I've got to keep today's post brief as I'm already 30 minutes late for a fantastically fun evening. It's a girls night out! And I've been waiting for this for over 2 months so you can imagine I'm quite excited. :)
Today we got squared away on our upcoming tasks and got things in order. I've got a big plateful of work for the weekend.
But for now I'm off to enjoy a nice evening of food, drinks and laughter. Happy Friday!
Til tomorrow...
Friday, April 6, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Why Do We Do What We Do?
Today I made a mistake or what I now prefer to call a learning experience. The phrase learning experience doesn't have the same connotations attached to it as does the word mistake (or so it goes in my mind).
I sent out an email without prior approval and didn't include all the information necessary. I wondered why I did this since I have been waiting to release several other emails for a few days. After pondering I came up with a few options. I sent it because I wanted to stay on top of my tasks (true). I sent the email because I thought I could do it myself (doubtful). I sent it because I thought I should send it myself (true).
My main reason appears to be that I wanted to prove to myself that I still needed someone to check me out for the best possible copy. That's a good reason really...it's much easier to work as a team than it is to work on your own. Things get done faster, better and smoother. So I perhaps I simply wanted to reassure myself that the team approach is best. And it is!
That wasn't my only learning experience today. I admit I had another struggle in some respects. I'm still learning to release negative thoughts and emotions...especially when it comes to money. It (money) was definitely on mind today. Through experience I've seen that the less I worry about my finances, the easier things are. So why worry? Not sure...but today I got hung up in those thoughts.
So I practice letting it go of those feelings and get back to my center. It will come in time. I'm also considering buying a Holosync CD designed for money and wealth creation. The level one program is working well so I'm pretty sure this CD would be good too.
Holosync has a terrific program! The customer service is pretty good but the best part is they go out of their way to take care of me. :) On Tuesday I received Bill Harris' latest book called "Thresholds of the Mind" and on Wednesday I received more free stuff...some CDs! They sent me a 6 disc set of Bill Harris speaking at a past Holosync retreat and a disc called "Making Change Easy".
If you recall from my post yesterday...I make change difficult. I've improved markedly in that area but my mind still fights it for awhile. Despite the struggle, I do end up going through that wall and the resistance either lessens or sometimes disappears completely. But I believe this CD will make things even easier. Perhaps the wealth CD will help in the financial arena. I could use it about now.
Back to today, I rewrote that mistake email (which took about 20 minutes), sent our apprenticeship email to the Listdotcom.com crew and updated my new laptop.
Tomorrow I'm going to get the details worked out for the apprenticeship program fees, edit the OTO one last time and see what other tasks I've got to take care of. Fun stuff!
Til tomorrow...
I sent out an email without prior approval and didn't include all the information necessary. I wondered why I did this since I have been waiting to release several other emails for a few days. After pondering I came up with a few options. I sent it because I wanted to stay on top of my tasks (true). I sent the email because I thought I could do it myself (doubtful). I sent it because I thought I should send it myself (true).
My main reason appears to be that I wanted to prove to myself that I still needed someone to check me out for the best possible copy. That's a good reason really...it's much easier to work as a team than it is to work on your own. Things get done faster, better and smoother. So I perhaps I simply wanted to reassure myself that the team approach is best. And it is!
That wasn't my only learning experience today. I admit I had another struggle in some respects. I'm still learning to release negative thoughts and emotions...especially when it comes to money. It (money) was definitely on mind today. Through experience I've seen that the less I worry about my finances, the easier things are. So why worry? Not sure...but today I got hung up in those thoughts.
So I practice letting it go of those feelings and get back to my center. It will come in time. I'm also considering buying a Holosync CD designed for money and wealth creation. The level one program is working well so I'm pretty sure this CD would be good too.
Holosync has a terrific program! The customer service is pretty good but the best part is they go out of their way to take care of me. :) On Tuesday I received Bill Harris' latest book called "Thresholds of the Mind" and on Wednesday I received more free stuff...some CDs! They sent me a 6 disc set of Bill Harris speaking at a past Holosync retreat and a disc called "Making Change Easy".
If you recall from my post yesterday...I make change difficult. I've improved markedly in that area but my mind still fights it for awhile. Despite the struggle, I do end up going through that wall and the resistance either lessens or sometimes disappears completely. But I believe this CD will make things even easier. Perhaps the wealth CD will help in the financial arena. I could use it about now.
Back to today, I rewrote that mistake email (which took about 20 minutes), sent our apprenticeship email to the Listdotcom.com crew and updated my new laptop.
Tomorrow I'm going to get the details worked out for the apprenticeship program fees, edit the OTO one last time and see what other tasks I've got to take care of. Fun stuff!
Til tomorrow...
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Have You Created Your Own Story?
Or have you let others create it for you? It's an interesting question to ponder and consider. Most of us have let others create it or we've simply created by default. Before the apprenticeship I had built most of my life by default and not by conscious choice. One of the few exceptions to that was my move to Colorado 2.5 years ago. I choose to be here and I choose when I came here. But I didn't learn the lesson in that choice clearly enough to apply it to the rest of my life. When I decided to move here I made the decision, I committed to it (my deadline was before I was 30. I actually made it here when I was 28) and then I acted on it. I had no clue how I was going to make it happen but I knew I'd figure it out. Eventually I did.
