March 05, 2011
You like that title don’t you? Sucked you in and got you to read this.
Since you clicked on that catchy title, I’m going to share one of my secrets with you. After I tell you, you’re going to think, “that’s no secret” or “Andy is talking crazy again.”
It’s not really a secret, but it might as well be because not enough people do what I’m about to tell you to do.
And it’s not as much a secret as it is a method I use to help me deal with people, problems and planning. It’s funny how things always sound better in threes and with the same letter for each of them.
So, here’s my advice. The next time you have a problem or know something is looming, go to your printer or your copier and pull out a standard 8.5 X 11-inch blank sheet of white paper. Next, you have to find a pen or whatever you like to write with. That’s the easy part.
Here’s where people get scared. You have to actually think and write down your thoughts and ideas. I know it’s going to hurt your head to do this, but try it. It will get easier the more you do this. I do it every week. I’ve got white sheets at home, in my office and probably in my car. It’s helped me so many times you wouldn’t believe it.
Guys, do this every morning for a week and let me know if you get positive results from it. Leave me comments at the bottom of this blog. I want to know if it helps.
Write down what you are going to do that day, write what you are not going to do that day and write down three people you need to be around that day and three people you will not waste your time on that day.
You can do this exercise for anything. I mean anything. I keep a stack of white sheets handy wherever I go because it’s my favorite kind of paper to take notes on. When I can’t find a white sheet, I yell at Chris Reavis because he knows to have some with him just in case I want one.
Maybe you want to quit your job? Write down how you are going to do that. You might want to write down what you are going to do to make money if you are considering leaving that job too.
Want to be more productive? Write down ways you can do that. You know you better than anybody else and if you are writing down what to do it means more than if I tell you to do something or a friend tells you to do something.
You can do this with anything, ANYTHING, in the world. You are really just brainstorming on paper, but “white sheeting” sounds cooler. The act of actually writing it down makes it more powerful and it forces your brain to think not somebody else’s.
So, here’s how you do the quit my job thing. Start with how many hours you work, how much you make an hour and what your expenses are. Look at the whole picture – good and bad. Do that and you’ve already got a white sheet going.
Do one on association. Write down three people that drain you or bring you down and explain how they do that. Write a note that says, “I will not meet, talk or email this person from now on!” You probably like this person, but they just don’t add value to what you are working toward. It’s OK to be their friend, just don’t waste your VALUABLE time on them.
Now, think about three people you absolutely need to be around. Write down why you need to be around them and figure out a way to make it happen. Are they worth a drive, a call or an email? If they are of high importance, you need to probably drive or fly to see them if they will meet with you.
Even if it takes money, time, effort, etc. you must get around these people because you think they will help you. That should be a high priority for you. Guys, it’s a strategic approach. Find ways to cross paths with people as much as possible if you need to be around them. Get all the one-on-one time you can if at all possible.
If they like sports, take them to a ballgame. If you can’t get face time, call them, write them, do whatever you can. Sometimes, it’s going to involve spending money – maybe a lot of money – to get around certain people.
Just doing an association white sheet can improve your performance and get you in the right mindset.
Do a white sheet on time wasters while you are at it. Teach yourself how to ignore certain phone calls that you shouldn’t take. Learn to disassociate from friends that aren’t helping you be the best person you can be. Find people that will help you reach your potential.
Keep doing white sheets. Get a three-ring binder of them going and put it where you can reference it all the time. You might even want to name it something like the audacity of white sheets! Be creative.
Few people know to do what I just told you about, so I’ve just given you a secret that has helped me too many times to even count. I’m serious.
It’s too simple to be good, right? Wrong!
IT WORKS!!! I do it every week and you should start doing it too.
Annette Braswell
March 5, 2011 at 11:46 amI agree, I buy lined ledgers by the case for this reason and I save them. My memory never serves me well so I’ve been in the habit for years of putting my ideas and thoughts down as soon as possible. I tried digitally recording them but “seeing” them is much more effective for me. I’ve not written down to the extent that you discuss here, but won’t hurt to expand my habit. Great idea to share Andy, keep those “secrets” coming…I love secrets!
Ken Burns
March 5, 2011 at 3:22 pmThis technique is so awesome! Simple and effective. If you use it.
David O' Donnell
March 9, 2011 at 12:31 amI love this reminder Andy – this seems so easy to do. When did you start this positive habit and how long did it take you to discipline yourself to be consistent?
