What do we do when the world isn’t listening? This is the question every communicator and leader has to face at some point.
What we want to do is get louder. To pull out the bullhorn. Shout from the rooftops.
In reality, we need to do the opposite.
The Problem with Online Friendship
The problem with online friendship is that when things go wrong we split. When I say something that makes you uncomfortable, or when you offend me, we’ll go our separate ways — more often than not.
And this flies in the face of how people actually become friends.
What an Angry Flight Attendant Taught Me about Doing Meaningful Work
Not too long ago, I was traveling and came across a rude flight attendant. This woman was clearly tired and jaded about her job. She was curt with passengers, responding to drink requests with a quick reply: “Yes, I heard you the first time.” And more than once, I overheard her complaining to another attendant.
The experience left a mark on me. Nobody likes being around people who hate their jobs. We all need to learn to love what we do, or go work somewhere. I really don’t see an alternative.
Why Writers Need to Read if They Want to Be Good
I was reading a blog the other day that kind of depressed me. The writing was pretty mediocre, and it didn’t have to be.
The post was rife with typos, bad vocabulary, poor grammar, and passive voice. The content was pretty vanilla, too.
Sure, it was simple and conversational, as most blogs are. But nothing grabbed me. It was something you would read and then likely soon forget.
Sign Up for My Free Blogging Course
Are you wanting to get better at blogging, but not sure where to start? Sign up for my free course: Intentional Blogging.
I put together 12 of the most important lessons I know and put them into easy-to-read, weekly emails — all about blogging, all for free.
4 Lessons I Learned from Being Rejected by a Publisher
It’s that terribly famous word we all hate to hear, when it comes to getting published: “No.”
Everyone likes to get her way. But what happens when you don’t?
Ten months ago, I submitted my book proposal to a publisher. While I waited to hear back from them, I kept writing. Then I heard those awful words.
Don’t Sell Books; Spread Ideas
If you try to sell a book, you will fail.
We don’t need more books. Our shelves are full of them. What we need are world-changing, revolutionary ideas.
Don’t assume you need a publisher and a book contract to change the world. You can start spreading your message now.
The Best Way to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Every Valentine’s Day for the past four years, Ashley and I have spent the holiday with friends. This is the very best way to celebrate it, in our experience. And I can’t see us doing it any other way.
We do it right — dress up and go to some place fancy, indulge in the most amazing food we can find, usually stay up late and sleep in the next morning. We always end the evening with a molten chocolate cake (we insist on this, even if it’s not on the menu).
It’s a wonderful time of conversation, catching up, and enjoying life together. For us, Valentine’s Day is not about romance; it’s about friendship. After years of being married, I’m realizing how important this is.
Good Idea. Now What? — An Interview with Charles Lee
Last week, I had a phone conversation with Charles Lee. Charles is the founder of Ideation, a creative consulting agency, and author of the book Good Idea. Now What? (which just came out this week).
As we were talking, I realized this was really good stuff for writers, creatives, and others who read this blog.
So I asked Charles some questions. Here’s my interview with him…
Afraid to Publish Your Work? Here’s the Solution
When you are afraid to ship your work — to release your art into the world — then you know it’s time. Time to let go, to give up, and have faith in what you’ve created.
It may be great, or it may be terrible. But it’s time. Time to move on. To forge ahead and explore new endeavors.
But before you start again, you must finish. That’s what shipping is for me: the discipline of letting go so I can experience the thrill of starting again.
