Imagine that you were to walk into the middle of a busy mall and start randomly shouting about things you’re interested in, what you’re thinking about, and how your day has gone. […]
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Four Important Tips for Gaining Traction on the Things that Matter Most
What keeps people from getting traction on the things that really matter? Today’s guest contributor Molly Gordon thinks it has to do with finding the shortest or most direct path to where you want to go.
According to Gordon, the chief problem with trying to find an optimal path is simply that you can’t know what you don’t know. Whenever you set out to create or accomplish something, you project yourself and your desires into an unknowable future. There’s no end to the possible permutations to be considered at every step. Beyond a certain point, the effort you invest in optimizing the path actually puts you backwards.
Then there is the fact that a path is not merely, perhaps not even chiefly, a means of reaching an objective. The nature of what you create or achieve is inextricably wrapped up with the way in which you create or achieve it. A path shapes both the outcome and who you will be when you get there.
If getting traction isn’t about finding the shortest or most direct path to your objective, what is it about? Read more to find out the four keys to getting traction on an important creative project or life change.
Use Batch Actions to Get Through Your Email Faster
Does the sheer number of emails you have in your Inbox intimidate you? If so, you probably have a negative spiral going on – the more you hide from your email, the bigger that pile of emails get, and the bigger it gets, the more you hide from it.
Batch actions will help get you out of that trap because 80% of that email pile can be eliminated very quickly.
Procrastinating on a Writing Project? Use the 300-Words Trick
There’s something about writing that makes it especially easy to procrastinate, even when you’re motivated to do it. An email conversation with a reader got me thinking more about this.
If you’ve ever procrastinated or felt stuck on a writing project, you’ve most likely felt like you don’t have enough time to write or you don’t know what to write about. This trick solves both problems.
Juggling Parenting and a Creative Career? Here’s What You Need to Know
This is a guest post by Ali Luke:
In six years of freelancing and writing fiction (with a fair few up and downs), the worst thing I’ve done for my creative career is starting a family.
I have absolutely no regrets – with one gorgeous toddler, and a rapidly growing bump, my writing simply isn’t my biggest priority right now.
I’ve also got few illusions now about being a mother to young children and someone with a creative/entrepreneurial career. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I don’t think any non-parent can fully grasp how much life changes post-children.
Maybe you’re a mother or a father. Maybe you’re expecting (congratulations!) Or maybe you’re not quite that far on the road to parenthood yet, but it’s something that lies ahead for you.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
What’s the Next Action?
“What’s the Next Action?” is a simple and powerful question that helps us get things done. Read on to see the four ways it moves us from idea to done. Read more
The 5 Levels of Buyers
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Mind the Gaps: The Five Foundations of Team Performance
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Why Strategic Planning Is So Hard for Creative People
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The Four Levels of Communication
You may forget the one with whom you have laughed, but never the one with whom you have wept. – Kahlil Gibran Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and […]
What Story Drives You?
Below is the tastefully edited transcription of the video. (Transcribe your own videos only if you like cringing for a half-hour. 🙂 ) I’ve got three questions for you: What story […]