Honoree Corder's Blog, page 3
July 16, 2018
Use Leverage for Optimal Success
In a previous post, I discussed the how to simplify your business and life for a happier, more profitable you. If you’ve evaluated your business, started doing only those activities that are necessary (and delegating the rest), and using Zero-based Thinking, you’re well on your way.
Leverage is the second step in this process. Leveraging yourself is key to creating true wealth, and having the time to actually enjoy the wealth. I know I’m talking crazy, but please allow me to continue!
There are several leverage points that, when implemented, can make all the difference in your profitability, stress level, time needed to accomplish goals and overall lifestyle. When you leverage your strengths and abilities, as well as those of the people and opportunities around you, you’re able to achieve much more than you can do on your own. Let’s explore several of my favorites:
OPK (Other People’s Knowledge): One piece of key information can save you time or money, or help you to make more money. You’ll find this knowledge in books, seminars, blogs, and amazing conversations with your peers, mentors, and coaches. Who do you need to know that knows what you need to know?
OPE (Other People’s Energy): Use the skills and abilities of others to delegate and outsource lower-value and specific talent activities. No, you shouldn’t balance your books, clean your car, pick-up the dry-cleaning, prepare your own legal documents, or tax returns. You should be spending your time doing what you the best — what creates the highest payoff. Leveraging your talents, skills and abilities through others is another key way to expand your business without having to do the work yourself. How can you leverage others?
OPM (Other People’s Money): Borrowing and/or tapping into the resources of other people will allow you to accomplish more than if you financed it yourself. Borrowing and investing money wisely will help you achieve greater returns than if you bootstrapped it yourself. How much money do you need? Who has money they are looking to invest in someone fantastic with a terrific plan?
OPS (Other People’s Successes): Study the successes enjoyed by other people and their companies. Usually, successful people have paid high prices, learned lessons, identified shortcuts, and developed effective strategies that would be amazingly beneficial to you. These quite simply can save you time and trouble. Who has been successful in the way(s) you want to be successful? What can you learn from them?
OPF (Other People’s Failures): Ben Franklin said: “Man can either buy his wisdom or borrow it. Buying it, he pays in time and trouble. Borrowing saves him time, money and trouble.” I say borrow, borrow, borrow! Study the failures of others so as not to make the same mistake{s} yourself. Who has had a failure and some valuable information for you?
OPI (Other People’s Ideas): One good idea is all you need to make your fortune. Think, observe, experiment + your talents and experience + one brilliant idea = success. Write down three ideas every day. Better yet read this and identify many more. One of them can turn you into a millionaire, or take you from millionaire to multi-millionaire.
OPC (Other People’s Contacts/Credibility): Each person knows about 2,000 other people, and some of them can be helpful to you. One introduction to a key person can change the direction of your life, your career, or both. Who do you know that is well-connected and can make some powerful introductions for you?
Leverage is powerful! It’s like compound interest ~ the benefits are unending and exponential. Find leverage points you can utilize for the good of all concerned, and watch your results multiply.
Leverage is the second step in this process. Leveraging yourself is key to creating true wealth, and having the time to actually enjoy the wealth. I know I’m talking crazy, but please allow me to continue!
There are several leverage points that, when implemented, can make all the difference in your profitability, stress level, time needed to accomplish goals and overall lifestyle. When you leverage your strengths and abilities, as well as those of the people and opportunities around you, you’re able to achieve much more than you can do on your own. Let’s explore several of my favorites:
OPK (Other People’s Knowledge): One piece of key information can save you time or money, or help you to make more money. You’ll find this knowledge in books, seminars, blogs, and amazing conversations with your peers, mentors, and coaches. Who do you need to know that knows what you need to know?
OPE (Other People’s Energy): Use the skills and abilities of others to delegate and outsource lower-value and specific talent activities. No, you shouldn’t balance your books, clean your car, pick-up the dry-cleaning, prepare your own legal documents, or tax returns. You should be spending your time doing what you the best — what creates the highest payoff. Leveraging your talents, skills and abilities through others is another key way to expand your business without having to do the work yourself. How can you leverage others?
OPM (Other People’s Money): Borrowing and/or tapping into the resources of other people will allow you to accomplish more than if you financed it yourself. Borrowing and investing money wisely will help you achieve greater returns than if you bootstrapped it yourself. How much money do you need? Who has money they are looking to invest in someone fantastic with a terrific plan?
OPS (Other People’s Successes): Study the successes enjoyed by other people and their companies. Usually, successful people have paid high prices, learned lessons, identified shortcuts, and developed effective strategies that would be amazingly beneficial to you. These quite simply can save you time and trouble. Who has been successful in the way(s) you want to be successful? What can you learn from them?
OPF (Other People’s Failures): Ben Franklin said: “Man can either buy his wisdom or borrow it. Buying it, he pays in time and trouble. Borrowing saves him time, money and trouble.” I say borrow, borrow, borrow! Study the failures of others so as not to make the same mistake{s} yourself. Who has had a failure and some valuable information for you?
OPI (Other People’s Ideas): One good idea is all you need to make your fortune. Think, observe, experiment + your talents and experience + one brilliant idea = success. Write down three ideas every day. Better yet read this and identify many more. One of them can turn you into a millionaire, or take you from millionaire to multi-millionaire.
OPC (Other People’s Contacts/Credibility): Each person knows about 2,000 other people, and some of them can be helpful to you. One introduction to a key person can change the direction of your life, your career, or both. Who do you know that is well-connected and can make some powerful introductions for you?
