You have to be “in the mood” to do just about anything effectively. I know I can’t drop down on the keypad and think of a good link bait idea, or send an inspirational email to a biz partner for that matter, unless I’m really feeling it. If you ain’t feeling it, you’re going to do a half-ass job and it’s probably not even worth the time you take to do it.

So, wait until you’re in the mood dammit. Or get yourself in the mood. Light some candles. Have a glass of wine. Do some push ups and listen to Trashed and Scattered (or similar) at a reasonably-high volume. Now take on the day.

Of course we all know that most tipsheets related to getting into the right mood revolve around getting a lady friend in the mood to let you have sex with her. And whether you’re after your bored housewife or that sophomore chick you’ve been eyeing, there’s something you can take back and try from these lists. They probably work for everyday life stuff too . . .

1. Kiss her neck. Always a tried and true with the ladies. In everyday life? I’d say it’s like stretching or maybe sneezing. If you’re feeling a little sluggish, stretch for 5 minutes. Sniff pepper. Sneeze. Now how you feeling?

2. Put on some mood music. Like the aforementioned Trashed and Scattered, life is filled with songs that make you feel a certain way or remember a certain time in your life. Everyone needs a soundtrack, at least that’s what NBC and The Fray tell me. I hope the gay guy’s baby lives through the operation and everyone gets voted based on their dancing ability not their looks. Pass the Doritos and put on some Thriller.

3. A nice dinner. A good meal can result in new business relationships. A good meal can also make you feel a little more energetic than perhaps that diner food I had last Friday night. Stay away from those places. That only put me in the mood to ralph, and be thankful I was still alive.

4. Expensive gift. Always a favorite with the ladies. I don’t know how this relates to everyday life or business, except most people do feel pretty good about themselves if they set out to save money to buy something nice and then achieve it. That’s it . . . set your sights on a Maserati and you’ll be in the mood to push more papers I’m sure.

5. Make her relaxed. Life is much more enjoyable when you’re relaxed. That’s just a fact.

6. Have a few drinks. Known by some to work well in getting other people to do things, a few drinks might also spawn some new ideas or motivations in business and life. I know that when I came up with ‘coconut insurance’ with Jeff Coyle we definitely were not sober. See what I’m saying? Now I’m raking it in.

7. Take a weekend “away from it all”. Nothing better than taking a trip and getting out of the ordinary routine. Most of my major decisions are made while sitting on a beach. Mom’s basement does little for the imagination, and I think the best thing about “getting away” is is allows you to displace yourself from everything that keeps you busy. You can project yourself out a bit more and see the big picture. Remember - a beach.

8. Get the blood going. I guess this is like stretching, but with the ladies they say that rigorous exercise can get them feeling a tad more frisky. Exercise is another good way to free the mind and think things through. Plus, afterwards when you’re all worn out, things slow down a bit and that cocksmoke from work that was bugging you doesn’t seem to matter as much. Especially if that cocksmoke is a website that doesn’t deserve it’s #2 ranking.

Glad to be back on the saddle here. I’ll be in my Mecca tomorrow. Perhaps the beach will inspire me for more.