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Last weekend, I almost missed out on enjoying a movie with my kids.
Why? Because I was glued to my phone, refreshing my email every two seconds to see if anyone had purchased my Savage System Playbook after I mentioned it in my newsletter.
And then it hit me: “It’s not passive revenue if you’re constantly thinking about it.”
The Moment I Snapped Out of It
One of my systems is to write down one specific thing about each family member in my journal every night. Something that stood out, a moment we shared, or a simple observation.
Occasionally, though, I draw a blank.
And that embarrassment—that realization that I hadn’t been present enough to notice anything meaningful—reminds me to lock in. To stop letting my mind drift and focus on the people who matter most.
So, during Despicable Me, I made a decision: No checking emails until after the movie was over.
I put my phone down, took a deep breath, and settled in.
For the first time, I actually watched the whole thing without distractions. (Turns out, the Minions are pretty funny.)
After the Movie
When the credits rolled, I checked my phone.
And to my surprise…
Nope. Still no sales.
But here’s the thing; whether I checked my phone every two seconds or not, the outcome wasn’t going to change. Once I hit send on that newsletter, it was out of my hands.
If I hadn’t put my phone down, I would’ve missed the movie, and missed the chance to enjoy time with my kids.
The Truth About Systems
That’s the thing about systems. They don’t guarantee perfection. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.
What they do is give you the tools to live life on your terms and by your standards. They help you focus, succeed, and weather setbacks.
So, no sales during the movie, but at least I had something meaningful to write about in my journal that night.
And wouldn’t you know it? The next morning, I woke up to see that someone had purchased a playbook overnight.
While I was making breakfast? Another sale.
Turns out, the system worked. I just needed to let it unfold.
What About You?
We all have moments where we’re waiting for something outside of our control; an email, a response, an outcome.
Here’s a question to help shift your focus:
What’s one positive action you can take right now that’s within your control?
Instead of waiting and refreshing, redirect your energy to something meaningful. Write in your journal, tackle a small task, or spend time with someone you enjoy.
Supercharge It with AI
Need ideas? Use this ChatGPT prompt:
“Here’s something I’m waiting on: [brief description]. What small, productive actions can I take in the meantime to make progress on my goals or improve my mindset?”
This keeps you moving forward, because action is always better than overthinking.
Remember, life doesn’t unfold perfectly and that’s okay. Systems aren’t about perfection, they’re about progress.
They help you stay grounded, focused, and ready for whatever comes your way.
Stay Savage,
Terry
PS: Ready to create systems that help you focus on what matters most and handle life’s curveballs? Check out the Savage System Playbook and see how it can help you build a life of clarity and purpose.
PPS: Speaking of quality time with your kids, I recently shared a video on LinkedIn of me playing catch with my daughter, this is the moment that kickstarted my journey into youth sports coaching.
Find me on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or book a 1:1 call.
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