Holly & Jonathan Rogers
March 11, 2011 at 12:43 pmWOW. Andy. This is the ONLY way I am able to process my thoughts. Jonathan and I have been doing this as you suggested. (“Write down what you are going to do that day, write what you are not going to do that day and write down three people you need to be around that day and three people you will not waste your time on that day.”) I have even started my day off, writing in my blessing book, visually allowing myself to SEE all of the things in my life that are going well! Checking emails first thing in the morning killed me, and I REFUSE to ever do that again. Thank you for everything!!!
Steve Griffin
March 13, 2011 at 10:48 pmI grabbed a piece of white paper before I finished the article. Just putting everything on paper and looking at it made this mountain I’m climbing look a little smaller.
Fred Snyder
March 14, 2011 at 2:33 pmAndy,
Love the white sheeting idea. I’m looking forward to putting it to practice in my next scheduled ‘thinking time’ session.
Also, What are the five or ten most important books for someone to read about success, leadership and personal growth. I can’t wait to hear from you on this topic.
Prayers and blessings,
Fred
Kyle Keator
March 15, 2011 at 1:37 pmAndy,
It is so simple and Engineer can do it. :). It is techniques like this from your teachings that I was able to leave my J.O.B. Thanks for all you do. I will continue to use this and my folder is called Stop Being Stupid and JUST Whitesheet.
Kyle
Bill Kryder
March 15, 2011 at 5:10 pmRecently saw an app for my android – it was a “white board” for my little 3×4 screen. You could not work with it unless you zoomed out to 1 item at a time, but then you would not see the big picture. I’ve got 2 white boards in my office – 1 for things todo and another for problem solving. As I get clarity on something I then put it in my Task section on Outlook. It doesn’t get all my problems done all the time, but it is better than anything else I have ever tried.
The old saying “seeing is believing” maybe should be stated “seeing is everything”.
Lisa Koerner
March 15, 2011 at 6:11 pmThanks Andy, I am starting my white sheet now.
Linda Minnix
March 16, 2011 at 11:02 amI’m reading, “Thinking for a Change” by John Maxwell and white sheeting will be a great tool for implementing the exercises in the book. Thank you for all that you give, Andy!
Hugh Turner
March 16, 2011 at 2:38 pmSince National Convention I began doing my NAA Journal.
I am amazed at how much I can demand of the brain as I began the metamorphosis from just knowing to applying myself to the system already in place. This is something I am going to immediately apply- no more inventing the wheel.
I am circulating this to our new recruits as well so they can get closer to Andy’s way of thinking.
Thanks Andy for leading the way and showing how things can be done!!!!
Patrick Connors
March 17, 2011 at 1:28 amMy favorite white-sheeting is drawing out my group. I carry one of those clear plastic sleeves–holds about 20 pieces of paper–with me wherever I go. I have my group drawing staring at me through one side of the sleeve, i have a few recent group drawings that folks have sent me in there, and I ALWAYS carry about 5 sheets of white paper.
I *LOVE* to draw out my group when I’m out and about–say on an airplane, in a hotel lobby, at one of my kids’ games during warm-ups or halftime, etc. Nothing else gets me SO ALIVE like drawing out the group. Alex Abuyuan has taught me how the group drawing will “speak” to me…definitely a cheat sheet on the association part Andy wrote about–which people I NEED to spend more/no time with. And then I’m PUMPED UP to IMMEDIATELY start talking to the nearest person. (sometimes THEY approach ME about the drawing! FUN!)
–Patrick Connors
Daniel Guadarrama
March 17, 2011 at 8:46 pmI love the Idea!! The best Ideas I believe are found this way…. Mind Storming.
One thing I do aswell is to place index cards in my back pocket “mini white sheets” this strategy has alowed me to capture toughts and ideas on the go. I also use an ap on my iphone, I can voice-record, take a pic, and type notes in the same page.
Thanks Andy, good stuff…This post has confirm my decision on buying a Huge white board. We’ll see what my wife thinks about a white board in our room…
Leanne Mabrey
March 17, 2011 at 11:14 pmThis is very useful and helpful..I need to do one on all the areas that you talked about. You are so wise about things. My plan is to leave my job and be full-time with NAA in early April. I need to be around the right people more and away from the wrong people as well. I am going to take this “secret” and put it to good use….keep the great ideas coming. Thank you for all that you do.A
Braden Childers
May 4, 2011 at 7:43 pmThe second best time to plan a tree is today. Just did. White sheet on how to quit my job this year.
