We all upgrade our computers from time to time. Over the course of several years, our vehicles wear out and we replace them as well. As adult webmasters, if we are prosperous, sometimes we move into better houses in nicer neighborhoods.We all upgrade our computers from time to time. Over the course of several years, our vehicles wear out and we replace them as well. As adult webmasters, if we are prosperous, sometimes we move into better houses in nicer neighborhoods. So why not do a version 2.0 upgrade on yourself?

Whether you’re kicking butt in the traffic department or just getting started in the business, there are lots of ways you can improve and expand your mind, body, and spirit. Hope I don’t sound like Mr. Self Improvement, but I think it’s worth considering. Since this is YNOT News, after all, and you want to read about adult webmastering, I’ll focus on just the mental aspect. You can buy your own home gym and work on whittling down that spare tire (heh, heh).

I believe the most important aspect to improving and expanding your abilities is the willingness to look very objectively at your weaknesses. If you’re still with me, follow along. Don’t just think about them, get out a piece of paper and write them down. Write down any and everything that comes to mind. Perhaps you have good ideas, but can’t follow through with them. Or maybe your design skills are weak and need work, or you’re a programmer that could use a bit of improvement. Write it all down, whatever it is.

Next, write down your strengths – the areas wherein you feel you’re above average.

Survey your list and consider which strengths are the most critical to your continued (or future) success. Do the same for your weaknesses – which are most likely to serve as speedbumps on the superfreeway to glory?

Now that we’ve identified your personal ‘pros and cons,’ it’s time to consider the best method to improving your weak areas. Do you need assistance? Can you do it yourself? In less than 25 words, write down how you intend to improve your weak areas. Be succinct and straightforward. You might be surprised at what flows out of your writing utensil (or keyboard.) This method of introspection can be very revealing, and you might even be somewhat shocked when you read your ‘note to self.’

In high school, and in many cases, college, you may study English, Biology, Physics, etc., but what are you really being taught is how to learn. If you’re trying to learn a new sport, like golf or tennis, a good instructor will analyze your stroke and break it down into pieces until every part is understood and reinforced. A good instructor also knows that an advanced student having problems is more than likely forgetting a fundamental skill. Does this sound like you? Are you forgetting some of the basics you learned a year or two ago?

Focus on the learning process, and what you can get out of it.

Perception is reality, especially in online adult. Think about what other people see when they look at you. Since the medium in question might be a message board, consider the image you portray. Do you tend to get drawn into squabbles in the message boards? Are you constantly bickering and throwing names around? Think about how that affects your image. The most successful people in this business – and in most businesses – are quiet, confident, and friendly people. They don’t need to boast about their success. They are above the petty crap that you sometimes see on message boards. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but I do strongly feel that they are most definitely the rare exception. I once read a quote that paraphrased read, “Emulate the qualities of success, and those qualities will soon become associated with you.”

An ‘upgrade’ is not as hard as you might think, and we all need one from time to time. Give it some thought and let me know what you think. You can reach me at oz@truecash.com . I welcome feedback to this and all YNOT News articles.

See you next week at YNOT News.