5 Reasons You Can't Afford Not to be Motivated!

　

I started out with the best of intentions. Woke up bright eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on the world and unleash my awesomeness!

It was a Monday, the first month in the second quarter, and I was super excited about new projects, as the beautiful spring weather peeked in at me through my corner office window.

At 6:20 a.m., I logged unto my computer to get things cracking.

I checked my email, mentally prepared my to-do list, and then I was good to go.

FAST FORWARD...

Three hours in, and I'm frustrated by computer glitches, spam emails, stress, expectations unmet, a migraine, back pain, eye strain, and a partridge in a pair tree!

It’s one of those days when I question whether or not to continue my journey as a writer; whether it’s worth all the disappointments, detours and doubts. Grrrrrrr….

If you’ve been on the scene for awhile, I’m almost certain that you’ve had these days too. Hello?
Immersed in the thick of things, I sometimes feel like throwing in the towel and joining the circus.
I figure I already have a lot of "juggling" experience as a freelance writer.

A POSITIVE SPIN ON NEGATIVE THOUGHTS...

Seems that Murphy's Law is often in the mix...obstacles to overcome or some set-back to sabotage my efforts: a client who pays late, a computer browser that’s no longer supported, a promising project that gets cancelled unexpectedly, income projections that miss the mark.

I think about quitting. Again.
But, unlike most careers, “true writers” can’t quit; we’re “drafted.“
It’s in our blood. It’s part of our internal wiring. It’s our calling.

Not to mention, too much is at stake for us not to stay motivated and stay in the game!

HERE’S WHY…

Whether you’re busted or disgusted, here are 5 reasons you must stay motivated in 2017!

See if you agree.

1. YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS.

You don’t have to be a big celebrity to have a big impact. If your words change one person’s life for the better, consider yourself a success. Nobody has the same exact experiences, the same perspective, the same style, the same voice as you do. Keep going. Remember the words of Dr. Seuss: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not."

2. YOU HAVE TO STAY MOTIVATED HONEY, TO MAKE MONEY.

It’s simple business math. Stress and lack of motivation can cause writer's block.
No output means no income.

Technically, we don’t have a boss behind us “cracking the whip.” For writers, motivation is a “do-it-yourself” project. Of course we all need and deserve a “pity party” now and again. Perhaps yours is due this week. Host it. Have it.

Then use what you’ve learned in your private time to take personal inventory. What could you do better to insure greater success? What bad habits do you need to eliminate?
What are some small victories that can serve to inspire you in days ahead? Assess and apply.
(Sidenote: I keep a beautiful plaque that I was awarded for my blog, above my desk as a visual reminder of what I have accomplished.)

3. ADVERSITY BUILDS CHARACTER.

And your portfolio. When you feel like giving up, instead dig deep. Why not tap into your creative powers? Pen a poem. Write a post about your trials and tribulations to inform others.
Here's an example where I practice what I preach:
https://refiction.com/articles/5-ways-to-turn-writing-gaffes-into-writing-gold

4. SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOUR SUCCESS.

It could be someone you mentor, or a family member. They're watching and taking note. They believe in you. You need to accept the challenge. You need to step up, my friend.

5. QUITTING TOO SOON CAN CAUSE ENDLESS REGERTS   REGRETS.

Who wants to live with a lifetime of "would haves" and "should haves"?
To quote the lottery commercial here: "You can't win if you don't play."

IF YOU'RE ON BOARD, HERE ARE A FEW TIMELY TIPS

TO KEEP YOU ON A PROGRESSIVE PATH:

1. Try a Change of Scenery.

If you’re used to working from home, why not tote your laptop or journal to the local library, coffee shop, or park? Bird watching, star gazing, or simply engaging in conversations with others can often provide information and inspiration for that next chapter of your novel, or next blog post.

2. Color.

Adult coloring books are all the rage. If you’re thinking that they’re just for kids, retrain your brain. According to Craig Sawchuk, a clinical psychologist at Mayo Clinic: “Coloring can help slow down heart rate and respiration, loosen muscles and stimulate the brain.”

In 2015, an estimated 12 million adult coloring books were sold in the United States.

3. Take a Break.

That’s right. Though this may seem counter-productive it actually works. Scheduling some “down time” helps to relax the mind, rejuvenate the spirit, and recover. Make it a part of your regular routine to break the monotony and to break through to new levels in your writing.

4. Read motivational quotes.

I often purchase motivational calendars with daily positive messages to embrace. You can also find them online by simply Google-ing "motivational quotes."

To wrap things up here

A wise person once said: "When you feel like quitting, remember why you started."
Words to live by.



...A penny for your thoughts. :-)


Image credits: https://Pixabay.com/

Are You Traveling "Economy" With Your Career?

"81% of Bloggers never make a $100.00 from their blogs."

Would you like to take your blogging to new heights in 2017?
Earn money for your writing efforts?  Work smarter, not harder?
Go the distance with fewer "detours"?

Here's the ticket in three words: Stop. Traveling. Economy.
For greater clarity here, please allow me to elaborate...

