Ivy Keating's Blog - Posts Tagged "help"
Right or Wrong
When you ask someone's opinion, whether it's on a book you've written or how you look in a new sweater, you open yourself up to criticism. But, how do you know when to listen to advice or ignore it? How do you know what's right or wrong for you?
The first thing to consider is, who is giving you the advice? Does this person have expertise in the field? In the example of writing a book, if the critique is from a publisher, the critique should be considered seriously.
Next, think about your expertise on the subject. In the example of writing a book, are you a new author? If you are, then definitely listen to criticism. This doesn't mean you have to change anything, but it's definitely a learning opportunity.
Most importantly, understand yourself. What are your limitations? What do you need help with? What are you good at? What are you confident about? You must really know you and be secure with what you are presenting. This will help you know from within if a change is needed.
The decision to change something about your work or wardrobe has to feel right for you. Keep an open mind to feedback, particularly from people who have knowledge on the subject, but the final decision must come from within.
The first thing to consider is, who is giving you the advice? Does this person have expertise in the field? In the example of writing a book, if the critique is from a publisher, the critique should be considered seriously.
Next, think about your expertise on the subject. In the example of writing a book, are you a new author? If you are, then definitely listen to criticism. This doesn't mean you have to change anything, but it's definitely a learning opportunity.
Most importantly, understand yourself. What are your limitations? What do you need help with? What are you good at? What are you confident about? You must really know you and be secure with what you are presenting. This will help you know from within if a change is needed.
The decision to change something about your work or wardrobe has to feel right for you. Keep an open mind to feedback, particularly from people who have knowledge on the subject, but the final decision must come from within.
You Decide
Tomorrow is election day, so I thought a blog about 'decisions' is fitting. Every decision we make helps shape our lives. So what can we do to guarantee we're making the best choices?
When making an important decision, it's helpful to consider if you can stand by your choice regardless of the result.
Before I was offered a contract for 'Camouflage,' a publishing house asked me to make changes to the story. I had to decide if their requests were purely subjective or based on their industry expertise. It's important to know what warrants change and what doesn't.
Here are three questions to ask yourself in the midst of a difficult decision: 1) What are the options? 2) Which choices will help attain my goal? and 3) Is my decision based on knowledge, research, and/or facts?
If you can answer the questions above, and feel comfortable with your answers, you are likely on the right track.
It's good to know our decisions make a difference. It gives us a feeling of control. In an election, our vote is not a deciding factor, but in our own lives we have the power to steer our destiny.
When making an important decision, it's helpful to consider if you can stand by your choice regardless of the result.
Before I was offered a contract for 'Camouflage,' a publishing house asked me to make changes to the story. I had to decide if their requests were purely subjective or based on their industry expertise. It's important to know what warrants change and what doesn't.
Here are three questions to ask yourself in the midst of a difficult decision: 1) What are the options? 2) Which choices will help attain my goal? and 3) Is my decision based on knowledge, research, and/or facts?
If you can answer the questions above, and feel comfortable with your answers, you are likely on the right track.
It's good to know our decisions make a difference. It gives us a feeling of control. In an election, our vote is not a deciding factor, but in our own lives we have the power to steer our destiny.
