Tim Bursch

There is so much information available today. I could seriously read for hours on end and still have more to read.

I’m reading, well maybe scanning, over 100 blogs a day as part of my job. I do learn a lot.
The challenge is I’m spending so much time consuming content that I don’t take time to create content.

I need to be selfishly generous and guard my creation time.

Some ideas I have to be more selfish:

• Wait to check email, blogs, and Twitter until I write something
• Block my time better–If I was planning on 30 minutes of blog reading or Twitter checking, stay in that time block
• Music. I sometimes create better with music. Put the plugs in and make something.
• Practice. Plan on 30 minutes every day to write something whether I share it or not. Just do it.

Other resources here and here.

How do handle the information firehouse today? Does your blog miss you? Are you being selfish?

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Why has it been so quiet here?

I recently started a new job with Gage Marketing. Really exciting! I’m working on social marketing with large brands.

Part of my job will be developing and managing online communities. In that, I will be looking at why people start communities and what holds them together.

I can’t wait to share what I’m learning here. Watch for more focus on marketing, social media, and digital community.

Question for my next post: why do people form community?

Image credit: mpclemens

Tags: Gage, work.

When life throws a challenge at you, what do you do?

I was in a car accident almost a year ago. It happened at the peak of my training for a marathon. Suck.
I was not able to run the race or run period. I’m still dealing with back and neck pain. Running is something that I discovered I love to do. It helps me stay healthy, clears my mind, and more. Except I can’t do that right now. I’m missing out on something I love. That’s a challenge.

Don’t give up. Stay in the game. If you can’t run, then walk. Find something new you love.

I’m working on it.

Photo by: iowa_spirit_walker

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I recently checked in with a mentor about my goals and priorities. I knew I was trying to take on too many projects. I was doing a bunch of work good, but missing out on great.

I asked for feedback from this mentor and got some solid advice. Was it earth shaking? No. It was honest and helpful.

Sometimes it’s hard to hear feedback. In the short run though it can help you grow.
Do you ask for feedback? Find someone you trust and give it a try.

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Life is good. Life is hard.

Remember the happy place? It helps me to have some practices to get centered and get rid of stress.

Here are some of my favorite places to get centered:

• Writing at a coffee shop. Coffee, pen and paper.

• Grabbing a beer with a friend

• Cranking the iPod and cleaning (yup sometimes it works for me)

When life is stressful or the crap hits the fan, what do you do? Where do you go?

Image credit: brightsea

Tags: center.

I’ve been watching some of the Winter Olympics with my family. It’s inspiring and moving.

One thing that amazes me is that some of these athletes just win. For example Apolo Ohno has won in his sport, then tried Dancing with the Stars and won. Winner.

That kind of story makes me want to go further. And play bigger. What inspires you?

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I had the privilege to be part of KaneCo’s first monthly business book club. The book: Linchpin by Seth Godin. The group: all rockstars.

We had a lively discussion about work, being remarkable, and bucking the system. The book was good, but I think what Jen is building is even more interesting. She wanted to read more, connect with business leaders, and learn. I think she’s building community. Taking things deeper. Bringing others into learning together.

Okay, why not just have coffee with your friends and talk about a book you read last month? That works. You could just read great books in isolation too. You might miss a piece that someone different caught.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m in a good book I want to talk about it. I share pieces with friends and my patient wife. And it’s more than just being about a book. It is being open and transformed and learning. I think we all want more community. We are wired for connection as Seth says.

So, here’s my question for you: What is something you are practicing (reading, writing, blogging) that you could invite others into?

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I am trying to post every weekday here. I have a day job and multiple side projects. I knew that my goal would be tough in isolation. So I am working with a friend in accountability. Whether you like the word or not, it really is just about helping each other but you do have to choose it.

With my blog here is what I’ve done:
-Shared my goal and plan with a partner, he did the same
-Committed to a weekly check-in to share each other’s progress

-Opened ourselves to ongoing feedback for the purpose of getting better
-Said it outloud to others here.

How many goals have you put down on paper and never followed through with? I have pages full. Sure, self discipline is important. But you don’t have to do it alone. Find someone you connect with and trust. Ask, risk, try.

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I recently read a great article on Web Worker Daily about having an accountability partner in business. Fits with my idea of a village business.

So, expect a lot more writing, a post at least every weekday, this year. You will find posts on business, social media, social impact, ideas for your business, other voices, and more.

What about you? What helps you reach your goals?

Image credit: Ai@ce

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Last year (wow 2009 went by fast) I picked three words based on Chris Brogan’s idea, but did not put them out there. This year I want to be more public with my goals and direction. So, here are at least three words that I want to be intentional about in 2010:

follow-through, practice, stand

Follow-through

I love ideas. Especially new ones. I am going to work on following though with some existing projects and a few new ones. I might need your help. Watch for more on accountability and protection.

Practice

A book that impacted me in 2009 was The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It is about working through resistance in the creative process. This takes practice and action. I will be practicing a lot more writing and delivering ideas about the intersection of social media and social impact.

Stand

I really like to listen to people. Sometimes that can mean holding back when I probably need to say more. This year I want to stand. Especially for overlooked people and issues.

What are you going to be intentional about this year? How can I help?

(follow up post on the way about specific goals)

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