It's easy to get caught up in writing something well. We worry about each piece being laid properly. The concern is that everything else will tumble down if we don't do it right. This presents a problem. You become a slave to the form instead of the servant to your idea. I can always go back and correct the form after the idea is born onto paper (or screen). I can't recapture the thought sparked in the ether that vanished into thin air while I was looking for where to put a … [Read more...]
Wish You Were Here
April 3, 2012 by
I get lost in the act of wishing. I wish I played tennis more. I wish I were more extroverted. I wish I played guitar better. I wish I did a better job of marketing this blog. I wish those jeans I got a couple of years ago weren't so tight. I wish I were more comfortable (and effective) at networking. I wish that I wrote (and published) more often. I wish I were taller. I wish I called my mom more often. I wish I didn't have a commute. I wish I had published a book by now. I wish I … [Read more...]
The biggest secret to time management
March 19, 2012 by
A few months ago, I tried to fit left over soup in a container. Jen told me that it wouldn't fit. I insisted it would. I cleaned up soup that overflowed from the counter. She gave me "that look." Once again, I had tried to fit too much in the container. Time Management is a multi-million industry. People spend more time learning how manage time than they spend practicing how to manage themselves. Time is a fixed container. It is out of your control. You can't slow … [Read more...]
Blessings and Sacrifice
March 16, 2012 by
Running a successful business. Writing a book. Starring in the community play. Earning first chair violin in the symphony (or third chair). Playing on the varsity football team. Getting the promotion. Finishing a book that's difficult to understand. Receiving a Masters of Fine Arts. Having a lush lawn. Twins have taught me there is no blessing without sacrifice. They are two sides of the same coin. What blessing are you yearning for? What are you willing to … [Read more...]
Two Simple Steps to Move Closer to your goals
February 12, 2012 by
An object that's a rest tends to stay at rest. An object in motion will continue along the same course unless another force redirects it. It's a law of physics. It's also a law of life. Change your words, change your mind I've been at rest for several months. I've talked about how I need to exercise. And I need to write. I haven't done either. I realized last night that I was speaking in 'Need to'. I immediately changed my language. I moved to 'want to'. We put the … [Read more...]
Could you use a cold shower?
January 31, 2012 by
The bookthrew down a challenge. Imagine turning on the shower. Only the cold water. No hot at all. Now, imagine you jump into the shower. Did you cringe at the thought? Good. Now do it. For 5 days in a row. That was the challenge Julien Smith tossed my way. I threw the water on. I waited. And waited. I stood there avoiding. I sheepishly crept in. I lasted 30 seconds. I put the hot water on. I fought the "the flinch" to get in the shower. I didn't fight through it to … [Read more...]
How do you do better?
January 25, 2012 by
Robby said, "I used to have those reference documents taped all over my work space. It helped me a lot." I looked that the document I needed. It was open in MS Word. I looked at Robby and said, "Yeah, I really need to print this." And then I sat there. Without printing it. Anytime I say "I need to" do something I can be assured of one thing. I'm not going to do it. I looked at Robby, catching what I just did. I laughed about it. I had everything I needed to meet my need. … [Read more...]
When do you strike?
December 23, 2011 by
The thought struck me. It came out of nowhere. "This guy had a huge impact on my life, I should write him a note." I had a decision to make at that point ... Click "Compose New" and shoot the thought and sentiment his way. Find some stationary and write it out then and there. Or put it on a to do list. I clicked "Compose New" I wrote a two line email. I told him that I appreciated his encouragement, support and inspiration. He really played a key role in a wide range of my life. … [Read more...]
I got away with murder.
December 21, 2011 by
I got away with murder when I was younger. I didn't have set chores to get an allowance. I didn't have to study to do well in school. I didn't do my homework on time. And often times didn't do it all. I turned assignments in late. I cut school. I was late regularly. I still graduated in the top 10 percent of my class. I wish I could say I wrote my own rules. That would be a lie. It would imply structure that didn't exist. I just didn't follow the existing rules. I'm 40 now. … [Read more...]
