DISQUS

partywedo · 3 months ago

Chris,
Your busy life and the sacrifices associated, are not going unnoticed by those of us who have benefited from your generosity.
A sincere thank you for the time that you give!
I promise to pay your efforts forward...

Bruce

Brian Baquiran · 3 months ago

"I’m going to build something to help as many people as I can before the spotlight goes off."

This is great. I'm buying your book NOW.

Karen Hill · 3 months ago

Wow, Chris! This is so interesting to read a "day in the life" of someone that is not only super busy , but also successful. It gives me hope as to increasing my productivity.... just seeing how much you do in one day! Keep up the honest, and down to earth posts.
:)
Karen

Jaremy · 3 months ago

Impressive, Chris. I think that's the thing most people who work 8 hour days with many breaks and long weekends don't understand - success is a grind and there's no such thing as the "overnight success" (well, those that do happen don't last).

Always extremely inspirational.

andrewhyde · 3 months ago

Amazing how random and fulfilling our lives can be on the road.

You wake up in NYC...

drmani · 3 months ago

Gotta love this kind of post. Nice to see others working as hard as oneself :-)

My day? Here: http://niche2.com/IIAblog/?p=26

All success
Dr.Mani

Neal Chambers · 3 months ago

Sometimes these days are the best because you get a lot done and you don't have time to sit around and worry about stupid things. Of course, it's good to follow this up with a relaxing day where you do absolutely nothing.

Cheers for the Behind the scenes.

Neal

Bethany Harris · 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing Chris! This is a bright light for me to keep doing what I do. When I tell someone I'm on my grind (which is basically all the time) they know I'm zoned and working on my goals. I'm not as busy as you are at this time, I'll cross that bridge when it comes. Wishing you continued success! You're always very encouraging!

Bethany

Name · 3 months ago

Great productive day. Too bad you couldn't squeeze any exercise pretty understandable when you have to travel

Steve Woolf · 3 months ago

You're a machine. Been that way as long as I've known ya, which has been a while now that I think about it. And still one of the nicest guys I know. Well played, sir.

secretsushi · 3 months ago

Chris,
Thanks for sharing what goes into your average day. Although I am not flying the friendly skies to great events and far off clients at the moment I can certainly start to relate regarding the lack of sleep and tons of projects to keep on track.

Over the last year business for me has expanded greatly and I have been able to pull together a great team that not only does great work, but has an incredible chemistry.

I am very blessed to have such incredible people in my network (I include you Chris). It keeps me trucking along each day. No two days are ever the same.

My biggest challenge at the moment now is time. I don't want to lose touch with the personal connection I have with my clients and partners so finding a viable solution that doesn't put distance between myself and my connections is tricky I have found that even the smallest of new connections can blossom into great ones if given the right time and attention. Not sure if a VA will toss a wrench into that fun and valuable process for me.

Thanks for continually sharing Chris.

Ricardo Bueno · 3 months ago

No morning coffee? You're a good man. I can't start my day with an early brew (unfortunately). It's a bad habit that I need to kick. I used to run regularly and that certainly helped. Perhaps I should get back to doing that a bit more often.

You do a fine job of responding to everyone even when you have a hectic schedule and I think that's a fine thing. If more people were like that, well, everyone would be better off I think...

startabuzz · 3 months ago

You're a good man, too. And if you need coffee in the AM, then drink it (she says, as she drinks hers).

joshuaguffey · 3 months ago

I feel just like that many days. Well, except without the super cool events and consultations (DAMN).

I recall on one occasion I worked out a scheduling flub with two separate parties, replied to 4 emails, uploaded a video from iPhone to YouTube, embedded the video into a blog post at www.JoshuaGuffey.com and updated my Facebook and Twitter with the link to that post...all from my iPhone in 15 minutes while my wife fed our 6-month old baby in the backseat of her Hyundai Sonata.

Phew! I get all teary-eyed when I think about it. =P

stevegarfield · 3 months ago

Hey Chris,
Thanks for sharing that. My day so far:

5:30
Check email, twitter, RSS Feed.
Read up on Boston Senate race.
Respond to people from last night's dinner on twitter.
Read Yahoo! Videoblogging list.
5:45
Try out blip.tv's playlist creation feature.
Post videos that were hidden in my archive to my blog, as a test:
http://offonatangent.blogspot.com/2009/09/steve...
Document procedure to add to book.
Post message on Yahoo! videoblogging list asking for help on configuring playlist.
6:15
Browse more blogs and respond here to your post.
Back to bed.

