I’m a solopreneur who enjoys what I do; so I was amazed when I woke one morning not wanting to do any of it! I had to assess what had happened and flip it.
It started the prior week, and proved to be a needed reminder of what I’d discovered about to-do vs. inspired-to-do, and temporarily ... Views: 1136
Someone emailed this comment to me: “They say live and learn, but I think we should just LIVE. Learning is overrated. We would never accomplish anything.” Do you agree or disagree?
This comment gave me pause; and I could have chosen to go down a certain mental-emotional path of disagreement. ... Views: 1128
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Costs of Becoming a Writer - by Joyce Shafer, L.E.C., Author, Publisher--State of Appreciation, Services for Writers
There’s a lot involved in becoming a self-published or traditionally published author, but there’s nothing like seeing your efforts in a paperback or hardback copy you hold in your hands. Your dream becomes your reality, and it’s a feeling of accomplishment you don’t soon forget. But it’s also a ... Views: 1127
You have a spiritual self and a material self that operates in the world. Which do you nurture first? How’s that working for you?
You have a “foot in two worlds.” One foot is in the spiritual world, which is where you come from, where you return to, though, that world stays with you through ... Views: 1115
You may use some of the usual ways to increase energy like rest, diet, supplements, etc., but finding a way to remove or shift this energy zapper will make a huge difference in every area of your life. It’s so commonly practiced that we hardly see it for what it is.
Imagine you’re in the ... Views: 1108
We’re half-way through 2009, and nearly everyone might agree shift has hit the fan. Significant change prompts significant questions.
These questions may have lingered beneath the surface of busyness (and cluttered thoughts) for a while; and just as some seeds in the forest need fire to ... Views: 1106
Your gift is what you do in your unique way. Ironically, you may do it so naturally, you don’t recognize it for what it is or realize what you might do with it.
Whatever you do in life, you can have a more joyful, meaningful experience if you shine the light on and share what is unique about ... Views: 1092
You are aware of some costs to you from being negative—too aware, likely. But there’s a new way it might cost you, and it’s not on the horizon, it’s happening now.
How easy it is to slip into negativity, especially when we’re frustrated or disappointed. That kind of approach to life ... Views: 1089
It seems a minority of people feel genuinely at home in their skin, know who they are and how to go after what they want, and live as their authentic selves. Why is this?
Let’s look at where things go off track for the others. We have a perplexing set-up as human beings: We come into our ... Views: 1063
What does prosperity mean to you? How’s that working for you? Wayne Dyer gave us a great quote about how to reframe: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
A statement from “Empower Me 365” is, “True prosperity is having something (anything) to share and ... Views: 1044
How gratifying it is to read a book that grabs your interest from the start and keeps you turning pages. Such books cause you to forget you’re reading; you become fully engaged with the story and characters. The movie in your mind is fluid. No matter the genre, such an experience is pure bliss ... Views: 1025
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” You don’t want to imitate a favorite author, but you can learn a lot from him or her.
Whether you create notes for plot and character development first or dive into writing your novel, you want to get as much written as possible in your first ... Views: 1022
People fall in love with novels because of the characters. This means it’s imperative for you to know how to develop them, and why.
Plot development is important, but action and events, alone, cannot hold readers’ interest or keep them interested in a series that involves one or more ... Views: 1019
The actual line is from a novel by P.D., James: “...preserving always the same look of puzzled acceptance of a life which had to be endured rather than possessed.”
Every day, each of us endures something even if it’s an inconvenience of lesser magnitude. Some people endure much more than most ... Views: 1015
Do you ever feel trying to be positive is more like one step forward and two or more steps back? There is a good reason you feel this way.
You may believe you’re obligated to be positive 24/7; and that if you were, everything about your life you don’t like would shift to what you want. And, ... Views: 1003
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Writing Tense - by Joyce Shafer, L.E.C., Author, Publisher--State of Appreciation, Services for Writers
Writing tense doesn’t refer to how tense a writer may feel when writing, but is instead about the tense the story is written in. There are a few no-no’s about this that writers, especially new writers, should be aware of.
