There are certain things I do every time I'm on the computer.
- I check my hotmail and successmanifesto.com email accounts.
- I catch up on blogs that interest me (e.g., Joshua Newman , Chris and Luke, Michael Furdyk, Ryan Allis.
- Now, I look at web site and accounting statistics for The Student Success Manifesto.
I really enjoy these routines, but sometimes they get to the point where I'm checking them more than makes practical sense. However, I just love the possibility that any time I check my email or statistics, there is the potential for something incredible and exciting to be there. Every time I check my email, there is the potential for a bit of news that will result in me jumping around the apartment or fighting to hold back laughter in a public place. There have been a few times when I was in the NYU computer labs and a let out of burst of laughter before I could cover my face.
Some examples of exciting news for me include:
- While checking the web site statistics yesterday, I noticed that somebody from Random House's servers visited the web site.
- An email I received from NYU saying they might potentially want to make a 600-book order.
- The number web site visitors steadily growing.
- People I don't know signing up for the newsletter.
- Emails from people I really admire agreeing to my request to meet with them.
- Emails from readers who enjoyed the book.
Conversely, there are many times when I'm nervous I will get an email or phone call from somebody saying that I forgot to do something really important. Or there are times when I receive strings of bad news at once. The trick is to be able to stay motivated and happy despite bad news. In the end, all the news I receive sways to the good side, but it is very interesting to see how much of an effect "news" can have on my day.