Most of us folks have had some type of traveling experience in our lives. True?
Perhaps a honeymoon trip to a faraway island. Or a flight during the Xmas holiday to return home to visit family and friends.

Based upon our budget, time availability, travel destination and preferences, there are various options to get from "Point A" to "Point Z".

The experience and expectations, however, will largely be dictated by one simple decision:
Will you travel "economy" or "first class" ?

There's no denying that either category designation will do the job.
But, here are a few differentiators.

The same concept applies to other industries as well.
For example, a 5-star hotel will typically afford more luxuries, better room service, better security measures, more accommodations and a fancier room than a budget  motel.

A university education typically enhances your educational horizons more than a community college.

So what's the moral to the story here?
"You get what you pay for."

A COMMON MISTAKE MANY WRITERS MAKE...

Ask the average writer what one goal he/she would like to achieve, and more than likely the answer will be to make more money. And yet, very few scribes invest in the tools and resources needed to earn a living or even meet the costs of operating a website.

A survey of 1000 bloggers by Blogging.com in 2012 found that "17% are able to sustain their lifestyle or support their family with their blogs, while 81% never make even $100 from blogging."

If I had to theorize why, I would say that many of their careers remain "grounded" largely because they fail to buy books, take classes, hire editors, or pay for professional organizations that will enhance them and allow them to optimize their efforts.

Don't let it be you.

Blogging is not as easy as it looks; especially in today's competitive climate.
You must "invest" for greater success.
Of course, this is not to suggest that writers should not avail themselves to the many "free" avenues and resources online to hone their craft.
But, don't stop there.

Level up!

CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER...

Some time ago, I wanted to publish a professional eBook. After doing some research, I hired a lady to design and format my work who offered "budget basement" prices that could potentially save me a few hundred bucks.

At the time, I thought it was a smart and frugal move. Turns out, it wasn't.
The work was so shoddy, I lost countless hours requesting revisions, hand-holding and trying to resolve our creative differences. "And time is money."

I ended up having to pay extra money to hire someone else, and had to start the whole process over again from scratch. Lesson learned.

 A NEW YEAR PROVIDES NEW AVENUES TO ACHIEVE MORE...

A wise man one said that "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Hello?

Chances are, no matter what level you're on in your writing career, you could probably use help ascending new heights or venturing new paths; we all do.

PRACTICING WHAT I PREACH...

To advance my swagger this year, here are a few books, strategies and resources I have invested in:

• In addition to guest posting, I have now paid for Ads on other sites to promote my services and products and expand my reach.
• I have launched a series of information products to provide greater value to my readers and fan base. You can learn more or order my eBooks designed to help writers "work smarter, not harder" and earn extra income here:

https://payhip.com/BankableWriting 

(my books are affordably priced $2.99-$3.99)

• I have purchased books from fellow writers on marketing, email campaigns and other writing related topics ( authored by Carol Tice, Ed Gandhia, Yuwanda Black).
• I have researched and am reviewing additional writers' organizations for memberships to join to broaden my network.
• I was approached, and am considering teaching new business classes online to create more passive income. Stay tuned for details!

IN CONCLUSION...

If you want to advance, why not take a chance?
Dare to do something different today, for a more progressive career this year!
Remember, "You have to spend money to make money."
Free will only get you so far.



Thoughts? Agree or disagree?
What will you do differently to "level up" this year?  Do tell.


Image credits: https://Pixabay.com/

Join me in Celebrating National Poetry Month

Greetings, Readers!
As many of you are aware, April is National Poetry Month. An annual celebration of a beautiful art form that dates back to biblical days. And actually, for me, my first literary love.
I have been penning pieces since I was a young, awkward teen.

In subsequent years, I've won a few awards, published a few books, and have formed my own poetry group with kindred spirits. So today I thought I'd share "Side B" of me through my poetry.

I hope you enjoy! And if you dig it, do share a comment at the end of this post. 
Deal?

COLOR HER MOTHER

 

A

scapegoat

A safety net

A cheerleader

A molder

A knee-kisser

A hand-holder

The author of childhood tales

With many happy endings

Roots,

Wings,

And countless lovely things

Sometimes spent

Heaven sent

 

Like no other,

Yours,
Mine,

Mothers

FOR A FRIEND WITH ALZHEIMER…

I don’t know how to rescue you

From the deep valleys of desolation

And frustration,

Of foreign landscapes

Of once familiar things,

Misplaced names

And faces

How do I restore

Your joy

Give you back your footing,

Your smile,

Or provide the safety net

That you need

But won’t most times mention?

I wish that I could make you feel safe,

Help you put back the missing pieces

To your life’s puzzle,

　

But for now,

All I can do,

Is love you

Through

　

INDIAN GIVER (A HAIKU)

　

He gave me his heart

Then without advance notice

Bestowed it to her

 

 

 

 

(C) 2017 Jennifer Brown Banks

 

 

Please note: Pen & Prosper will be on a spring break until April 25, 2017. I look forward to reconnecting then!

 

Image credit: https: Pixabay.com/

 

 

P.S.  For those interested, my poetry books are available at Amazon.com.