Brian Lenhart · 3 months ago

Think that you're busy? Check out a day in the life of @chrisbrogan http://bit.ly/2NU0D

r4 software · 3 months ago

Such a interesting story you represent over here. I really Impressed with your works.It is definitely like a Game.. Because life is also kind of Game...

Jeremy Brenn · 3 months ago

Thanks for this Chris. Most people think being an entrepreneur is all fun and games (which, in my opinion, it is). It's not about what YOU want to do day in and day out, it's what you customer, clients, fans, etc...want.

It's up to the entrepreneur to put him/herself in the right mindset and it doesn't hurt to have some great people to work with that GET it.

gangarani · 3 months ago

man, this is an extreme example of the mind gone mad fueled by unlimited connection and technology. running at this pace not sleeping will have detrimental effects on your whole life at some point, granted...

jasonspalace · 3 months ago

thanks for sharing Chris, your life is something i greatly look forward to after earning my way living behind several monitors building a tech. dropping Blueprint in the tracklist thanks to you!

keithprivette · 3 months ago

Ooo that offline email download.....might have to try that trick. Is there an offline mode for Google Reader? Then I would would really rock it. Thanks for taking the the time to document your day. It isnt the most glourious of activities, but really shows a person what they do......thanks Chris! The Blueprint 3 is about the dopest album to drop in a while. Jay-Z is a man among boys when it comes to the rap game! Did you catch him on Bill Maher? Bill made a book for him that had all the lyrics from all his albums. It was pretty cool!

thomsinger · 3 months ago

Your post reminds me that the people who can do the most are the ones who take action and do the most. I have found that the people who are the busiest are the ones I learn the most from, as those people are willing to share. They don't have time (or desire) to play games. Have another great day!

Robert Bravery · 3 months ago

That's hectic dude, But rest assured, you're not alone in this game. Save the travelling, I do pretty much a lot in a day. But I guess that's life as a self employed professional.

If you enjoy what you're doing, then it has to be worth it. If not. if it is a burden, get out now, while you;re still sane.

Ryan Biddulph · 3 months ago

Great read Chris. It's interesting to observe the day in the life of an inspirational guy like yourself. RB

startabuzz · 3 months ago

Chris, thank you for this. I've been getting a lot of guff from people lately about the amount of travel & work that I do. "You're ALWAYS working!" people complain. And the truth is that I do work a LOT. But my feeling is that if something is worth doing, it can't be half-assed. When I started my business, I did it to do WELL. For now, if that means lots of travel, lots of meetings, lots of phone calls, etc., then I'm going to do whatever it takes ... and then some.

Anyway, I don't mean to go off on a tangent about my stuff ... but I thank you for showing how much work goes into your everyday, for showing the sacrifices that you're making in order to win the game.

Thanks.

Laura Cococcia · 3 months ago

I got excited reading this (thought I can imagine it's all tiring and exciting at the same time). I'm just starting to balance both work, play and new adventures and feeling a little stretched, so have started to bring various people on board in my life. The basic premise for me: know how to ask for help when you need it. I spend some time specifying what help I need, but I feel as if I have a great "life team" including my family and friends - couldn't do it without them!

Guest · 3 months ago

Always great to see another busy person in action. I sometimes wonder how I fit it all in myself and find myself pleased and pleasantly surprised when I have temporarily caught up with my plans for the day/week/life. Its the only way to live this life, no way could I wile away the hrs anymore. The enjoyment from a productive and fun life is fantastic.
Good on you Chris for being a "doer", nice read
Cheers
Brigid

brigid · 3 months ago

Always great to see another busy person in action. I sometimes wonder how I fit it all in myself and find myself pleased and pleasantly surprised when I have temporarily caught up with my plans for the day/week/life. Its the only way to live this life, no way could I wile away the hrs anymore. The enjoyment from a productive and fun life is fantastic.
Good on you Chris for being a "doer", nice read
Cheers
Brigid

Damond Nollan · 3 months ago

Chris, I appreciate you taking the time to share with us your life as you see it. It helps to get an idea of what is in store. Keep up the good work!

Rebecca Blackwell · 3 months ago

Ok. So, just like many of the other commenters here, I work a lot. I believe in the work that I do, love the work that I do and am also not into just "getting by". I'm not much different from other entrepreneurs in that I don't seem to have a shortage of ambition. Which generally means above-the-norm-extention.

However, the conversation happening in my head right now, is about whether one can accomplish much in their professional life AND in their personal life - at the same time. Is it a choice that we make to take good care of ourselves, spend ample time with our families, sleep (dare I say sleep-in?), enjoy dinners with friends, pursue a hobby or two, take a vacation, spend some time not-doing every day ~VS.~ professional success. OR - can we really have it all? Is that even possible?