Leverage is powerful! It’s like compound interest ~ the benefits are unending and exponential. Find leverage points you can utilize for the good of all concerned, and watch your results multiply.
Honorée Corder writes about business growth and personal development, including shedding limiting beliefs, dreaming big and living the life you truly want. If you enjoyed this article, then join her free newsletter.
June 13, 2018
Your Practices Help You Prosper
You may or may not know that in addition to being an author, I’ve spent a decade and a half as an executive and business coach. Now, I’ve been hired by professionals who are aspiring authors because they know there’s great value and credibility from becoming a published author.
Our initial conversations often center around the actual writing of the first draft. And there’s a misconception about how a final, polished, and lovely to read final version is created. All of them, to a person, feel like they need a perfect first draft. If only!
To make the leap from aspiring published writer/author to income-generating published writer/author, you need to know this:
Brilliant books aren’t written. They are written, rewritten, edited, and polished.
Here’s a little excerpt from Prosperity for Writers I think will help:
Practice #1: Prosperous writers write dirty first drafts, and they are okay with the fact that they are “dirty.”
I love the term “dirty” when it comes to a first draft. What that means to me is I’ve completed the first piece of the project, and I still have the expectation there’s quite a bit of time and effort that needs to go into polishing it—way before it becomes a final product. And I’m okay with that. Do you write dirty first drafts, or have you held yourself back from completing a project because you’ve tried to edit and rewrite instead of just finishing? Can you let go of an expectation of a perfect, final first draft (something that only exists in fairy tales and urban legends)? The real answer is a resounding yes—yes you can complete first drafts. Get those words down on paper. Any finished writing project wasn’t written; it was re-written. Then it was edited, looked over, re-written, and proofread.
Your new practice of writing dirty first drafts includes making a commitment to yourself and perhaps your project. Finish this sentence, “I am committed to ____.” Or, “I am committed to sitting down and writing my first draft by (date).” You could also make measurable progress toward that first draft by committing to a daily practice or goal, such as, “I am committed to writing 500 words daily,” or whatever works for you.
I want you to make an abundant living from your writing and I know if you can come to terms with the fact that there is a process and everyone goes through that process , you will be a little easier on yourself and you’ll be more likely to get out of your own way — and that means the money will start flowing sooner!
More Good Stuff:
~Learning: Ready to Write Your Book? Check out my new course, You Must Write a Book Live Coaching Course—Starting September 11th
~Marketing: 9 Top Book Marketing Takeaways from BookExpo 2018
~Listening: Try out an Audible subscription and grab it for free! Market Like a Boss: From Book to Blockbuster by Ben Hale & yours truly
~ Resources: 3CsBooks.com provides professionally designed ebooks and paperbacks.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
Our initial conversations often center around the actual writing of the first draft. And there’s a misconception about how a final, polished, and lovely to read final version is created. All of them, to a person, feel like they need a perfect first draft. If only!
To make the leap from aspiring published writer/author to income-generating published writer/author, you need to know this:
Brilliant books aren’t written. They are written, rewritten, edited, and polished.
Here’s a little excerpt from Prosperity for Writers I think will help:
Practice #1: Prosperous writers write dirty first drafts, and they are okay with the fact that they are “dirty.”
I love the term “dirty” when it comes to a first draft. What that means to me is I’ve completed the first piece of the project, and I still have the expectation there’s quite a bit of time and effort that needs to go into polishing it—way before it becomes a final product. And I’m okay with that. Do you write dirty first drafts, or have you held yourself back from completing a project because you’ve tried to edit and rewrite instead of just finishing? Can you let go of an expectation of a perfect, final first draft (something that only exists in fairy tales and urban legends)? The real answer is a resounding yes—yes you can complete first drafts. Get those words down on paper. Any finished writing project wasn’t written; it was re-written. Then it was edited, looked over, re-written, and proofread.
Your new practice of writing dirty first drafts includes making a commitment to yourself and perhaps your project. Finish this sentence, “I am committed to ____.” Or, “I am committed to sitting down and writing my first draft by (date).” You could also make measurable progress toward that first draft by committing to a daily practice or goal, such as, “I am committed to writing 500 words daily,” or whatever works for you.
I want you to make an abundant living from your writing and I know if you can come to terms with the fact that there is a process and everyone goes through that process , you will be a little easier on yourself and you’ll be more likely to get out of your own way — and that means the money will start flowing sooner!
More Good Stuff:
~Learning: Ready to Write Your Book? Check out my new course, You Must Write a Book Live Coaching Course—Starting September 11th
~Marketing: 9 Top Book Marketing Takeaways from BookExpo 2018
~Listening: Try out an Audible subscription and grab it for free! Market Like a Boss: From Book to Blockbuster by Ben Hale & yours truly
~ Resources: 3CsBooks.com provides professionally designed ebooks and paperbacks.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
June 11, 2018
3 Ways to Start Writing Your Book Now
It’s been a crazy couple of months for me: My daughter graduated from high school, we’re temporarily hanging with the in-laws until our new home in Tennessee is ready, I’ve helped launch Miracle Morning Millionaires, and I’ve got another book coming in just two weeks. Whew! How about you? What have you been up to?
Why You Might Not Be Writing Your Book (Yet)…
Working with professionals on their books gives me tons of insight. Every day seems to come with a unique challenge that can halt even the most focused person’s progress.
You don’t know how to start.
You don’t know where to start.
You don’t know when to start.
…and How to Get it Written Sooner than Later!
Allow me to unpack those for you and provide some encouragement.
