Back in the saddle again.

I'll be honest- yesterday's post was a little bit of a cheat, but I'm back on track today.

I want to talk more about Getting Things Done. Here's a section of the back blurb:

David Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax.... From core principles to proven tricks, Getting Things Done can transform the way you work and live, showing you how to pick up the pace without wearing yourself down

I'll be honest. Before I read the book, that sounded like so much snake oil, thank you so very much. Then three things changed my mind.

On page 15 (of my copy, at least), he says:

Why Things are on Your Mind
Most often, the reason something is one your mind is that you want it to be different than it currently is, and yet:

• you haven't clarified exactly what the intended outcome is;
• you haven't decided what the very next physical action step is; and/or
• you haven't put reminders of the outcome and the action required in a system you trust.

Then, in Chapter Three (I love this chapter), Mr. Allen discusses two crucial and related points that just blew my mind the first time I read the book.

First, he talks about clarifying the purpose behind a project. For example:

It never hurts to ask the 'why' question. Almost anything you're currently doing can be enhanced and even galvanized by more scrutiny at this top level of focus. Why are you going to your next meeting? What's the purpose of your task? Why are you having friends over for a barbeque in the backyard? Why are you hiring a marketing director? Why do you have a budget?...

To know and be clear about the purpose of any activity are prime directives for clarity, creative development, and cooperation.

And then comes my very favorite part.

Here are three basic steps for developing an outcome/vision:

1. View the project from beyond the completion date
2. Envision "WILD SUCCESS"! (Suspend "Yeah, but...")
3. Capture features, aspects, qualities you imagine in place

How many people encourage you to envision not just success, but WILD SUCCESS? In a world where the most common reactions to someone's bold dream is, "How will you support yourself?" or "Grow up" or even "Get a haircut and get a real job", the mere act of seeing what your idea of greatness is will inspire and thrill you.

My WILD SUCCESS is not just about NYT Bestseller List (but believe me, that is right up there!). It's about sharing beauty, ideas, and making the world a better place, even in a very small way.

What is your WILD SUCCESS?

Place holder post

Sorry I missed blogging yesterday- I was immersed in the wonderful world of Saqra's First November Belly Dance Showcase.

I loved it. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday party season. More later!

Lazy Saturday morning

Today seems like a good day to talk about what books I think every writer should have. We all have our favorites, so why not share mine? ;)

If you only have one book on your shelf, make it Getting Things Done by David Allen. Too many people suffer from feeling overwhelmed by their dreams, wishes, and to-do lists. GTD (as the hipsters put it) shows you the way to feeling calm, creative, and on top of your game. If you don't have it, buy it, get it from the library, borrow it. It's a quick but intense read, and it'll make you much happier.

My next few are more writer-based.

I adore Carolyn See's Making a Literary Life. Her section on dealing with rejection should be required reading for every single person who yearns to write. No where else have I seen such down-to-earth and funny insights into why people say no, and how to cope with it.

A tacky title, but an awesome book is Write Away by Elizabeth George. I really like her comments on research, setting (my weakness), and brainstorming on her characters. It saved me a lot of hassle.

Old-school is awesome, so I suggest kicking it with Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. She debunks the myth of someone stealing your ideas, tells you how to get started, and gives wonderful suggestions for feeding your head.

What do you keep on your reference shelf?

Well.

Some days, you just have to take a nap.

:)

I love deadlines!

Deadlines are another trick I use to get myself to work. I love them because I can then play the, "I am so superior!" card when I beat the deadline.

And when I make it right on time, I can say, "Damn, I'm good!"

The only downside is - I hate having to move my deadlines when things are going poorly.

Remember.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.