The Writing Life
Last week, I mentioned some changes were going to be made at Write Right. They were implemented over the weekend and are attested to by the new header and updated “Work with Me” page and drop-down menu. Both things have been done in response to some self-reflection and a desire for 2013 to be different from and bigger than 2012.
[Read more…] about Changes at Write Right: A Good Pen is Hard to Find
The new year tends to be the time when people make resolutions and changes. I’ve never been one for making resolutions – I view them as empty promises – so the changes I’ll be implementing at Write Right actually have their start in November. I’ve delayed announcing the changes because of the holidays and some final details.
A number of my friends and acquaintances use Chris Brogan’s “three words” concept. I’ve yet to use it, mostly because I feel an odd resistance to being tied to a certain set of words. That being said, I see the value in the limitation. It brings a focus to what one plans and hopes to do. It causes a person to pause and to think about what three words capture his or her aims. Declaring them publicly results in an accountability to those words and the goals attached to them. Because of that, I’ve decided to give the “three words” a try.
I champion collaboration, which might seem odd when I am an introvert and typically work best when left to my own devices. Collaboration is not at odds with independent work or an introverted nature; collaboration is a way to refresh ideas and to gain new perspectives and insights. It’s a way to learn new things and to work toward common and sometimes shared goals.
[Read more…] about On Collaboration: An Introvert’s Perspective
A few weeks ago, I asked how people combat discouragement and stay the course. One commenter made a statement about having faith despite the naysayers and obstacles. It was a simple statement, but simple statements often have profound implications.
Work and a job are two different things. A job isn’t necessarily pleasant. At best, it pays the bills, but it has no meaning beyond the paycheck. At worst, it crushes and stifles the spirit. Work sometimes isn’t pleasant, either, but it has a perpetual joy to it. It is not the four-letter word some make it. Work is not to be dreaded; it should be something one enjoys doing. It should provide direction and engender passion.