Let’s start with the how . If you don’t have a journal or a file dedicated to your book project. Go ahead and get one. Whatever works best for you: digital or physical. Now, schedule an appointment with yourself to capture the initial ideas you have for your book. You might already have the perfect title, or idea, or topic (and maybe even some subtopics). Jot those down. The secret to getting started is to just get started.
Now: the where. Where you start is wherever you are–as in, start with the topic or idea that inspired you to utter, I should write a book! (Which you should kindly change to I MUST write my book…). To expand on your original idea, you could mind map your ideas, or begin an outline, or even hire a coach (or you can sign up for my new course and I can walk you through the whole process). Wherever you are, start there!
Finally, when should you start? How about now? As Tony Robbins is fond of saying, When is now the right time to start? There is not, nor will there ever be, a perfect time when all conditions are perfect. Above you’ve read just a few of the things going on in my life right now (I didn’t mention my critically ill father-in-law or the manuscript I’m working on, too). If I waited until the dust settled, I might be waiting forever! My rule is I write every morning for at least fifteen minutes, and more like 2-3 hours right now in fits and starts. Now is the time to begin.
TL; DR: How, where, and when to start writing your book: you start, where you are, right now (tomorrow is okay).
The secret to getting ahead is just to get started. The secret to getting your book written is to get writing.
Feeling inspired? Press reply and commit to writing your book. Add in, I’m going to publish my book in {pick one} 100, 180, or 365 days. You’ll find a production schedule for each of these timelines in You Must Write a Book.
What is the state of your book? Are you ready to begin (or begin again)? I want to know.
Why You Might Not Be Writing Your Book (Yet)…
Working with professionals on their books gives me tons of insight. Every day seems to come with a unique challenge that can halt even the most focused person’s progress.
You don’t know how to start.
You don’t know where to start.
You don’t know when to start.
…and How to Get it Written Sooner than Later!
Allow me to unpack those for you and provide some encouragement.
Let’s start with the how . If you don’t have a journal or a file dedicated to your book project. Go ahead and get one. Whatever works best for you: digital or physical. Now, schedule an appointment with yourself to capture the initial ideas you have for your book. You might already have the perfect title, or idea, or topic (and maybe even some subtopics). Jot those down. The secret to getting started is to just get started.
Now: the where. Where you start is wherever you are–as in, start with the topic or idea that inspired you to utter, I should write a book! (Which you should kindly change to I MUST write my book…). To expand on your original idea, you could mind map your ideas, or begin an outline, or even hire a coach (or you can sign up for my new course and I can walk you through the whole process). Wherever you are, start there!
Finally, when should you start? How about now? As Tony Robbins is fond of saying, When is now the right time to start? There is not, nor will there ever be, a perfect time when all conditions are perfect. Above you’ve read just a few of the things going on in my life right now (I didn’t mention my critically ill father-in-law or the manuscript I’m working on, too). If I waited until the dust settled, I might be waiting forever! My rule is I write every morning for at least fifteen minutes, and more like 2-3 hours right now in fits and starts. Now is the time to begin.
TL; DR: How, where, and when to start writing your book: you start, where you are, right now (tomorrow is okay).
The secret to getting ahead is just to get started. The secret to getting your book written is to get writing.
Feeling inspired? Press reply and commit to writing your book. Add in, I’m going to publish my book in {pick one} 100, 180, or 365 days. You’ll find a production schedule for each of these timelines in You Must Write a Book.
What is the state of your book? Are you ready to begin (or begin again)? I want to know.
4 Ways to Make Massive Progress Toward Your Goals This Week
How to Make the Most of Your Time, This Week and Every Week
Right now your calendar for the coming week probably looks pretty full. You may have a few meetings and appointments scattered here and there, but for the most part you may have 25-35 hours of unscheduled time.
One of the best ways to make marked progress towards your goals is to schedule every moment of your week in advance, as in before you walk in the door to your office Monday morning.
I recommend the following 4-step process for making the most of the time you work, so you can relax and enjoy the time you’re not working:
Get clear on your top 3 goals.
Treat each goal as a project and determine approximately how many hours you need to achieve your goal (complete the project).
Based on the time-frame for achieving each goal, how many hours this week do you need to focus on each one?
Pull out your mostly-empty calendar and block out time* to work toward their achievement.
*Note: This blocked-time becomes a non-negotiable appointment you have with yourself. Your goals, if well chosen, are worth it (and so are you). If something more important comes up (read: you get a meeting with a potential client, someone is writing you a check, signing a contract, or your office building catches fire), simply reschedule that blocked time so your project gets the necessary time needed for accomplishment.
Important—If something is non-revenue generating, delegate it, do it during the time of day you feel least productive, or even during non-business hours. Do business when it’s time to do business. Have fun and be off the clock when it’s time for that, too. As an executive, you have two functions: make money and enjoy the money you make.
Here’s to a profitable, productive week—with some fun thrown in for good measure.
What is your best tip for staying productive and making consistent progress toward your goals?
Honorée Corder writes about business growth and personal development, including shedding limiting beliefs, dreaming big and living the life you truly want. If you enjoyed this article, then join her free newsletter.
Right now your calendar for the coming week probably looks pretty full. You may have a few meetings and appointments scattered here and there, but for the most part you may have 25-35 hours of unscheduled time.
One of the best ways to make marked progress towards your goals is to schedule every moment of your week in advance, as in before you walk in the door to your office Monday morning.
I recommend the following 4-step process for making the most of the time you work, so you can relax and enjoy the time you’re not working:
Get clear on your top 3 goals.
