2020 has challenged all of us. We’ve learned to work at home and live where we work. Some of us have learned to teach and parent and work. All of us have learned the art of social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand-washing. So why am I asking about how we might challenge ourselves in the future? […]
Where Will You Challenge Yourself? Read More »
I have not created or maintained a sustainable pace this week. I’m finishing books. I discovered my checklists now miss some steps. I’ve been working too early and too late. Sustainable pace? Not right now. Under normal circumstances, I use these tactics: Start work at roughly the same time every day. Stop work at roughly the
When Can You See You Have an Unsustainable Pace? Read More »
Let’s assume you want to learn a new skill. I’ll choose fiction writing because I’m still learning. What do you do to master new skills? Here’s what I’ve done: Found successful people to learn from. Found a support system. Used deliberate practice with feedback to improve. I’ll take each of these. Learn from Successful People
How Do You Master New Skills? Read More »
In How Do You Manage Imposter Syndrome? one of the commenters asked how I take that first step. It depends. And, it depends—for me—on these things: I can think, not just react. The state of my emotional resilience so I can access my courage. The risk of taking that first step. How vulnerable I can
How Do You Find the Courage to Take the First Step? Read More »
I chatted with a talented coach a few days ago. He’s between clients. He felt as if he was stagnating, not learning anything. He said, “This is one of those days, where I wonder if I have Imposter Syndrome (where you doubt your value). Do you ever feel that way?” Of course, I do. Not
How Do You Manage Imposter Syndrome? Read More »
Every so often, you see someone who inspires you. These people seem to achieve “more” in some way. You respect them for their actions. Sometimes, you see people who talk a good game. And, their actions don’t appear to live up to their talk. You might not disrespect them, but you don’t respect them. That
Who or What Deserves Your Respect? Read More »
I was on vacation last week, in Eilat Israel, a tourist destination. Because it’s a tourist town, you can see a lot of street art. On my walk this past Saturday (Shabbat) morning, I heard loud music with a great drumbeat. My first reaction was, “How loud! On Shabbat!” Then, I turned the corner and
When Are You Willing to Practice in Public? Read More »
A friend attempted to offer me a compliment the other day. She didn’t mean to. She said, “You’re a natural writer. It comes so easy to you.” I said, “Thank you for thinking so. That means I’m writing well. But I have worked for 20 years to become a ‘natural’ writer.” She meant well. But,
What Are You “Natural” At? Read More »
Perseverance, the idea of grit, fascinates me. Every time I finish a (damn*) book, I experience relief and happiness. Relief that it is finally over—that’s the “damn” part. Happiness because I finished. Read that word, finish, in neon-blinking capital letters with fireworks. That’s how it feels to me. Damn*: Finishing a book is a slog
How Do You Build Grit? Read More »
In Massachusetts, we get our cars inspected every year, on the anniversary of the month of the car’s first inspection. I’m lucky enough to have to inspect my car in January. In the cold, muck, wet, snow. You can tell how much I enjoy this. For inspection, timing is everything. Go too early in the
When is the Right Time? Read More »