It doesn’t occur often, but occasionally a client sends me a ... Views: 1003
Is sharing information in a form smaller than a manuscript right up your alley? Here are some tips to help you easily get it going and into the marketplace.
Decide on a topic. Successful e-books aim at a niche market that seeks specific information. The best combination is to know what you ... Views: 999
If you take hold of a pendulum and pull it a certain distance from center point then release it, the rebound swing in the opposite direction matches the distance you held it from center point.
When we’ve felt restricted (allowed it) and “free” ourselves from that scenario, we may experience ... Views: 989
Richard Bach said, “You are never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true.” Are you working on your dream, or feel too stuck to move?
There are three keys for goal setting and getting. When something other than achievement or accomplishment is the result, one or more ... Views: 985
When you have a goal or dream in mind, do you ask yourself where the best place to start is? The answer is in the question: Where you’re going.
You’ve seen floor plan maps in public places like large malls, stores, or office buildings that let you see where shops, offices, or sections are ... Views: 984
What makes plot development work in a novel? There’s quite a lot to know about this, but here are some high-points.
A strong novel writer causes readers to feel they experience a slice of someone else’s (one or more characters) “real” life. Even Science Fiction and Fantasy must accomplish ... Views: 974
Morning stretched itself awake as I made my way down to the shore and joined the handful of early risers. Lacy edges of waves lapped gently over my feet and I scrunched my toes in warm sand. Good time to build a sand castle. It was modest, done mostly for relaxation and meditation, not something ... Views: 973
You agreed to a situation or event, but it’s not going as you expected. In fact, it seems out of your control at times. Do you fight or surrender?
A misconception exists about managing our lives, especially if we use spiritual tools. The misconception is that everything should go ... Views: 968
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Some Basics for New Writers - by Joyce Shafer, L.E.C., Author, Publisher--State of Appreciation, Services for Writers
I love new writers. I really do (I was one, once upon a time). They are my favorite clients because they need the most assistance and guidance, and usually have tremendous enthusiasm about moving forward. They also don’t know what they don’t know.
Some new writers have a fair understanding ... Views: 964
Best-selling author James Michener said, “I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.”
Many writers impede their progress and stifle their creativity by not doing two particular “somethings” while writing their first draft and once their draft is completed—and waste time and ... Views: 960
Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a memoir you’re writing, a good story is deemed good when it is told well. There are things to keep in mind to assure this is your result. As a writer, do you understand the basics about storytelling? Shouldn’t you just write what you feel like writing? ... Views: 935
There are times when we pay attention and are able to see moments string together like a jeweler stringing pearls. Alter even one moment, especially because of an assumption, and the potential outcome shifts.
One reason the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, is a popular classic is because of the ... Views: 928
What is your motivation to discover or define your life purpose? Is this influenced, in any way, by the opinions of others?
Someone I believe to be in her forties, shared that amid the busyness of her life, she’s trying to figure out what to do for the rest of her life (I suspect she really ... Views: 923
If you’ve never worked with an editor and you’re wondering things like what’s involved, how much it will cost, how long it will take, and other such aspects, here are some helpful facts for you to know. The more informed you are, the easier the editing process will be for you.
First, it’s ... Views: 919
It’s been said repeatedly that you’d have most of what you want in life if there wasn’t a belief, or more than one, blocking you. One of the biggest blocks for many is the one that says, “I don’t deserve.”
Anyone who’s practiced attracting what they want knows they have to allow it; they have ... Views: 917
Ask someone to walk to the moon and you’ll hear, “Not realistic,” as a response. They wouldn’t have a problem giving that answer. Ask some people to be perfect and you can almost hear the inner and outer dialogue start — “You have no idea how hard I try to be just that.” This person might even ... Views: 903
A writer, especially a new writer, is understandably excited and eager to get his/her manuscript to an agent for consideration or self-published. But, it’s imperative you submit writing that shows an agent there’s reason to be interested in you as a promising writer, or make certain it’s ready ... Views: 901
Whether you’ve retired voluntarily or not, do you have a plan about how to make the most of your life experience? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, a little flame inside that begs you to let it glow?
