Link strategies

I have been struggling with linking- the theory is fine- write articles, sign up to directories, get reciprocal links. I get the theory- why am I not getting the links?

I think I must do a little 'self talk' and tell myself that I can do this- and be successful.

Actions speak louder than words, and if I'm going to get a decent page rank then I need to get my act together and set myself some link goals.