Mimi Meredith · 3 months ago

Rebecca, Sorry to jump in when the one you want to hear from is Chris Brogan, but the answer is yes. Just not always simultaneously. I am living proof. My personal catch is, I took a three year break between my career of 19-years and starting a new business (I'm the mother of three and I worked all their little lives...they turned out to be the most incredible humans I know!) Now, I'm having a hard time getting my sense of purpose in line with my time management. I'm wrestiling with these issues on my blog beginning this afternoon. Check out http://blog.thegoodnessgrows.com and comment if you'd like to be part of the community discussion on this topic. Have a great Friday!

RiverwoodWriter · 3 months ago

I am not an entrepreneurial success by any standard...yet. But I worked hard for my degrees, stayed home to raise two beautiful children into incredible human beings while my husband was a rural physician with little time except for patients, got extremely involved in community organizations and charities, and started a home-based business 19 years ago to help with college expenses. Now at age 59, I've decided that entrepreneurial itch still needs to be scratched. My point is that yes, you can have it all, but as Mimi says, not at the same time. Trying to be SuperWoman (or SuperMan for that matter) and do it all at the same time without some kind of help or concessions would have been, for me, a ticket to a breakdown. But everyone has their own capacity and their own limits. Chris has talked about team members and a supportive family who help him do what he does.

Thank you, Chris, for sharing your incredible life with us. I share the sentiment of others in my gratitude that you're willing to do this, because you give so much back. I hope, though, that every person reading this won't think that the way you're doing it is the only way to achieve their own dreams. As you've told us elsewhere, we have to start with being ourselves and go from there.

Michael Morris · 3 months ago

Thanks Chris, getting great value from your stream...... really appreciate it, and reminds all that success comes with lots of work.

Ginny Cooper · 3 months ago

Aha! I found your secret Chris! It's between 8:21 and 8:30 a.m. You only need 9 minutes to shower and groom! If I appeared in public after only 9 minutes with shampoo and a blowdryer...well, it would be ugly! Oh yeah, and there's the "somebody else" preparing all your meals, doing your laundry, etc. (wife or hotel staff)...sigh...who am I kidding? You get it done because you're Chris Brogan for crying out loud! Thanks for the peek inside and keep up the great flow of info, we're depending on you! Smiles from Southwest Florida!

JohnAtkinson · 3 months ago

Makes me wonder how you manage to respond to everyone's emails, and appreciate it all the more.

Jamie Wallace · 3 months ago

Ok. My first reaction is Holy CRAP. My second reaction is an even greater appreciation for what you do and how you do it - always managing to keep those personal connections going, despite that ridiculous schedule.

... and then I want to stage an intervention.

Anyone who is making his own game knows that success depends on vision, passion, and good old-fashioned hard work. When you are the engineer on your own steam engine, you're not only guiding it along the track ... you're laying the track and pushing the train along by your own will.

I'm grateful that you are out there doing what you do and that you are so willing to give us all a glimpse inside the engine room. Thanks & have a great Friday ... and maybe a nap. (Just a little one!)

debbieferm · 3 months ago

Hi Chris,

Wow! I'm amazed at what you and the other commenters do in a day. I'm enjoying getting my little business going, but I also have three kids and just being with them is my main priority. Make sure you are taking care of yourself! Your wife and kids will thank you.

Have a good day,

Debbie Ferm

Christine Green · 3 months ago

Thanks for your generosity and wisdom of sharing the spotlight with the rest of us!

lewishowes · 3 months ago

I just woke up after going to be at 3:30 after working on sending out a replay to a webinar I did that day (I'm doing the "teaching" stuff that you recommended Chris :)... and I woke up to read this email with about 6 hours of sleep and was pleasantly happy to read this. I love the hustle you have Chris, and it inspires me (and others) to hustle more, and help more people. great stuff!

gerardmclean · 3 months ago

I'm still trying to get past your 7:00am wake up! :-) Everyone wants to be a "rock star" but few people want to do the work. Thanks for peeling off just the first layer. If your typical WEEK is anything like mine, there are many, many more layers below this one.

Nick Stamoulis · 3 months ago

In order to become successful there are always sacrifices that must be made. It looks like you are making those sacrifices and with great stride. Where the eggs runny?

knealemann · 3 months ago

Chris, this may be your best post ever. Not to diminish the DAILY help you share but this is outstanding! Thanks again @knealemann

dakini_3 · 3 months ago

You two are moving seriously fast Chris ... It was really great to see you and Julien ... meditating and yoga can be done on planes, trains, buses & cars ... prevents burnout and doesn't have to be a "religious" thing at all (I know that's not really your bag :) BREATHE Dude! BREATHE! Seriously love you two! Warmly, Jeris

Melissa Paulik · 3 months ago

9 minutes to shower and groom? Be glad you don't need makeup!