Treat each goal as a project and determine approximately how many hours you need to achieve your goal (complete the project).
Based on the time-frame for achieving each goal, how many hours this week do you need to focus on each one?
Pull out your mostly-empty calendar and block out time* to work toward their achievement.
*Note: This blocked-time becomes a non-negotiable appointment you have with yourself. Your goals, if well chosen, are worth it (and so are you). If something more important comes up (read: you get a meeting with a potential client, someone is writing you a check, signing a contract, or your office building catches fire), simply reschedule that blocked time so your project gets the necessary time needed for accomplishment.
Important—If something is non-revenue generating, delegate it, do it during the time of day you feel least productive, or even during non-business hours. Do business when it’s time to do business. Have fun and be off the clock when it’s time for that, too. As an executive, you have two functions: make money and enjoy the money you make.
Here’s to a profitable, productive week—with some fun thrown in for good measure.
What is your best tip for staying productive and making consistent progress toward your goals?
Honorée Corder writes about business growth and personal development, including shedding limiting beliefs, dreaming big and living the life you truly want. If you enjoyed this article, then join her free newsletter.
May 15, 2018
Have You Cracked Your “Best Writing Time” Code?
I’m usually all full of joy and excitement, but my days aren’t always awesome. I have the occasional speed bump or major delay just like everyone else.
I tallied up that I wrote over 435,000 words last year: 5 non-fiction books and dozens of blogs and guest blogs. I’m not even counting the zillions (zillions!) of emails and text messages. I mean, that must count for another million words right there!
So with a mile-long to-do list, a book in The Miracle Morning Series to oversee, clients to coach, and speeches to give, how do I make sure that my book projects are completed and to my editing team on time?
I cracked my “best time to write” code and I stick to it, rain or shine. Happy or sad. Busy or … busy!
I used to do my Miracle Morning Life SAVERS first thing in the morning. But most days, by the time I got to my scheduled writing block, something else “equally as important” had popped up and before I knew it, the day was gone without a new word written. Not good.
I was in the gym, listening to my thousandth podcast of a successful writer being interviewed. They said I grab a cup of coffee and sit down to write. The house is quiet and early in the morning is when I’m at my best. Me, too, I thought, but I haven’t focused on writing first thing.
So I tried an experiment: get up early, do a couple of my SAVERS while having some tea (and wake up!), then write no matter what from 6 am to 7 am. My average number of words written went from #$%! at least new 1,000 words per day, more than 6,000 new words per week! For a grand total of 252,000 words per year. Of course, I still have to review, rewrite and edit, but I now have a fool-proof (at least for me) way to make sure I am always creating new content.
I’m particularly happy because even if the wheels come off the bus the rest of the day, I know I’ve done at least one awesome thing that day.
While 6-7 am might not work for you, I suggest you identify a time every day when you won’t be disturbed and can write with reckless abandon. Let your wheels of creativity turn and run wild. Make an inviolate appointment with yourself and stick to it. Before you know it, you’ll have more than enough words for each and every project you have on your to-do list.
More Good Stuff:
~ To Listen: I was interviewed by the lovely Barrie Davenport & my soon-to-be co-author Steve Scott on the Authority Self-Publishing Podcast on Coaching for Authors and How to Prosper as a Writer.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
I tallied up that I wrote over 435,000 words last year: 5 non-fiction books and dozens of blogs and guest blogs. I’m not even counting the zillions (zillions!) of emails and text messages. I mean, that must count for another million words right there!
So with a mile-long to-do list, a book in The Miracle Morning Series to oversee, clients to coach, and speeches to give, how do I make sure that my book projects are completed and to my editing team on time?
I cracked my “best time to write” code and I stick to it, rain or shine. Happy or sad. Busy or … busy!
I used to do my Miracle Morning Life SAVERS first thing in the morning. But most days, by the time I got to my scheduled writing block, something else “equally as important” had popped up and before I knew it, the day was gone without a new word written. Not good.
I was in the gym, listening to my thousandth podcast of a successful writer being interviewed. They said I grab a cup of coffee and sit down to write. The house is quiet and early in the morning is when I’m at my best. Me, too, I thought, but I haven’t focused on writing first thing.
So I tried an experiment: get up early, do a couple of my SAVERS while having some tea (and wake up!), then write no matter what from 6 am to 7 am. My average number of words written went from #$%! at least new 1,000 words per day, more than 6,000 new words per week! For a grand total of 252,000 words per year. Of course, I still have to review, rewrite and edit, but I now have a fool-proof (at least for me) way to make sure I am always creating new content.
I’m particularly happy because even if the wheels come off the bus the rest of the day, I know I’ve done at least one awesome thing that day.
While 6-7 am might not work for you, I suggest you identify a time every day when you won’t be disturbed and can write with reckless abandon. Let your wheels of creativity turn and run wild. Make an inviolate appointment with yourself and stick to it. Before you know it, you’ll have more than enough words for each and every project you have on your to-do list.
More Good Stuff:
~ To Listen: I was interviewed by the lovely Barrie Davenport & my soon-to-be co-author Steve Scott on the Authority Self-Publishing Podcast on Coaching for Authors and How to Prosper as a Writer.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
May 12, 2018
Never Be Late Again!
If you’ve ever been told, “You’ll be late for your own funeral,” being late might be a chronic problem standing in the way of your success. Arriving “just in time” or a few minutes late means you’re out of breath and unnecessarily stressed.
Being late says “I value my time and myself more than I value you.” Even if that’s not what you’re trying to say. Even if you’re a hot disorganized mess and being late has absolutely nothing to do with the person cooling their heels waiting for you.
