Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Momentum

What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?
~ Anthony Robbins




Our writing journeys have definite periods of productivity and periods of lack of productivity. We get stalled by lack of ideas or plotting or writer's block or "the end" or any number of things. So then what? 

Rich Fettke, author of Extreme Success, has 10 tips for maintaining our momentum:

1. Take some time to clarify your desired future outcome. Success is seeing what you want and moving toward what you see. 

2. Use visual reminders of your intention. Get some magazines and cut out pictures and words related to your goal. Put them where you’ll see them on a regular basis, like on your bathroom mirror, in your wallet, next to your computer screen, or on a poster board.

3. Set clear goals with clear timelines. 

4. Be action-oriented.

5. Ask yourself, "How much and what kind of fun will I have with this project?" This will help raise your energy. If you’re dreading the process there’s a good chance your momentum is going to get stifled.

6. Fill your mind with inspiration. Read books, listen to audio programs, and watch videos that educate, uplift and inspire you. Go to seminars and attend conventions related to your goal. Read about and learn about people who have done what you want to do.

7. Take a Risk a Day. So often to move towards what we really want requires us to get out of our comfort zone. By getting into the habit of taking a risk a day you will strengthen your courage as you take those important actions that can lead to your greatest opportunities.

8. Create a support team. Ask a few of your friends to form a group to support each other on your goals. Find a mentor, someone you think would add input, support, advice, feedback, and/or accountability to help you keep your attention on your intention.

9. Consistently review your top three intentions. This will add fuel to your fire and will help you focus your attention on what matters during your day. It will also help you recognize the opportunities that might help you move toward your desired future outcome.

10. Clarify how your intention also helps others. The fuel that can come from helping others can inspire you to take action and stay focused on your goals.

Numbers 7, 8, and 10 are my favorites, although I think they are all brilliant. When I first read #10, I thought of Elana and her e-book From the Query to the Call, and I thought of the WriteOnCon team and all they've done this past year. There are so many ways we can use what we've learned to help each other.

So . . . what simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?


30 comments:

Melissa said...

I need to visual my future and things I want to get through this next two weeks. Thanks for this post!

Laura Pauling said...

That's wonderful advice. I don't write goals down but there constantly with me so I do know the path to take.

none said...

Such good advice here. I was most drawn to #s 4 and 5... I believe that when we're excited, inspired, and looking forward to our goal, it makes it much easier to achieve. :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Very good advice, all these tips are helpful:


Yvonne,

Anonymous said...

Wonderful advice. Thanks for sharing it. I definitely need to work on #7!

Vicki Rocho said...

Good stuff! The picture of the dominoes got to me though. I set some up for my son the other night and EVERY time I got down to the last 3 tiles, I'd knock the works over. Happened like 6 times in a row..sigh.

Hardygirl said...

Wow! My very favorite one is "take a risk a day". It's so easy to get caught up in that safe zone.

sf

Erica Mitchell said...

Such good advice, and reminders for a few of them. I had to push through my comfort zone his week and now that I had my "risk" day (and total meltdown) I am making forward progress!

Stina said...

Awesome advice. I don't know what I would do without my support team. :D

Mary Aalgaard said...

I like the one about taking a risk a day, and building up your support team, very necessary.

Anonymous said...

All great points! And ones we need to diligently do. I need to get back on track, writing my daily intentions, gratitudes, and re-visiting my goals. And doing at least one thing a day that gets closer to acheiving my goal.

Creepy Query Girl said...

Sometimes I feel like if I'm not writing, I'm completely losing momentum towards achieving my goals. Then I remember that there are a lot of ways to make yourself better and help others in the mean time. Great post!

Heidi Willis said...

That's a great list! Taking risks is probably the one I struggle with the most.

I wrote a short story this week. That was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but I think it totally refreshed me and got me motivated to be creative again. I loved that I could write something - and be done writing it - in a day or two. :)

Angela said...

I need to take a nap. Sleep always helps me.

Shari said...

These are excellent!I love #2 (except I use pinterest), and #5 because that just gets you pumped, and #6 'cause just reading that uplifted me, and #7 because I really need that one, and #10 because I completely agree with paying it forward. Heck, I like them all.

Heather said...

What an excellent post! Today I'm going to try to finish the rough draft of the book I'm working on! Moving forward keeps the momentum going for me.

Katie Ganshert said...

Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing this Shannon!

Natasha Hanova said...

Great tips. I'll have to print them out as a visual reminder when I feel myself slacking off.

Carla said...

I also love #7--risks can lead to so many great things!

Carla

Tales of Whimsy said...

Attitude! It's soooo important. Great quote :)

Old Kitty said...

It's nice to be able to visualise one's goals!!! Being positive and having a good support group are so essential aren't they!??! Great points here, thank you!! take care
x

Jemi Fraser said...

Love, love, love the advice to take a risk a day - perfect! :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Shannon -

Wonderful post! I'm putting what I learned into practice by starting a new project.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Meredith said...

Yes, yes, yes! I needed this so much today. Thanks, Shannon!

Kari Marie said...

Awesome advice. I could use a couple risk days!

Myne said...

Thanks for sharing this. I'm trying to rally support for the promo of my second book which launched a couple of days ago. Please see details on my blog, I'm open for guest posts, interviews or giveaways. Thanks!

Jessica Bell said...

Great List! At the moment I'm trying to gather some writers for a FACE TO FACE critique group. Proving to be difficult in a non English speaking country! :o)

Allison said...

What a great post! I have so much trouble with momentum (and, um, getting started) but it helps to see a list. Found you on the A to Z challenge, can't wait to read your posts!

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

Lol, I do this everyday, just not with writing

Ishta Mercurio said...

The image of the dominoes is perfect, Shannon.

I love the reminder to take a risk a day. I so need to remember this! Thank you.

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