We all have different goals. Different dreams. Different opportunities. But no matter what we’re aiming for, we all hope to succeed. I’ve attended lots of writers conferences in years past. (Not lately. It’s been more about my daughter’s volleyball tournaments — and I’m okay with that.) When I’m with writers, we talk about the books we’re writing. The books we …
In Others’ Words: Focusing on Your Goal
When you look ahead, what do you see? Do you see your goal? Where you’re headed, what you want to accomplish, the finish line … You may not be able to say, “The end is near” but can you close your eyes and see whatever it is you’re working for in your mind? Or, when you look ahead, do you …
In Others’ Words: Time Requirement
Each of us is striving toward a different goal, but whatever we want to accomplish requires the same thing: skill, and effort, and time. Sometimes, more than anything else, the time required to reach our goals trips us up. We feel good about ourselves when we’re learning a skill. We feel good about effort of any kind. Pursuing a …
In Others’ Words: Make a Wish
Wishes can come true … … but only if you stop wishing and do something about them. How’s that for a practical thought to start your day? And yes, there’s a certain energy to wishes and dreams … a creative buzz, if you will. Dreaming isn’t a waste of time unless that’s all we ever do. Dreams are meant to …
In Others’ Words: Taking the Time
To everything there is a season, right? But how many of us consider “now” the perfect season? We don’t want to wait. We want what we want right this minute because, of course, “now” is the best time, the right time, to have it. And yet, rushing things often ruins things. Let’s be honest: rushing things often ruins us. Can …
In Others’ Words: Never Walk Back
Progress is not about how fast you are going, but it is most definitely about forward motion. We almost always equate progress with success — although sometimes that is debatable — and sometimes we also believe success has to happen quickly. Hence, the term “overnight success,” which is an oxymoron in itself. I’ve achieved some successes in my life …
In Others’ Words: Start Writing, No Matter What
I’m in a “not writing” phase at the moment. Except the moment has stretched over a number of days. And, while I’m not on a hard deadline, I do have things to write. I have written blog posts … my In Others’ Words posts and other blog commitments. But that’s one type of writing, as opposed to working on fiction …
In Others’ Words: Small Joys
Just for today, let’s set aside the word “goal,” shall we? Just for today, let’s also set aside the word “happiness.” (Although I had an interesting discussion about happiness while I was in Breckenridge this past weekend. Another blog post.) Small joys. I want to talk with you all about small joys. So often I laser in on the goal — whatever …
In Others’ Words: Milestones and Moments
Life is both moments and milestones. Yesterday, my daughter CJ just accomplished a major milestone in a teenager’s life: She got her driver’s license. An hour later, she drove off in my car, heading to a volleyball workout. Did we celebrate that milestone? Oh, yes, yes, we did! Photos were taken and posted on Facebook and Instagram and there was …
In Others’ Words: Do It Right or Do It Over
Sometimes a person says something and there’s just no arguing with them. I mean, former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden says it straight up, doesn’t he? If we don’t have time to do something right, do we really think we’re going to find extra time for a do-over? Do it once. Do it right. And be done with it. I understand there …