A counselor once told me that the definition of narcissism is believing you’ll be amazing at something you’ve never done before.

I laughed and then wondered why he needed to tell me that.

I think he knew that I’m like you. I think I have to be good at something new. I expect and sometimes even demand proficiency at new things. And then I try them for the first time and I fail and I give up.

Don’t.

Give yourself some time to improve. Give yourself some time to get better. Admit that things might suck for a while and that’s OK.

You’re not done. You’re just starting. This is the beginning, not the end.

You’re still in beta and so am I.

A man named Dr. Ericsson is considered the world’s leading expert on expertise. In several studies, he discovered that it usually takes around 10,000 hours of time for someone to become an expert at something.

10,000 hours of writing to be an expert writer.

10,000 hours of yoga to be an expert yogi.

10,000 hours of anything equals expertise.

So why aren’t more people experts?

Because of stats like this:

“By age twenty-one, the typical American has spent ten thousand hours playing computer games.”

I read that sentence in the book Willpower, and it surprised me.

Now I don’t hate video games. I think they can be awesome and part of an awesome life.

But if you play 10,000 hours by the time you’re 21, do you know where you are headed?

Typical.

Average.

Ordinary.

Common.

And you were meant for something more.

Go be an expert. Go work on 10,000 hours. Just make sure that you don’t end up at typical along the way.

I am studying public speaking. Why?

I give speeches and want to get better.

And sometimes, on this blog, I have the chance to share some things I learn. This particular bit of knowledge surprised me.

In a study conducted by a guy named Albert Mehrabian, it was found that the words you speak during a speech matter less than you think. A lot less.

Here’s the breakdown of how audiences draw their communication cues from you:

55% comes from the visual. (How you look, what you visually show during your presentation, etc.)

38% comes from your tone of voice.

7% comes from the words you say.

I had no idea that was how speeches tend to work, and I guarantee most people don’t either. Most pastors, executives and leaders spend 90% of their practice time on their words, and maybe 10% on their visual cues.

But if you really want to communicate with a culture that is becoming increasingly visual, think about what you’ll show more than what you’ll tell.

I’ve spent the last year studying book launches. From Amazon reviews to the importance of things like Vine, no stone has remained unturned.

Now, I want to share everything I’ve learned with you.

This Friday, I’ll be holding a FREE breakfast seminar on how to launch a New York Times Bestseller.

In addition to hopefully enlisting your help in launching my new book, I’ll be telling you every detail of every challenge and opportunity of launching a book.

Here are a few of the things we’ll be covering:

Bestseller lists
The myth of a magic sales number.
Bookscan, how and why it works
NY Times vs. Wall Street Journal vs. USA Today

Power of Presale
Accumulate pre-sales through online retailers
Sales report on pub date
Why velocity matters
Pre-sale + first week of media + marketing = best shot at lists

Amazon
Importance of reviews – more reviews usually mean more sales
Reviews play a large role in online purchasing
Ranking system
Pricing

Social
Facebook
Blog reviews
Twitter
Pins

Word of Mouth
Books, movies, music are still driven by word of mouth
Still the most powerful method of selling – especially long-term (Adele’s 21, Quitter)

Book Tour
Multiple goals for touring:
1. Media in local market – local media sometimes draws more viewers than national
2. Media drives foot traffic to booksignings
3. Booksignings create good will with both retailer and consumer
4. Build momentum for books sales
5. Tour Bus – mode of transportation, rolling billboard, generates interest and excitement

Seminars like this often cost over $500 but this one is free.

If you want to be part of my book launch and learn how to launch your book too, join us this Friday from 8-10:00 AM in Franklin, TN at the Drury Inn at 1874 West McEwen Drive.

Click here to sign up!

Want to be a leader?

Want to make people excited to follow you into difficult situations?

Want to do the unexpected?

Celebrate like LeBron James did right after a fan hit a half court shot and won $75,000.

This is why I love the Internet.

Three years ago, I learned something that completely changed the way I look at creativity and it’s less talked about but more important cousin, productivity.

This simple technique is a big part of the reason I was able to complete four books in three years. It’s also why I’ve written two million words on a blog, given 100 speeches and sold out three events.

What is it?

Come find out at the 5 Club this Friday.

At 5AM in Brentwood, TN on Friday, January 18, we’ll spend two hours discussing this idea.

It will be full of hands on activities, a fun networking opportunity and the kick the pants your dream chase might need. (And it’s free.)

Sign up right here.

Waiting has its moments, but so does action.

UPDATE: Looks like the guy who posted this video removed it, which is a shame because it was awesome.

This video is the best use of a go pro camera I have ever seen.

Prepare to be delighted.