Isaaac Smith
May 25, 2011 at 1:39 pmCool
Mark and Jenna Cook
June 26, 2011 at 9:01 pmI love this! Mark and I have been doing the white sheeting for a while, but not quite like yours, we are going to try it. We always welcome improvement 🙂 This is great!
Marge Clark
July 14, 2011 at 11:34 pmThanks Andy! I will implement that strategy today. .
Cheryl Parsons
July 26, 2011 at 4:34 pmThanks Andy! I make to do lists but now in addition to this I will definately be white sheeting to help me be more successful in all aspects of my life.
Caleb Railey
September 23, 2011 at 8:19 pmAndy! Do you realize that “The Audacity of White Sheeting” sounds like the next book on New York Times Best Sellers List! Here’s my thought, take all of the best White Sheets you have and compile them into a book that will help people work their way into your brain to become as successful of a Business man as you have! Just a White Sheet Idea for you!
Thanks,
Caleb
Jonathan Chambers
October 18, 2011 at 1:49 amHere is one white sheet for ya..I hope I get SOMEBODY fired up!!! My Desire, Goal, Intention, and #1 Priority is to bring myself, and the WHOLE TEAM to the highest levels of edification and potential this company has EVER seen!!! To make the biggest and greatest change to this world, your company, and everyone I come accross that ANYONE has EVER seen… To edify this world and to bring it to such a level of success NO ONE ever imagined possible…To bring a deep and greater Love and Compassion to all people to show them that this world IS and CAN be what ever WE make it!!! I Desire to do ALL of this FOR and in the Name of JESUS for all He has done for me!!! Thanks Andy for all you do..I give you the upmost respect and honor for all you do for everyone!!!
Jonathan Chambers
October 18, 2011 at 1:51 amP.S. See you at the top!!!
QUENTON STROUD
October 25, 2011 at 6:32 amBIG THANKS ANDY!!
I am going to start using this White Sheeting tactic. I am sure that it will help me keep more things in order. My mind can go a mile-a-minute sometimes and this will definitely help me ORDER MY STEPS! Blessings ~Q!
Candace
January 7, 2012 at 10:32 amThanks for the tip Andy! I started white sheeting by listing my work goals, personal goals, and financial goals. Always exciting to learn a new secret from you. Thanks again and I look forward to creating my organized white sheeting notebook.
Pam Parrish
January 9, 2012 at 8:34 amI Love my 3 ringer binder!I use it for my team drawings! I put the newest one on top each week and it will be fun to flip the pages and watch it grow. it sits on my desk while I am at NAA and then goes with me. The Cover say’s “Sell to Eat – Build to Live”
Kristin
January 14, 2012 at 8:16 amI love this because it helps me to reflect more closely on what I need to do to progress in a positive direction. Such a simple concept, but it makes all the difference to see your thoughts/goals clearly laid out. Thanks!
Morgan
January 16, 2012 at 2:07 pmThanks For the Tips Andy ,I actually do this a bit through out the day ,it helps me keep things oraganized and also let me know were everyone is on my team !!!! Great Idea
Thanks again
NAA Truth: THINK BIG and Win | National Agents Alliance | NAA Newsroom
April 10, 2012 at 1:15 pm[…] White sheeting: This is Andy Albright’s favorite brain storming and planning tactic. Pull out an 8.5 x 11-inch white sheet of paper from your copier, find a writing utensil, and begin writing down your thoughts and ideas. Andy Albright swears by it! […]
The Audacity of White Sheeting… « Sales Blog for National Agents Alliance
May 25, 2012 at 3:11 pm[…] [Read more…] […]
Amanda Marcott
May 25, 2012 at 7:44 pmThis is brilliant.
I use a note book (my OCD hates the loose paper and no lines) and I will write notes on my notes. Like back in college – only this is for my brain! I ALSO noticed that when I begin, suddenly I’m drawing diagrams (like the the team building ones), documenting what we have to do to get to the next trip with you, and the analyzing side of building – like my goal of FasTracking 5 people a week, five new licensed agents a month, and writing down what it looks like now.
It’s organized chaos, because it’s no longer just in your mind, it’s something physical and black and white so you no longer just think, but DO!
Thank you!
Dee Angel Jimenez
June 18, 2012 at 2:43 pmThis is definitely something i supportf and have been doing this since I can remember. Never thought it was some method or tactic to being successful. Doesnt matter if its just a ripped piece of paper or back of reciept i try and write down all my thoughts down and it really helps me even if i only looked at that paper once daily. My memory holds that paper down like a saved word document.lol good going andy on sharing that.
