In a former life, I was a professional drummer. As one who listens to music, I have very specific traits that I am looking for in other drummers. I quickly realized however, that non-drummers are expecting only one thing from a drummer; that he or she play in time. That is to say, the drummer must not speed up or slow down, unless the music calls for it. Since performances are not just exercises in self-indulgence, us drummers must make ?priority one? playing in time.

The ability to play in time is a difficult skill for new drummers to learn. When you sit behind a drum set, you often just want to play. You can be creative with the dreaded ?drum solo.? You can be aggressive. You can make a lot of noise. None of those things are important, however, if you can?t keep the tempo (speed) steady.

In learning to play in time, the drummer must subjugate their creative expression in order to concentrate fully on the tempo. It is mandatory that we practice with a metronome (device that ?clicks? at a given tempo). Flashiness detracts from our ability to be steady. As a result, we strip away all embellishments and just focus on the task at hand.

It seems to me that the endless lonely hours spent in the practice room with the incessant clicking of a metronome have allowed me to maintain a strong focus on the important tasks of my business. Everyday, I have to mentally strip away all the fluff and just tackle the ?money makers.? No one needs my home business ?drum solo.? The time for creativity comes only after I?ve mastered the techniques that keep my business running and profitable. Just like the time for drum solos is only after the drummer is so comfortable with the music that he/she can afford to let their concentration focus on something new.

When you sit down each day, do you know what you?re going to do that day? If so, what is most important? Which tasks will move the business forward? I hate to say it, but often whichever tasks you are least looking forward to are probably the ones that need to be done first. Is what you are doing right now, what your customers would expect you to be doing?

Since the ?drum solos? in our business are often the most fun and provide necessary motivation to keep us moving forward, allow yourself time each day to travel down those paths. For me, once the clock strikes 5, I get to explore. That?s my time to try all the crazy, new business ideas that have been popping into my head all day. Use whatever system works best for you.

In drumming, as in business we must focus on the core responsibilities in order to make sure that we stay ?on task? and ?in time.? Intrinsically, you know what must be done. Try those necessary tasks early in the day so that you can get them out of the way. List the tasks that are directly linked to making you money and do them before all others. Just like the great drummers of the world, you make your living doing the simple tasks consistently very well.

Remember, be good to yourself and never underestimate the power associated with the intensity of your passion.

Scott Foreman
scott@build-passive-income.com

==========================================================

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and websites provided that the information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: newsgroups@build-passive-income.com

Wayne and Scott Foreman are co-owners of http://www.build-passive-income.com

This Secret Book Made Terry Dean Rich! You Can Get it Free IF you click below now (you won't believe the simple techniques it reveals that ANYONE can use) http://www.Build-Passive-Income.com/secret

We will pay you TWO WAYS to run this article!

First, we will pay you up to $25 for every person who visits our site and purchases a product as a result of you running or posting this article.

PLUS, once you confirm we will give you a FREE DISPLAY AD in our Internet Success Newsletter (that's how much we appreciate it)!

Make sure that you get your affiliate ID at: http://www.build-passive-income.com/affiliate