Use the phrase “self-publishing” or “independent author” and most people think of books. I believe, however, the correct definition of “self-publishing” is someone who publishes his or her own work in any format. 

Are you tired of making lists: things to do, goals to make, promises to keep…? I am. It seems it never ends and there’s always another list to make. So, I decided to take a good, honest look at why I haven’t lost the weight, made the money or gone on the trip.

This is what I discovered. I’ve accomplished far more than I had thought, but there are still important milestones I’ve yet to reach. So, what is the difference between what I have accomplished and what I have not?

At first I thought is was a matter of belief. But I truly do know I can lose five pounds, make more money and go on a vacation, because I’ve done that all before. So I looked again at my list of what I’ve done and what I haven’t done–and something jumped out at me with serious “aha” velocity.

The single distinguishing factor between my lists was that on one I had let go of my old ideas about how to do something and tried something new. Where I was stuck in the mud, I was holding on to how I’ve always done it. So, it was no surprise that what hadn’t worked in the past still did not.

And so, I have made an Ultimate Resolution that I believe will change my life. I am open and receptive to all possibilities. That means never saying (or thinking) I can’t do that, I’m too old for that, I don’t have enough money for  that…and so on. It means never dismissing any idea just because it challenges my comfort zone.

In the past year, just changing my attitude about social networking (that it’s only for kids) has revolutionized my business. And once I decided that I would just play around with it, suddenly it wasn’t so hard to navigate the websites. The know-how seemed to come to me in all sorts of ways: tips online, people who knew how to do it, and my relaxed attitude about it all seemed to make the instructions easier to follow.

Several business strategies I wanted to employ but hadn’t because of the costs become possible when I decided that I’d find a way to do it without spending the money. Suddenly people who could provide what I needed showed up and wanted to partner with me for an exchange of services. 

Do you see how simply opening your mind to all possibilities can change your whole world? No big visible big effort needed, just an ongoing gentle reminder to yourself not to reject anything or anyone without first looking with open eyes and open mind.

How many opportunities have you dismissed just because it didn’t fit your current view of reality? The only reality is that things change, so why not go with the flow instead of resisting?

Say it out loud. “I am open and receptive to all possibilities.” 

Doesn’t that feel good? Much better than “I can’t,” which makes you feel yucky. And it applies to everything on your to-do list and goals sheet. 

Join me this year in a creative thinking exercise. What’s really holding you back from achieving what you want? The circumstance, or how you think about the circumstance? Let’s all employ the Ultimate Resolution–I am open and receptive to all possibilities–and meet back in a year to tell our stories.

Are you in? Write your comments below. Do it now!

When did you start your blog, Stories for Invisible Friends?

I officially started in Summer 2005 when I was moving from South Florida to take a faculty position as a history professor in Tallahassee.  Before that I had a website where I published the articles I wrote for parenting magazines.

Why did you start your blog?

The first time I heard the word “blog” and became aware of their existence was in Summer 2005 when I read about a New York Beauty editor/blogger losing her job for writing about work while at work.

Minutes after I read that article I followed a few links and had my own blog up.  I had no specific intentions, no desired audience. It felt very much like buying a new leather journal - exciting, inspiring, fresh and new.

What is the significance of turning 40 and posting your 1000th blog entry on the same day for you?

About two months ago when I logged on to Blogger,  I saw that I was at post 950, and decided to pace myself to hit 1,000 on my 40th birthday.

Honestly, I’m amazed at how effortlessly the stories have come, and how they show how my perspective and voice have evolved over the past three years.  One thousand sounds like a huge number, but really, it works out to less than a story a day, reflecting only a tiny corner of my life.

At first I thought I would write about turning 40, but I have a bigger story to write –  one that doesn’t involve me at all. It’s called “Hearts: Broken and Hopeful.”  (more…)

You probably started your blog as a way to communicate with your audience, perhaps hoping that an Internet presence would help increase your readership and ultimately sell your book or service.

How’s it working out for you so far? Do you sometimes feel you are pouring your heart out on the page (or onto the computer) and you’ve no idea if anyone even knows you exist? Do you ask yourself if you’re wasting your time when you could be writing your book instead? If you’re not getting any feedback in the form of reader comments or trackbacks from other blog writers, it may be time to ask yourself, “Is my blog creating a buzz or putting people to sleep?”

Like books, blogs are meant to educate and entertain. To be successful with your blog (or your book), ask yourself these three questions before beginning:

1. Who will read what I write? Identifying your audience before you begin will get you focused on communicating your message and help eliminate writer’s block. Having a clear picture of your reader will also help you figure out how and where to reach them in the real and virtual worlds. 
2. What new information or solution am I bringing to the marketplace? This may be the single-most important factor in determining whether you will keep and grow your blog readership. Certainly a pleasant design and good writing helps, but if you’re not educating, offering new information or providing a solution to a problem, then there’s little reason for readers to follow your blog.
3. How can I balance creating value for my readers with marketing my book, product or service? Readers understand that you have a book or service that may help them; that’s why they read your blog or newsletter. They appreciate hearing about your new offerings, especially if there’s a special reward, such a discount, bonus or gift. The key is balance your promotion with real value to the customer. If ever in doubt, go with this maxim: The more you give, the more you will receive.

Blogging can be an effective and fun way to spread your news and your views. The most popular blogs are the ones where the author keeps a clear and authentic voice. So be who you are: funny,chatty,  radical, serious, intense–just don’t be boring and your readership (and sales) will grow.