Regina Munoz
October 4, 2012 at 1:51 pmI totally do this just not with white paper…usually with whatever I can find at the time. Sometimes it is even an e-mail draft. And you are very right I am entirely more productive when I do it then when I try to function with mental notes.
Thanks!
Regina
Michelle Johns
December 16, 2017 at 6:31 amThanks Andy for sharing your secret. I will try this method at once!! :)-MJ
Seprenia Joy Gue Spille
January 23, 2018 at 4:01 amHI ANDY,
I have never heard it called “White Sheeting” before but that name works for me! My life is in my notes! I write about all parts of my life. It really helps me to work out how I really see a situation and the best possible ways to solve a problem and reach my goal. I must admit that I use papers in lots of different colors just for fun. Your writing is very helpful.
Seprenia Joy
Tad B Peterson
February 7, 2018 at 2:32 pmI learned a similar exercise from Earl Nightingale. Spend one hour a day improving what you now do. Have I done that? Nope! I am committing to do white sheeting everday! Thank you Andy!
Theresa Benson
February 8, 2018 at 3:35 pmThis has worked for me so many times. Thank you Andy for the reminder! I may add one other tidbit, use blue ink on
solid white paper. It’s an energy thing.
Junior Corria
February 9, 2018 at 10:44 amI LOVE this
There are so many goals and problems that I’ve accomplished because I started with Whitesheeting
This really Works
Helps you focus on solutions NOT problems.
Cynthia
February 9, 2018 at 10:11 pmThank you Andy,
For bringing this back to my remembrance. I use to write things down a lot, to help me figure out what worked and what didn’t work for me. Somehow, I strayed away from this process. But, I am getting back to it.
JuanCarlos Diez
February 12, 2018 at 12:13 pmThank you! Makes so much sense!
I will start today!
Zach Ficenec
February 12, 2018 at 5:24 pmListening to the TWC last week I took Andy’s suggestion and gave this a read.
Excited to add this to my Monday routine, great way to start the work week!
Chandler Bules
February 12, 2018 at 5:45 pmThis makes a lot of sense, it really helps making my “problems” seem so much easier to overcome when they are written out in front of me. Thanks Andy!
Chandler Bules
Sarah Autmon
February 14, 2018 at 12:50 amI wrote down my goals of motivation. I will create a white sheet. I finished the reading Inside the circle and now reading The 8 step to success. These books are awesome..I appreciate what you do, and my managers they rock.
Beverley
February 22, 2018 at 7:15 amThanks Andy
I have always been writing in books now I am going to try the paper
When I wrote on papers which I sometimes do I would throw the papers out
I believe the White Sheeting is more effective
Now I am going to keep them
Thanks for sharing
Heidi
February 22, 2018 at 7:45 pmWell, I am at that point to set goals and make a schedule. I think this will work! I have a good example of this for graphics. You CANNOT come up with a good layout to send in on the computer! There has to be a drawn out plan first, otherwise wheels spin and ideas come up in the meantime and it takes 2-3 or more attempts that will suck up time and risk a bad design! You have to know where you are headed before using the tools. I can do this!
Any new insights on this since 2011?
Jerusha Gann
March 5, 2018 at 1:11 pmNever heard it called this before – but I have been doing this — write down 3 goals to do after my feet hit the ground – then at lunch write down 3 more
I like keeping them in a Diary or Journal so that I can see how far I have come when I get knocked down!
Trina Williams
March 7, 2018 at 12:49 amThank you, I was more productive and grounded when I was writing things down… I don’t know how long it has been since I stopped doing it, but thanks for Awakening what used to move me…Again.. I’m totally in….
Manuel Estrada
March 15, 2018 at 12:53 pmThanks in more ways then one!
Tenika Gray
April 26, 2018 at 12:47 pmI read your article…you got me curious. Giggling ???? I love dares. I followed all your steps, and started my own amazing:Build an habit for 10 days called “The Audacity of White Sheeting” to solve problems and make my life better. Haha thanks..it took me an hour. But I know I’ll get better every day doing this. Change heart and mind. I actually feel great. I sometimes need a visual of how to move towards greatness; not be afraid, doubtful, or fearful of my uncertainty. Thank you for this knowledge, and assisting me with new experience to get ahead.
