I
don’t make resolutions because most resolutions die out in six weeks. I’ve
learned the only way to make a change is to make a lifestyle change.
Whatever
your goals, there is only one way to accomplish them, and there are two quotes
I live by. The first one is a little less known than the second one, but it
came from a script by Bob Newhart titled, “Stop it!” If I can find the YouTube
video, I’ll post it at the bottom. Trust me, it’s worth watching.
The
second quote everyone knows, I believe. Nike’s slogan, “Just Do It!” Those
three little words increased Nike’s share of the market from 18% to 43%.
Imagine controlling 43% of the book market. That’d be nice.
If
you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you’ll know I come from the
business world. I don’t elaborate, but I was one of the only women in a
high-management position in a Fortune 500 company. One of the things I hated
most about the business world--the constant meetings, sometimes three in one
day. Everyone had something to say in the meetings, but five minutes out of the
boardroom and most of the employees would return to the coffee pot or sit in their
offices and sulk if the shoe fit, so to speak.
When
I decided to write, I decided to live by the same rules that made me a top
earner in business. “Stop doing what doesn’t work and do what does.” Don’t get
me wrong, I’m not on the New York Times Bestseller List, but I hope to be
someday. I know it’s not easy as an Indie or self-published author to run
alongside the big dogs; we certainly have more hurdles to jump. But…sitting
around and talking about it or complaining about it does absolutely nothing. The
only way to get somewhere is to walk, run, or drive in that direction.
If
something isn’t working, stop doing it! I’ve heard the definition of ‘crazy’ is
sitting around doing the same thing expecting a different outcome. While that’s
not the actual definition, it is true. And it is what runs businesses into the
ground. And let’s face it, whether you are applying this reasoning to selling
books, gaining more followers, losing weight, exercising, or saving money, the
same rules apply.
“Stop
it!” (Stop doing what doesn’t work. Or, stop doing what the root of the problem
is.)
“Just
Do It!” (Do what you have to do to make it work. If you don’t know, watch the
people who are successful in whatever you want to be successful.)
That’s
it! I don’t think I need to elaborate on what you’re doing that you shouldn’t
be doing to reach your goals; you already know what they are, so... “Stop it!” and “Just Do It!” J
Okay,
before I lose friends after this video, let me assure you, I understand the
need for counseling. In fact, my husband’s undergrad is in counseling. And I
assure you I’ve lived through many tragedies, the reason my novels are so heart
wrenching. That said, there are many people who don’t realize how well they have
it and should be taking Bob Newhart’s advice. If you are sensitive to these
things, please don’t watch this. But if you can laugh at life the way I do, no
matter what the world has thrown at you, enjoy! Bob Newhart's "Stop it!"
A
little about me and what I write:
A writer of modern-day
fairytales, my stories overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course,
tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting
the stage? All of my novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic
and will make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
My first two novels, She Belongs to Me and Land of the Noonday Sun, have reached bestseller
status right alongside Nicholas Sparks, J.D. Robb, and other great authors. My new
releases, Entangled Dreams and When Noonday Ends are now available.
My novels are all
standalones; however, I do link each of my stories with a little surprise. If
you read out of order, you'll never notice. But if you read in order, it's
fun.
Romantic-Suspense
Novels
First release - December 2011:
After secrets and a mysterious background leave a wife’s life
hanging by a thread, a husband must look for answers in the only place he
knows—the past.
Second Release - May 2012
Book I of the Nantahala Series
When two strangers have nothing left but their dreams, they must
forge a relationship in Nantahala, North Carolina, a small town known as Land
of the Noonday Sun.
Third Release - September 2012
When Alexandra’s choices dissolve into Entangled Dreams, pushing
her down a dark and dismal path, she must trust her instincts to escape danger,
but be able to surrender all to find her happily ever after. Knowing how to
decipher the difference, will be her toughest challenge.
Fourth Release – December 2012
When a new attorney accepts a case of a woman accused of attempted
murder, he finds himself entwined in age-old secrets and a family that will
stop at nothing to conceal them—even murder.
Series of Mini-Mysteries with a
Paranormal Edge
First
Short Story — October 2012
When
what seems like a normal pit stop turns to more than just gas and food, a lost
couple finds themselves searching for the truth of a twenty-year-old mystery
that may cost them their life.
Second
Short Story — January 2013
Find in print and eBook formats:
Until
next time, happy reading, friends!
I
love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the
links below.
You know, that has to be some of the simplest, yet best advice for anyone for anything that is holding you back....if you can't STOP being afraid, then you will never more on. And yes, JUST DO IT, is a family mantra.It worked great last year, and I plan to keep it incorporated this year. Great advice, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed, MJ. And yes, it is a simple action. It's not always easy to let go of the things we surround ourselves with and brave a new venture, but if we are sitting idle, sometimes that's exactly what we have to do. People get comfortable, even when they are unhappy. Again, whether it's their weight, a career, or their home, the same rules apply. Easier to write, I know, but believe me, I crumble up last months proposal and make a new one monthly if that's what it takes. :)
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