Have you ever driven California’s spectacular Pacific Coast Highway? If so, you’re familiar with its many hairpin turns.
In the day, you can see what’s ahead and adapt accordingly. Unfortunately, I didn’t get there during the day, I got there at dusk.
Years ago, when I announced at a National Press Club event that I was taking my business on the road for my “Year by the Water,” most people burst into applause and said, “Take me with you!”
However, two people pulled me aside to express their concern.
One asked, “Are you having a midlife crisis?”
Years ago, I presented a Tongue Fu! seminar about conflict resolution and put up a slide with my adaptation of Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote which said, ‘No one can make us mad without our consent.’ A woman raised her hand and said, “I agree because I’ve lived through it.
Instead of leading meetings and virtual events that fall flat, I suggested building in connection opportunities with breakout sessions, so your participants feel seen, heard and valued as part of the community.
But here’s the thing—breakouts can be game-changers or total time-wasters.
As Emcee of the Maui Writers Conference, I walked the beach every morning. One morning, I saw Pulitzer-Prize winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes) writing away on two high-school composition notebooks… I was intrigued and asked, “Frank, quick question, what are you doing?”
Years ago, I judged a pitch competition called The Dolphin Tank. I reviewed the business plans the night before, including one for a hook you put in your car to put your purse on…
Years ago, while writing my book What’s Holding You Back?, I had just a week left to submit it to my editor—except the Intro wasn’t even finished.
It wasn’t for lack of effort. The more I tried, the more the right words eluded me.
Earlier in my career, I spoke at UCLA for a career-making presentation. There were decision-makers from the LA Times, Macy’s and Mastercard.
I remember thinking at the time, “If I do a great job of this, I’m set for life.”
Years ago, my son Andrew and I were at dinner and I asked, “Going to VA Tech for Homecoming?” He shrugged, “Nah, I’m exhausted.”
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Mom, I want to quit. I’m making good money, but wearing a suit, working in a high-rise, and making cold calls all day isn’t what I want to do with my life.”
“What do you want to do?”…
Did you hear that Barnes & Noble’s top book for 2024 is James? In an interview, author Percival Everett said, “What Jim’s seeking in this world is a recognition of his agency – that’s what writing becomes for him.” He’s right! Writing is an act of AGENCY.