Samantha Mason
May 22, 2018 at 10:48 amI dont necessarily sit down and write anything specific (x goals or pros and cons), but I definitely like paper. Whenever I feel like there’s too much going on I use that paper to get organized. Take down names, times and numbers or bring out highlighters for my calendar to get a visual of what I’m doing. It’s also helpful for other members in the house to take a look at your schedule so there’s no confusion. I’ve always been a very good prioritized and have few bad influences to distract me… perhaps its because of the “white sheeting” and I didn’t even know it!
Denise Durham
August 12, 2018 at 1:22 pmI cant wait to try this, great idea!
Anthony Nguyen
November 23, 2018 at 10:38 pmAfter reading the suggestions a second time, I realized this is something I would like to try. I know the most successful I have been at times in my life was when I was thoughtful with my time, money, and resources. My to do list.
thnx andy.
Breeds Smith
December 5, 2018 at 3:13 amI love to write in a journey. This is a new approach. I will definitely do it. Especially if it will help me succeed.
Evelyn G Dominguez
December 10, 2018 at 5:24 pmThank you Andy, yes I will implement it, I do keep my daily agenda for years, so easy for me to implement this excellent idea for my new projects.
Betty Armstrong
December 23, 2018 at 2:26 pmThank you, I will start adding this to my agenda daily!
Terry Curtin
December 24, 2018 at 2:36 pmI write down how accomplishing them will make me feel. How will not succeeding make me feel. Tony Robbins says we do more to avoid pain. He right. So I attach feelings.
Brenda Smith
January 3, 2019 at 6:26 pmI wrote a white sheet about not being affraid to make dials and appointments. I made dials, two appointments, and I will be submitting one application. I love white sheeting.
Sharon
January 13, 2019 at 7:55 pmYes thinking things out then writing it down works…I have found it to be helpful in the past! Will start to implement as a daily and or weekly practice.
Thanks,
Andy
Stephenia Graham
January 15, 2019 at 12:13 amI love this! I will buy some white sheets. Buy a 3 ring binder, and a hold puncher. I am fired up!!!!!!
Cheryl Dalessandro
January 21, 2019 at 3:36 pmI’m excited to give this a try! Thank you Andy
Sara Cuellar
February 24, 2019 at 7:01 pmThis looks fun! I just asked my significant other to pick up bright sticky notes on his way home.
Mattie
March 13, 2019 at 10:04 pmI like writing , that the way I study in school, and it was a part of my job, I have been retired for some time now and I have to get out of my old habits of being to relax and get more active, I will write my daily thought and what I need to do to get productive on white sheet of paper, thank you Andy.
Johnny Osborn
April 5, 2019 at 9:42 amAWESOME!
Jeffrey Carman
June 15, 2019 at 6:50 pmIt is True if you write something down you tend to remember and associate with it more than just thinking about it in your head. That’s why when I collect petitions for people seeking to run for a public-elective office, if you can get them to sign a petition for a candidate, its almost a sure way to get a vote if other candidates do not do the same thing.
Mark Anthony Gardner
August 1, 2019 at 8:54 amBoom! Will do!
David Lewis
November 7, 2019 at 11:59 amYes Andy, White Sheeting is the way to change your life and bring things into existence that would only be a thought. It is helping me to focus on my mission of getting free and breaking those chains of Poverty, Procrastination, and Skepticism that has plagued my family tree for decades! So simple, yet so effective! I started back White Sheeting today and came across this blog through an Alliance email today. Now that’s a true Revelation!
Alicia Acosta
November 19, 2019 at 2:23 pmI read this blog for the first time about 2 years ago and didn’t start doing it! I can’t help but to wonder where I would be now if I would have started. I am starting today! Thank you Andy.
Corinna M. Erwin
January 28, 2020 at 12:53 pmI love it! I just never did it regularly. I will start doing this daily and have my children do it as well! Im thrilled!
Anita John
April 5, 2020 at 1:18 pmI’m new to the Alliance but not new to Insurance.. I use my NAA Journal daily. I truly love the way it keeps my thoughts focused to achieve my goals and dreams. Lastly wrote today steps to fire my boss and make $100k in 90 days in the Alliance. Diane Lampe is amazing. Can’t wait for Thailand.
Gregory Crisp
May 9, 2020 at 9:10 pmI will give this a try if it works for you I will try it write down my ideas first thing in the morning after I pray thanks Andy.
Anastasia
May 14, 2020 at 6:49 pmThanks very nice blog!