Would you love to solve the problem of being late, and turn yourself into a person who is on time? Would you like to stop apologizing for being late, and turn into the person who has a few moments to check email or return a call in your car before heading into that meeting? I can assure you that allowing plenty of time to arrive at meetings, networking lunches, and other important events will reduce your stress to almost zero. You’re going to love the feeling you have when you sail into your next meeting with ten minutes to spare!
Are you ready for your time makeover? Okay, fabulous … let’s begin!
Change your mantra. You probably say, “I don’t have enough time,” or, “I’m always running late.” You’re programming your subconscious mind, Sparky, and not in a good way! You used to be late all of the time, and now you’re changing your personal identity into one of the person who always arrives with plenty of time to spare. Say this, “I’m always on time!”
Reverse engineer your schedule. This isn’t rocket surgery, it’s simple math.
The time you need to leave =
The amount of travel time +
a 5-10 minute buffer {depending on traffic} +
a few minutes to catch your breath or network before the event starts
Subtracted from the time the event starts.
Want to leave on time for work in the morning?
The time you need to wake up in the morning –
The amount of sleep you need to feel rested =
The time you need to go to bed.
Set an alarm on your phone to remind you it’s time to get ready for bed, or that you need to be wheels up in 5 minutes. Set an alarm on your phone for when it’s time to wake up in the morning … and place the phone on the other side of the room or in your bathroom. Make sure it’s on LOUD. Just the act of getting out of bed will help to ensure you’re up and stay up!
Stay focused.Don’t do “one more thing” before you run out the door. It won’t take just five minutes and you’ll find yourself stressed out as the lights turn red, you end up behind a school bus, or there’s unexpected construction. Schedule a time to do the tasks that need to be done, and make sure you’re “wheels up” right on schedule, if not a couple of minutes before.
Plan ahead. Small, simple actions taken in a non-rushed, low-stress environment will save you time and help set you up for success. Fill up your car with gas over the weekend when you’re not in a hurry and there’s a shorter line. Pack your work bag the night before. Lay out your outfit including socks and unders before you go to bed. Stock your briefcase or purse with business cards, print out an extra copy of your presentation and double-check you have a phone charger with you. Plan your route and text or email yourself directions, or program them into your GPS before you hit the hay.
There’s no reason to suffer from chronic lateness any longer. You can set yourself up to win, and you can start right now!
Being late says “I value my time and myself more than I value you.” Even if that’s not what you’re trying to say. Even if you’re a hot disorganized mess and being late has absolutely nothing to do with the person cooling their heels waiting for you.
Would you love to solve the problem of being late, and turn yourself into a person who is on time? Would you like to stop apologizing for being late, and turn into the person who has a few moments to check email or return a call in your car before heading into that meeting? I can assure you that allowing plenty of time to arrive at meetings, networking lunches, and other important events will reduce your stress to almost zero. You’re going to love the feeling you have when you sail into your next meeting with ten minutes to spare!
Are you ready for your time makeover? Okay, fabulous … let’s begin!
Change your mantra. You probably say, “I don’t have enough time,” or, “I’m always running late.” You’re programming your subconscious mind, Sparky, and not in a good way! You used to be late all of the time, and now you’re changing your personal identity into one of the person who always arrives with plenty of time to spare. Say this, “I’m always on time!”
Reverse engineer your schedule. This isn’t rocket surgery, it’s simple math.
The time you need to leave =
The amount of travel time +
a 5-10 minute buffer {depending on traffic} +
a few minutes to catch your breath or network before the event starts
Subtracted from the time the event starts.
Want to leave on time for work in the morning?
The time you need to wake up in the morning –
The amount of sleep you need to feel rested =
The time you need to go to bed.
Set an alarm on your phone to remind you it’s time to get ready for bed, or that you need to be wheels up in 5 minutes. Set an alarm on your phone for when it’s time to wake up in the morning … and place the phone on the other side of the room or in your bathroom. Make sure it’s on LOUD. Just the act of getting out of bed will help to ensure you’re up and stay up!
Stay focused.Don’t do “one more thing” before you run out the door. It won’t take just five minutes and you’ll find yourself stressed out as the lights turn red, you end up behind a school bus, or there’s unexpected construction. Schedule a time to do the tasks that need to be done, and make sure you’re “wheels up” right on schedule, if not a couple of minutes before.
Plan ahead. Small, simple actions taken in a non-rushed, low-stress environment will save you time and help set you up for success. Fill up your car with gas over the weekend when you’re not in a hurry and there’s a shorter line. Pack your work bag the night before. Lay out your outfit including socks and unders before you go to bed. Stock your briefcase or purse with business cards, print out an extra copy of your presentation and double-check you have a phone charger with you. Plan your route and text or email yourself directions, or program them into your GPS before you hit the hay.
There’s no reason to suffer from chronic lateness any longer. You can set yourself up to win, and you can start right now!
Honorée Corder writes about business growth and personal development, including shedding limiting beliefs, dreaming big and living the life you truly want. If you enjoyed this article, then join her free newsletter.
April 18, 2018
Six Practices for a Prosperity Mindset
I’m deep into two books in The Miracle Morning book series, getting them ready to publish in May and June, as well as working on a few of my own book projects. I love being a writer for so many reasons … would you hit “reply” and tell me what you love most about being a writer?
Developing a prosperity mindset can sometimes be harder than it looks. Increasing your prosperity consciousness isn’t always as easy as 1-2-3, and sometimes trying to make a big leap can make you feel like these little guys.