Chris Brogan · 3 months ago

Man, every woman took that one in. 9 minutes. It wasn't ideal. I took 20 today.

howardbeaver · 3 months ago

Yes Chris, Success is in the process of living and doing. I was successful this morning in getting my son off to school in time, even though the toy he was planning to play with during recess broke. Crying, drama, tantrums ensued (and that's just me :). The lesson of finding tools to deal with our frustrations and disappointments had to be experienced. Tools for staying calm in stressful situations are being developed.

Life happens during the moments in between the moments. "There were days and there were days between."

Several years ago one of my bosses looked at me and said "One day you are going to be successful." He thought he was paying me a compliment. I looked at him and said "I'm already successful." Didn't mean it egotistically it is just a matter of how you measure success.

What did I do yesterday? Went to the DMV to pay a Ticket! It Doesn't get any better than that!

Howie

Chris Brogan · 3 months ago

I really love the part about the boss, Howie. Brilliantly said. : )

howardbeaver · 3 months ago

Thanks Chris, You have a way of fostering valuable discussions. Keep it up.

H

Tom Rau · 3 months ago

Thanks Chris,
Now I dont feel so alone anymore ;-) Gives me the energy to keep on going.
Bet the picture was taken in the early morning.

Mimi Meredith · 3 months ago

Tenacity and focus are two issues at the top of my mind right now as I work to motivate myself (ironic, since I'm pretty good at supporting others) to make things happen. This post came at the perfect time. Thank you again for the generous, authentic spirit with which you share information.

As I was walking my dog this morning I offered up a little prayer for Chris Brogan and his family. I knew none of these details of your days until a moment ago, but this morning you were on my heart as someone who brings true goodness to business. I know a successful book launch takes limitless time and energy--an especially valuable commodity when you have a young family--and I thank you for sharing with those of us who need the wisdom you and Julien have to offer. May the Spirit offer you a puff of crisp autumn wind to fill your sails as you go through these days--a gentle reminder that life is a blessing and you are a great grower of its goodness.

Chris Brogan · 3 months ago

Thanks for the prayer, Mimi. I appreciate that kind of thinking, and you're sweet for being so helpful. : )

Dave Doolin · 3 months ago

Heh... I was up at 4:22 this morning... love it. I'm seriously a morning person. Very productive when I get some sleep.

Chris, not sure how old you are, but I have a theory that people get a certain number of all-nighters, and when they have used those up, you don't get any more. In my late 40's now, I appreciate getting my solid 6.5 hours, which is all I need.

Chris Brogan · 3 months ago

I'm 39, so I'd better start parsing them out better.

Mihir Karkare · 3 months ago

I love 'a day in the life of' posts! Good one indeed. One of my favorite subreddits over at http://reddit.com is the IAmA (as in 'I am A') subreddit (http://reddit.com/r/iama).

An example from today... I am a Police Officer, ask me anything. These posts generate some interesting (at times profound) conversations.

We'd like to see something like that from Chris. 'I'm Chris Brogan, Ask me Anything'. Can see a lot of takers for that one!

staceykannenberg · 3 months ago

Chris - this is going down as one of my all time favorite posts from you. It's great to be reminded that you, like me, are so busy the food gets cold, the emails never stop, working 18 hour days, the people keep you pumped and know that your family, like mine, signed on to embrace the sacrifice today for the benefit of tomorrow!

Chris Brogan · 3 months ago

It's not that it's the RIGHT way to do it, but it's what we're doing. : )

communicatrix · 3 months ago

You know what strikes me when I read this post? (And thank you for it, by the way.)

How utterly delicious a 3- or 4-hour flight becomes. And how much a trip to Disneyland with the kids becomes, as a kind of porthole halfway through the tunnel.

You rock. Disney pics uploaded, when you can. For us weirdo Disney fans.

bilingualhire · 3 months ago

Chris,
Incredible day, man! The army is being built and your gracious insight is being spread throughout. On a serious note, I think putting your family up for some fun in Orange County makes the hard work all that much more worth it, and I take note. Thanks for that one! I like that you have a kaleidoscope kind of thinking-- always on a swivel to make a positive impact, and not just one or two, but several.

Now where on this Mac do I slide my debit card for this insight?