Maybe you were able to demonstrate your unique qualities, talents, skills, and ... Views: 893
Twice in the last two weeks, I’ve come across information that says many people no longer want (or believe in) magic-bullet solutions. This will set many people free and keep others trapped.
There’s lots of terrific information available that does help you to shift beliefs and patterns. The ... Views: 872
Stephanie Chandler wrote in her book, “From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur” that a survey indicated nearly 80 percent of Americans would like to write a book. That’s a stunning number of potential writers. There are a variety of reasons why some do what’s needed to become a writer and why others ... Views: 870
Join in, if you know the tune—“Workin’ for the man every night and day...”
You don’t have to work in a city these days, though, to want to start a home business, whether part- or full-time. There are as many reasons a person wants to work from home as there are people who wish or choose to do ... Views: 853
Ah, the thrill of being a new writer. You hold the image of or feel excitement about your completed or soon-to-be-completed project. What kind of clues might a new writer need; and will you avoid this kind of embarrassment?
I received an email from the relative of a new writer. She was ... Views: 848
I wish I’d coined the phrase, “Success comes in Cans.” Its accuracy was on my mind as I spent time with two people in Can’t Mode. One of them was open to reframing thoughts and statements; the other was not.
One is currently in a funk and has been paying rent to live in Funkville for a couple ... Views: 848
Is your tendency to believe greatness has to look a certain way? Does this belief hold you back from your true greatness?
Your greatness is unique and reveals itself at the right time. You might as well be excellent until you’re great. But first, understand what this means.
What your ... Views: 829
Fear is natural and necessary. Why? It helps keep us safe. But, fear is supposed to protect us from danger, not keep us from living fulfilling lives.
My Life Coach training was through iPEC (Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching). Bruce Schneider, founder, presented keys to success ... Views: 823
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said, “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” I speak with many people who don’t trust one thing or another in life. Ultimately, what they don’t trust is themselves and their ability to make right choices. The result is dissatisfaction and a feeling ... Views: 816
My friend and I were to attend an event near her house, so I went to stay with her for that purpose and a mini-break. Another houseguest she met a month ago was there. I’d heard a bit about the guest, but wasn’t prepared for how over-the-top she is. I discovered the guest doesn’t have “soft” as ... Views: 810
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” You don’t want to imitate a favorite author, but you can learn a lot from him or her.
Whether you create notes for plot and character development first or dive into writing your novel, you want to get as much written as possible in your first ... Views: 809
What might life look like if we held the belief that there are no mistakes? For some, this concept is, well, inconceivable. At first blush, it may even seem as though it excuses every thought, word, and action. Not really.
A friend of mine once said, “I’m beginning to believe the only thing to ... Views: 805
The Law of Attraction states that whatever we hold our focus, specifically, our emotionally-charged feelings on is what we get more of even if it’s not what we desire. It’s easy to relate this to a better job, more money, and all the improvements we typically seek to expand into our lives. If ... Views: 799
When something goes missing, do you lose your cool or move to Plan B?
Saturday morning, I woke to find myself unable to access my email account. Any of you who actively use your email for professional and personal reasons might identify with what I might have felt at that moment. And when a ... Views: 799
In four days, I’ve watched “The Secret” four times, though definitely not my first viewing. I mentioned this to a friend who responded, “I heard the secret is never actually revealed.”
I think the reason some people feel the secret isn’t blatant has to do with the fact our brains don’t respond ... Views: 795
You experience life at both an inner and outer level. The inner level is about your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, perceptions, assumptions, etc. The outer level is where you take action based on what was just listed for the inner level. It’s also where you interact—or collide—with the results of ... Views: 792
Part of my ritual is to write the same I Am statement 20 times in order to focus on what’s intended, claim it, and do so until it’s the result that’s lived. Rather than doing this by rote, I allow my mind to engage with what’s taking place. I listen to what’s happening at the inner level as I ... Views: 777
Enthusiasm is one reason why new writers gets anything written at all. Misconception of what else is involved is what usually rattles their enthusiasm. It doesn’t have to be this way, though.
One reason I wrote the e-book, “Write, Get Published, and Promote,”** was because my ... Views: 755