How Often Do You Shoe A Goose?

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Are you familiar with the saying, “Shoe a Goose”?

If not, hold on a minute and I’ll get to that.

I think if I tried to shoe a goose, it would take me all day.  It might even take me two or three days.

First of all, I’d have to catch the goose, and I’m sure that’s not easy.

And then I’d have to find a way to pin it down and keep it still.  Once again, not so easy to do and might take me hours.

Next I’d have to try to figure out how to get a shoe to fit over a webbed foot.  At best, that’s got to be tricky.

By that time, I’d be so tired, I’d probably let go of the goose and then I’d have to start all over again.

So what does “Shoe a Goose” mean, anyway?

It means “Engaging in a fruitless task”.  After all, geese don’t wear shoes and they don’t need shoes!  So trying to put one on a goose is fruitless.

As you work to build your business throughout the week, how often do you shoe a goose?

How often are you checking phone messages, reading your emails, cleaning off your desk, going to the kitchen for another cup of coffee (or another chocolate donut), playing with the dog, shuffling papers, downloading music, shopping online, looking at interesting videos on You Tube … the list could go on … and on.

None of these kinds of activities will help you make money or move your business forward.

So stop trying to put a shoe on a goose – And get busy doing something that will make you some money!

  • I did NOT know “shoe a goose” and I LOVE it!! You are spot on! I am embarrassed to say how often I try to put that shoe on the goose. But now, with this clever saying, I will be more aware. As always, you have the best sense of humor and that makes your writing resonate with me! xoxo

    • Have I told you lately that I love you, Martha?

      I’m glad you got a kick out of this one!

      And feel free to add “shoe a goose” to your online marketing vocabulary. 🙂

      Hugs and more hugs,
      Melanie

  • Oh my gosh… what a good post. I have never heard of the term, “shoe a goose”… but what a hoot. Oh, do I ever get in that trap. Like Sheila… I have so many irons in the fire, some days I don’t know if I’m coming or going.

    I’m getting rid of the goose shoes right away.

    • Kathy ~

      I grew up in a very small town in Southwestern Pennsylvania — lots of dairy farms, horses, and beautiful countryside. Folks there know what “shoe a goose” means. Evelyn and Gwen left comments today, too, and they said they had never heard the saying, either. So …

      I’m so glad you stopped by and now you can add a little something special and fun to your vocabulary. 🙂

      Irons in the fire, ya say? I’m getting to the point where the fire just can’t hold any more of my irons and sounds like you’re in that pickle, as well! Let’s look on the bright side …

      There will be NO time for either one of us to get into any trouble! 🙂

      I can’t believe the blogging challenge will be ending soon. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and I’ve loved reading your posts. So … don’t think you’re getting rid of me any time soon!

      Melanie

  • I usually do not have a problem getting side tracked. I just have too many irons in the fire.

    You are so right about Robert Plank. I love his speed of particle flow. I have done training with him. His webinars are so packed full of data and he talks so fast that I am glad I get the recordings. He is my idol.

    • Good for you, Sheila! You’ve got a leading edge over the rest of us who can get easily sidetracked. You should feel very blessed.

      I’m just getting to know Robert and he’s definitely one of a kind. They broke the mold after they made him. 🙂 I’d like to ask him to tone it down and slow down a bit, but I doubt he’d even pay attention. He knows what he’s doing, for sure, but I wish he could realize that some of us just can’t go like the speed of sound!

      Melanie

  • You are so right. As a matter of fact I just told myself to prioritize and make all the stuff that’s not really important lowest priority – and get them off my immediate to-do list. I’ve never heard that phrase before, Melanie, but I feel like I’ve been trying to shoe that goose for over a week now!!! Time to let him go about his business. Besides, I’m afraid of geese because they attack 🙁

    • Not to worry, Gwen – this breed of goose won’t attack. 🙂

      See, just like I said in my post — you’ve been trying to shoe that goose for over a week now. That’s okay. I spent the first three years online trying to shoe one, too!

      Be on the lookout for an email from me. Since we spoke yesterday, my wheels have been turning and I’ve come up with some names for our super-duper project. I also sent a request to my son-in-law-to-be for a project management resource. This is going to be tons of fun!

      Hxxx
      Melanie

  • How often I’m checking phone messages, reading emails, etc.?

    Well, I’m not guilty of the phone thing. I hate phones. But I have Twhirl running, and every time somebody has tweeted something, I take a few seconds to read. And since I have A.D.D., if I have to wait more than two seconds for a page to load, I’ll check my email. That happens even when I’m playing World of Warcraft. I have a very short concentration span.

    But when I do decide to focus, oh, man (or Mom, actually), then I’m strong 🙂 But I need an equally strong plan in order to succeed with this focus.

    • What a joy to see you here, Britt!

      I see you over at Robert Plank’s blog all the time. Isn’t he a hoot?! Your energy level probably matches his, but I have trouble sometimes keeping up with his rapid-fire personality. 🙂

      You’re right about having a “plan”. Without some type of structure, it’s impossible to focus and I think that’s true of all of us in the world of online marketing.

      Thanks for commenting,
      Melanie

  • Melanie, I never heard that saying before so thanks for this – it’s a great one! And a great reminder, to stay productive and not get sidetracked.
    Evelyn

    • Hey Evelyn ~

      Glad to add a new little saying to your repertoire! 🙂

      In this industry, getting sidetracked is one of the biggest hazards. As long as we make ourselves aware of that fact, we’ll do much better at staying on task.

      Thanks for being here today!
      Melanie