I myself curated my big money mindset by first taking simple, small steps to change my default setting from I always feel like I never have enough to There’s always enough! Yay!
Here are six prosperity practices you can adopt, one at a time or all at once (if you’re feeling especially over-achiever-y). Remember: long journeys happen one small step at a time.
Appreciate everything you have: a roof, food, a computer on which to write the words. Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more. If you focus on what you don’t have, you’ll end up frustrated … and that’s just no good. Make a list of your blessings, all that you have to be grateful for, and keep adding to it. Because gratitude is so incredibly powerful!
Get an ATM. No, not a cash machine, an automatic transformative mantra. Anytime you spend money or pay a bill, say this: There’s always more where that came from! or As money goes out, immediately money comes back to me. I started saying this about two years ago, and you know what? It does: As money goes out, double the money comes back to me.
Put your best foot forward. I feel better when I take a moment to put on some war paint (under eye concealer, blush, and a little lip color), a colorful top, and some cute shoes. Much better than when I could pass for a homeless person. I write better, think better, coach better, and even adult better when I spiff up a bit. So even if you’re home alone working all day, I highly suggest you look nice for you. Same goes with your home (and other) environment(s): don’t just tidy up when company is coming by — experience The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up for yourself. Make your home, office and car as awesome as you are!
Start a fun fund. Set aside a portion of your income (1%, 5%, 10%) and use it only for having a blast. There’s no better way to reinforce to your subconscious mind that money is great than having a great time with it. You don’t need to be able to afford your own private jet or a $1000 pair of shoes, sometimes the biggest luxuries in life don’t cost a lot! In other words, the best things in life are free (love, hugs, and sleep, to name a few) … but some of the most fun things I’ve ever done haven’t cost very much but they sure did mean the world to me.
Write every day. Read every day. Rinse. Repeat. Train yourself there are always more than enough words, just like you’re expanding your belief that there’s always more than enough money. Because there’s more than enough of both, for you.
If you want something, give it away. I talk more about this in my TEDx Talk. Say I’ll treat!even if it’s just a cup of coffee or giving someone a box of their favorite tea.
Of course, you can do wonders for your prosperity consciousness with this little gem.
Developing a prosperity mindset can sometimes be harder than it looks. Increasing your prosperity consciousness isn’t always as easy as 1-2-3, and sometimes trying to make a big leap can make you feel like these little guys.
I myself curated my big money mindset by first taking simple, small steps to change my default setting from I always feel like I never have enough to There’s always enough! Yay!
Here are six prosperity practices you can adopt, one at a time or all at once (if you’re feeling especially over-achiever-y). Remember: long journeys happen one small step at a time.
Appreciate everything you have: a roof, food, a computer on which to write the words. Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more. If you focus on what you don’t have, you’ll end up frustrated … and that’s just no good. Make a list of your blessings, all that you have to be grateful for, and keep adding to it. Because gratitude is so incredibly powerful!
Get an ATM. No, not a cash machine, an automatic transformative mantra. Anytime you spend money or pay a bill, say this: There’s always more where that came from! or As money goes out, immediately money comes back to me. I started saying this about two years ago, and you know what? It does: As money goes out, double the money comes back to me.
Put your best foot forward. I feel better when I take a moment to put on some war paint (under eye concealer, blush, and a little lip color), a colorful top, and some cute shoes. Much better than when I could pass for a homeless person. I write better, think better, coach better, and even adult better when I spiff up a bit. So even if you’re home alone working all day, I highly suggest you look nice for you. Same goes with your home (and other) environment(s): don’t just tidy up when company is coming by — experience The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up for yourself. Make your home, office and car as awesome as you are!
Start a fun fund. Set aside a portion of your income (1%, 5%, 10%) and use it only for having a blast. There’s no better way to reinforce to your subconscious mind that money is great than having a great time with it. You don’t need to be able to afford your own private jet or a $1000 pair of shoes, sometimes the biggest luxuries in life don’t cost a lot! In other words, the best things in life are free (love, hugs, and sleep, to name a few) … but some of the most fun things I’ve ever done haven’t cost very much but they sure did mean the world to me.
Write every day. Read every day. Rinse. Repeat. Train yourself there are always more than enough words, just like you’re expanding your belief that there’s always more than enough money. Because there’s more than enough of both, for you.
If you want something, give it away. I talk more about this in my TEDx Talk. Say I’ll treat!even if it’s just a cup of coffee or giving someone a box of their favorite tea.
Of course, you can do wonders for your prosperity consciousness with this little gem.
April 16, 2018
259 Days
Lots going on in my home and businesses, that’s for sure. In fact, so much that I’ve neglected my WIP (work-in-progress) terribly. For quite awhile, I’ve been “meaning to get back to work on my next book.” I’m sure you can figure out what that means…
What about you? Are you considering writing a book? Actively thinking about writing a book? Writing a book? Or, regretting abandoning a book you were writing? It doesn’t matter, because it’s never too late to begin again!
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago.
The next best time is today.
The same idea applies to your book.
If you’re like me, you have a book in the works and as luck would have it, life happened. You’ve gotten off track, but you still intend to write your book. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s how I got started again, and how I recommend you do the same:
Recognize: it is what it is. So you haven’t made progress lately. So what? It’s not the end of the world. Cut yourself some slack.
Remember: why you decided writing a book was a good idea in the first place. Get connected to your why so you can begin again with the end in mind.
Re-assess: what was the original plan, and how does it need to be recalculated? What’s your new publication date?