Take care, and thanks for the lesson,
--David (@davidcmolina)

Chris Brogan · 3 months ago

Slide your debit card here: http://bit.ly/buy-ta : )

Lydia Barry Kutko · 3 months ago

I'm nosy when it comes to others' day to day experience. Nothing like comparing!

I feel I juggle many balls in my life, often feeling pulled many ways. The only difference is that I am not on a successful tour for my book or attending related press gigs. So, maybe that make my life a bit less stressed?;-)

Will Sloan · 3 months ago

Hey Chris, what Nashville event are you referring to? I'm located in Nashville and would love to take advantage of an opportunity to meet you if that's what's happening.

Sara F Comito · 3 months ago

I've been duly chastened as a slacker. The Army should change its slogan to "We do more before 9 a.m. than most people do all day (except Chris Brogan)."
Again, all of us involved with Twestival SWFL so very much appreciate you taking time out to speak and help us raise money for Pace Center for Girls. Thanks!

bookerx3 · 3 months ago

The fact that you listened to the Blueprint 3 just gave me a whole new respect for you. If nothing you wrote before, that alone made me realize that you are in fact a real person just as anybody else.

I just listened to it for the first time 2 days ago and can play it through from start to finish. Kudos Mr. Brogan, you musical taste make you a cultured man as well as a influential blogger ;)

sgoldfaden · 3 months ago

Chris,
You freakin rock! I always love reading your posts because I feel like I can relate to you. As a 22 year old college student, it often seems like I never have enough time in my day to concentrate on business ventures and school and maintaining relationships both in Miami, and back at home in Los Angeles, but like you, I'm not in the 'getting by' business. I want it. I want it so bad! Thanks for keeping me motivated

-Sean

kellywissink · 3 months ago

Chris,

Thanks for the inspiration. I'll be setting my alarm clock a lot earlier.

Mario Sundar · 3 months ago

Quite insightful and a frankly educative post for anyone who's out to win. Well said, Chris! Also, I wonder how you go about skimming those innumerable tweets / emails to respond to. What draws your attention?

7:40AM Dip into emails and stuff. Answer a few tweets. Comment on some blogs.

And, btw, you should listen to Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon". I think you'd like it :)

Tim Bossie · 3 months ago

Thank you for this incredible glimpse into your life. I've been contemplating a good many things lately and this was just the boost, or kick in the butt, that I needed. Tremendous. Thanks!

kat b · 3 months ago

my day sounds sort of like elevator music.
it couldn't be more ying to your yang
balance

Ed · 3 months ago

Wait, so you had from 6:05 on free-ish? Lazy no good dog!

Web designing · 3 months ago

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Ian M Rountree · 3 months ago

I hear a lot of talk about the idea that this pacing takes sacrifice. I don't think that's the key; the key is that many of us don't give ourselves permission to become truly impressive in our areas of talent. You clearly have, and that's important.

Anyone in marketing knows you spend enough time asking for permission of others, but how often do you recognize that you first need to give yourself permission to do the asking?

You said you've been working this way since 2005 - what changed in 2005?

Timberland shoes · 2 months ago

I like what you said.

Rebecca Blackwell · 3 months ago

Just wanted to say thanks for the comment, Mimi. I am very happy to hear from you. I am a mother of three as well and constantly struggle with how to be involved in their lives and run a business. Am going over to check out your blog now...

saracanaday · 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing "a day in your life". I'm amazed that you manage to respond and give so willingly to those who follow you. A true testement to your commitment to building relationships.

cptnrandy · 3 months ago

I'm glad you're enjoying the blur of activity around the release of the book, but I can't agree with your statement "If you’re wondering where your big success is, it’s in work like this. It’s in grinding it out." Too many of us are just grinding it out. Without regular review and trying to get perspective, it's just that, a grind.

jdleray · 3 months ago

Thanks for your post Chris. It's good to see what it takes for your level of productivity.

Bought Jay-Z's Blueprint #3 (my first hip-hop/rap album purchase). That must be your secret, right? Been listening to it non-stop for two days now.

Take care,

J.

roof insulation · 2 months ago

Only this story is very interesting then whole what about the entire book.
I have to purchase it.

mmangen · 2 months ago

Chris - reading this post was exactly what I needed to see today...another friend asked me "how do you do it all'? While I haven't done a list just like you I imagine I'd actually be surprised if I wrote it all down. I'd probably realize I have done more than I give myself credit for on most days.

Thanks for the inspiration....

Mahe · 2 months ago

How to add the tweets Retweet and leave command +rss feed badge.It looking nice(yellow color badge below the post).Please do reply to me.