
the largest plane in the world, even if you know nothing
about aviation. I would be happier if it was more
worthwhile, but as one famous company says, JUST DO IT!
STEP #2: How much do YOU want to do?
Decide how much of the project you want to do, How much you
want done, etc
. My policy has always been to do 100%. Sadly
this has meant I have been able to, and willing to, do less.
If you can delegate in parts where the builders don’t see
the whole concept, etc
so much the better! This will give
you more free time, with little added risk. Do yourself a
favor though, and learn how to do it all, just in case.
STEP #3: Look at the big picture.
See how everything will fit together, and make sure the
smaller parts will fit. Too many people fail here. It is
nice to be able to tell a customer that something is already
done, or can be quickly done, because you anticipated the
need! It makes you look better and gives you more business
with less effort!
STEP #4: Break down the big picture into smaller parts.
Hopefully ones that can be done separately. If they can be
independent, and the method of attachment can be detailed
right up front, FANTASTIC!
STEP #5: Design the basic structure.
This has been my biggest problem. Ironically, being a
programmer, I tend to use what are known as skeleton
programs. These are similar programs I have done in the past
that allow me to forget about the worthless minutia. Lawyers
and many people that use contracts, use boilerplates. It
is the exact same concept. In both cases it also allows you
to forget about supporting needed cases, as they are already
provided for. Many forensic scientists, house builders, etc
do the SAME thing. Interesting that I should forget this.
Maybe YOU have too?
STEP #6: FLESH IT OUT
This refers to putting the details on the structure. With a
home, it may mean adding siding and trim. With a program, it
may mean adding functionality and error trapping. With a
website it may mean adding style, colors, and graphics.
OK, so it isn’t as simple as 1,2,3. It is a 6 step process.
But it IS simple! It sounds obvious, but people that don’t
break it down and build it up often analyze it forever. This
has been called Obsessive Compulsive, or Analysis Paralysis.
If they ever DO complete the project, it is usually low
quality, and not as good as it could have been.
BTW, Since this is a litigious society, I must include a
disclaimer. Your results will vary based on aptitude,
desire, and knowledge. Seasoned Software, Stephen Knilans,
and no other person can be held responsible for any problems
caused by information in, or not present in, this do*****ent.
Please consult responsible sources before attempting any
risky or costly endeavor.
I wish you the best of success!
Copyright © 2003 Seasoned Software All Rights Reserved
Stephen Knilans is the C.E.O. of Seasoned Software, and has
worked as a programmer and computer consultant for the past
23 years. He is currently working primarily for a company
involved in data conversion and building datawarehouses and
datamarts.
Current websites include: http://www.traffic-diamond.com (A
traffic exchange exchange with tips on, and tools for,
building traffic)
http://www.wisebooks.com (An ebook/software site)