Re-commit: decide on a new date and schedule time on your calendar to write consistently.
Bonus: Get help. Everybody needs a coach, and I’ll be working with a small group of folks to help them with every aspect of their books. You can join me in September for the first-ever You Must Write a Book Live Coaching Corse. Details here.
If it’s any consolation, I had to give myself some tough love over the weekend and recommit to making progress. We’re just 258 days away from 2019, can you believe it? And 253 days until Christmas. (I guess it’s never too early to get excited about Christmas, right?) So, I got real and consulted my calendar. I know writing just 250 words a day for the rest of the year will yield almost 65,000 words…which equates to a very long nonfiction book or an almost long enough work of fiction.
I woke up this morning, opened my WIP, dusted it off and got to work. In just 20 minutes, I’d written over 300 words and felt like there was hope. I’ve got an editor booked for the end of June so I’ll need to get more and more words down on a daily basis. But I’m okay with that. I wrote the first draft of You Must Write a Book in just 11 days (I don’t recommend that, btw!).
To quote myself from a few emails ago: “Take it from someone who knows, you have to stop thinking, you have to stop meaning to start writing, and you have to just start doing it.“
What is the state of your book? Are you ready to begin (or begin again)?
More Good Stuff…
~ If you’re looking for ways to write your book and treat it like a business, Ben Hale and I have you covered with the Like a Boss series. I suggest starting with Write Like a Boss!
~ 5 Tips for Editing Your Own Work
~ 20 Inspiring Writing Podcasts to Subscribe to Right Now by The Write Life.
What about you? Are you considering writing a book? Actively thinking about writing a book? Writing a book? Or, regretting abandoning a book you were writing? It doesn’t matter, because it’s never too late to begin again!
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago.
The next best time is today.
The same idea applies to your book.
If you’re like me, you have a book in the works and as luck would have it, life happened. You’ve gotten off track, but you still intend to write your book. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s how I got started again, and how I recommend you do the same:
Recognize: it is what it is. So you haven’t made progress lately. So what? It’s not the end of the world. Cut yourself some slack.
Remember: why you decided writing a book was a good idea in the first place. Get connected to your why so you can begin again with the end in mind.
Re-assess: what was the original plan, and how does it need to be recalculated? What’s your new publication date?
Re-commit: decide on a new date and schedule time on your calendar to write consistently.
Bonus: Get help. Everybody needs a coach, and I’ll be working with a small group of folks to help them with every aspect of their books. You can join me in September for the first-ever You Must Write a Book Live Coaching Corse. Details here.
If it’s any consolation, I had to give myself some tough love over the weekend and recommit to making progress. We’re just 258 days away from 2019, can you believe it? And 253 days until Christmas. (I guess it’s never too early to get excited about Christmas, right?) So, I got real and consulted my calendar. I know writing just 250 words a day for the rest of the year will yield almost 65,000 words…which equates to a very long nonfiction book or an almost long enough work of fiction.
I woke up this morning, opened my WIP, dusted it off and got to work. In just 20 minutes, I’d written over 300 words and felt like there was hope. I’ve got an editor booked for the end of June so I’ll need to get more and more words down on a daily basis. But I’m okay with that. I wrote the first draft of You Must Write a Book in just 11 days (I don’t recommend that, btw!).
To quote myself from a few emails ago: “Take it from someone who knows, you have to stop thinking, you have to stop meaning to start writing, and you have to just start doing it.“
What is the state of your book? Are you ready to begin (or begin again)?
More Good Stuff…
~ If you’re looking for ways to write your book and treat it like a business, Ben Hale and I have you covered with the Like a Boss series. I suggest starting with Write Like a Boss!
~ 5 Tips for Editing Your Own Work
~ 20 Inspiring Writing Podcasts to Subscribe to Right Now by The Write Life.
April 15, 2018
P is for Perfection
Perfect doesn’t exist. I know, I spent far too many years looking for it, striving for it and pretending I had it.
I had a long conversation today with a close friend and colleague about perfection, happiness, and success. She wanted to know how I “do it” and “make it look so easy.” While I appreciate that, I thought this post could shed some light on what I do that works for me, and help you discover what might work for you. My readers, clients and followers tend to be “type-A, Mach-1 with their hair on fire” types who are uber-successful and not always happy with the process.
We have learned that we are supposed to be busy (all the time). We’re supposed to say yes to everyone, be completely frenetic and crazy. No-one wants to see someone who is calm, collected and organized because they think they’re a freak of nature. But that actually is our natural state. It is YOUR natural state. Let me help you get there, starting now:
Take a few steps back to make a giant leap forward. You’ll do this by getting organized. Whether you’re almost there and it just takes a few hours this afternoon to clean out “that last drawer” or several blocked-off days to get every last closet, room and car done, get yourself organized. There are amazing professional organizers who can help you find a place for everything and get everything in its place.
Take control of your mind and body. You’ll do this by moving, breathing, listening, learning, and being grateful. If you think you don’t have time, you don’t not have the time to take care of yourself, learn something new, stop and smell the roses. Do you see the guy down the hall who’s got 10 or 20 years on you, he’s overweight, divorced and miserable? He might be a little more financially wealthy, but emotionally, physically, spiritually and in his relationships he’s bankrupt. I don’t want that to be you. You don’t want that to be you!
Take stock. You’ll do this by deciding what you truly want and moving in that direction. Change disciplines or careers entirely, or just finally learn French, or to paint, go to Europe, or put some art on your walls. It doesn’t matter: get excited about something you have been wanting to get excited about, and do something, even one small thing, about it. Today.
Get focused. You’ll do this by stopping all of the minutiae nonsense, time-wasting activities and “stuff” you don’t love (or like). If you’re a professional, spend your time doing two things: (1) making money* and (2) enjoying the money you make.
*Let your assistant do all of the things you’re doing that are she/he could be doing. You should be billing many more of the hours you’re working.
Enjoy today. You never know, it could just be your last day.
It’s your life and you get to decide — so decide and get going!
Cool things to ensure your success…
Listen: Get inspired to write your own book on the way to work today. Listen to You Must Write a Book in audio! Get it free here.
Watch: Book Publishing Tips– my guest appearance on Smart Passive Income TV with Pat Flynn
Hack: What do you need to give up in order to achieve success? Check out this article from CornerStone to find out!
I had a long conversation today with a close friend and colleague about perfection, happiness, and success. She wanted to know how I “do it” and “make it look so easy.” While I appreciate that, I thought this post could shed some light on what I do that works for me, and help you discover what might work for you. My readers, clients and followers tend to be “type-A, Mach-1 with their hair on fire” types who are uber-successful and not always happy with the process.
We have learned that we are supposed to be busy (all the time). We’re supposed to say yes to everyone, be completely frenetic and crazy. No-one wants to see someone who is calm, collected and organized because they think they’re a freak of nature. But that actually is our natural state. It is YOUR natural state. Let me help you get there, starting now:
Take a few steps back to make a giant leap forward. You’ll do this by getting organized. Whether you’re almost there and it just takes a few hours this afternoon to clean out “that last drawer” or several blocked-off days to get every last closet, room and car done, get yourself organized. There are amazing professional organizers who can help you find a place for everything and get everything in its place.
Take control of your mind and body. You’ll do this by moving, breathing, listening, learning, and being grateful. If you think you don’t have time, you don’t not have the time to take care of yourself, learn something new, stop and smell the roses. Do you see the guy down the hall who’s got 10 or 20 years on you, he’s overweight, divorced and miserable? He might be a little more financially wealthy, but emotionally, physically, spiritually and in his relationships he’s bankrupt. I don’t want that to be you. You don’t want that to be you!
Take stock. You’ll do this by deciding what you truly want and moving in that direction. Change disciplines or careers entirely, or just finally learn French, or to paint, go to Europe, or put some art on your walls. It doesn’t matter: get excited about something you have been wanting to get excited about, and do something, even one small thing, about it. Today.
Get focused. You’ll do this by stopping all of the minutiae nonsense, time-wasting activities and “stuff” you don’t love (or like). If you’re a professional, spend your time doing two things: (1) making money* and (2) enjoying the money you make.
*Let your assistant do all of the things you’re doing that are she/he could be doing. You should be billing many more of the hours you’re working.
Enjoy today. You never know, it could just be your last day.
It’s your life and you get to decide — so decide and get going!
Cool things to ensure your success…
Listen: Get inspired to write your own book on the way to work today. Listen to You Must Write a Book in audio! Get it free here.
Watch: Book Publishing Tips– my guest appearance on Smart Passive Income TV with Pat Flynn
Hack: What do you need to give up in order to achieve success? Check out this article from CornerStone to find out!
March 14, 2018
Writer’s Block is Real….Or Is It?
I’ve written in the past about what prosperous writers do. Now I want to share with you how prosperous writers think.
There seems to be an assumption among artists that there needs to be a struggle. If you have a book, an article, or even a blog post to write, you’ll inevitably end up with writer’s block (which you may or may not need a legal or illegal substance to unblock).
What if I told you that the majority of prosperous writers don’t even believe in writer’s block? Yup, that’s right.
Prosperous writers don’t believe in writer’s block, which means they don’t have it. I’m sure there are some of you yelling at me right now – Of course writer’s block is real, Honorée, I know because I have it.
You may not want to hear this, but the belief you’re holding is what is making your writer’s block a reality. Change your belief, change your (writing) life.
Let me ask you this: was there ever a time when you sat down and the words flowed from your fingertips as if by magic? You almost couldn’t type or talk fast enough to capture them all? If it can happen once, it can happen all the time. What precedes the cursor moving and the ink flowing is a belief it is possible for you. If it is possible for me, it’s possible for you.
No other profession on earth uses “a block” as a reason to not do their work. Secretaries don’t say, “I have secretary’s block so I can’t answer the phone or take a memo today.” I could go on, but you get the idea.
In my Google search about writer’s block, I found several interesting things: prompts for overcoming it, writer’s block software, games, advice, and even a cure … there is even a writer’s block Wikipedia page!
But my search also revealed Simon P. Clark’s 10 Reasons Writer’s Block Isn’t a Real Thing, which I think you should read and believe. Why? Because believing in writer’s block doesn’t serve you in any way. It certainly won’t pave a path to prosperity for you … as a writer.
I suggest, instead, that you develop the belief that you are a prosperous writer. When you sit down to write, the words flow so quickly you can’t capture them all and when you run out of time to write, you can’t wait for the next time you can write. While you’re at it, believe that people can’t wait to pay you for your words. Sound good?
More Good Stuff…
~Need something awesome to read? Here are my favorite books on publishing.
~Chris Fox completed a really neat 21 Day Writing Challenge. He proved he could write 5,000 words per hour (or thereabouts) and put out a quality product in just 21 days. You can, too. Get some insight and encouragement here: 21 Day Writing Challenge.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
(Here are 5 differentiators you can use right now in business! Find out how Honorée stands out from the crowd on her latest business blog, here)