But the point of my explanation there is that I didn't apply that approach to the rest of my life because I didn't realize that was how you create your life instead of letting things happen. Letting things happen to me has never worked out well for me. I'm quite stubborn and strong-willed so it's much better if I just create my dreams into reality. It works out well for everyone. :)
Today I learned many lessons...and I think I only recognize a couple (the create your own story being one of those lessons). I also learned a little about negotation and about living with your purpose in mind. I'll get to the purpose-driven living in a moment but first I'd like to share my negotation story with you.
I needed a chair for my office. I have a nice desk and a nice laptop to go on that desk. However I did not have a chair (there's a definite metaphor there but I'll let you delve into that..I'm a bit tired after a serious gym workout). So we decided it was time to get one so I could sit at a proper desk like a proper world class copywriter. But instead of just walking into a store and buying whatever suited my fancy, we decided I should negotiate my way into a good deal. And we practiced. And practiced. And practiced..until we were both exhausted. I was not a fan of negotiating and hadn't done so regularly. Mainly because I didn't believe I was worth the effort and I didn't feel I was helping the other person. But we changed that today (YAY! Another pattern bites the dust!!!).
After our practice sessions, I found a used office furniture store, called them, got directions and went for a visit. The nice receptionist, Carla, found a salesperson for me, Dave. Dave and I chatted about what I was looking for..mainly interested in chairs under $50. They're used chairs so it was viable.
Dave and I strolled the showroom looking at different chairs and testing them out. I didn't find anything at first but after our second stroll down the aisle I found a nice black drafting chair. I LOVED it...wanted it immediately. So I asked Dave if we could see it, sit in it and roll it around. We did.
Dave looked at the price tag and said..well it's $49.99. I could go down to $25 for you. And I said "Well Dave, how about $20?" And he said "I'll meet you in the middle. How's $22.50?" I said "Perfect! You've got a deal!".
Now here's the really interesting part...when we rehearsed this negotiation our rehearsal was almost word for word the exchange I had with Dave. BUT in our rehearsal I asked the sales person if they could go down to half of the price (in reality Dave already went down to half the price..I didn't have to ask). AND in our rehearsal we practiced that same exact line that Dave said "How about if I meet you in the middle?"
Fascinating right?!! Did I create that story? Well we created that story but you get the idea.
So if I can create a simple negotiation for an office chair (and it's a fantastic chair I must tell you), why not create every other experience? Sure! I'm all for it. The negotiation was fun. Dave made a sale, I saved some money and everybody wins! In fact, that's exactly what I said to Dave...everybody wins. I took his card and will definitely give him more business because after he gave me that discount, he even loaded the chair into my car for me. I didn't have to ask - he just offered. And that offer was another part of our rehearsal.
Are you finding that as "trippy" as I am?? I'm just fascinated by it. Absolutely fascinated.
So before I go off into la-la-land to explore that let's get back to the purpose-driven living. I told you I had created my personal mission statement...but I never told you what it was. I think I was tired and lazy that night. Here it is...
I was born to inspire others with my growing personal greatness through my writing, my teachings and my abundant creations in all areas of my life.
I like it. It could be summarized I'm sure but I started with about 10 sentences and this is what fits for me right now. It basically says I want to lead a life to inspire myself and others and I'm going to share my stories through writing and teaching. That word teaching includes mentoring, public speaking and one on one coaching.
At first I thought it was a bit lofty but I realize I already do it almost every day. I talk to the people in my life about my experiences and they see the changes. They see how I'm much more positive, hopeful, joyful and loving. I'm a better me and I want to share that story with the world.
I understand there will be challenges in that journey but what fun is life if there aren't challenges? I read a quote recently that said something to this effect:...don't ask for an easier life but ask for the strength to embrace challenges and surmount them with greater ease and elegance.
I really like that idea. I don't want an easier life...that's boring. I believe with great challenges comes great opportunities. And if you want to improve your life, you take advantage of great opportunities.
I want to wrap my arms around each day and face the challenges head on with joy, love and grattitude. And to do a big ole happy dance at the beginning and end of each day!
That's what I call fun!!
Til tomorrow...
But the point of my explanation there is that I didn't apply that approach to the rest of my life because I didn't realize that was how you create your life instead of letting things happen. Letting things happen to me has never worked out well for me. I'm quite stubborn and strong-willed so it's much better if I just create my dreams into reality. It works out well for everyone. :)
Today I learned many lessons...and I think I only recognize a couple (the create your own story being one of those lessons). I also learned a little about negotation and about living with your purpose in mind. I'll get to the purpose-driven living in a moment but first I'd like to share my negotation story with you.
I needed a chair for my office. I have a nice desk and a nice laptop to go on that desk. However I did not have a chair (there's a definite metaphor there but I'll let you delve into that..I'm a bit tired after a serious gym workout). So we decided it was time to get one so I could sit at a proper desk like a proper world class copywriter. But instead of just walking into a store and buying whatever suited my fancy, we decided I should negotiate my way into a good deal. And we practiced. And practiced. And practiced..until we were both exhausted. I was not a fan of negotiating and hadn't done so regularly. Mainly because I didn't believe I was worth the effort and I didn't feel I was helping the other person. But we changed that today (YAY! Another pattern bites the dust!!!).
After our practice sessions, I found a used office furniture store, called them, got directions and went for a visit. The nice receptionist, Carla, found a salesperson for me, Dave. Dave and I chatted about what I was looking for..mainly interested in chairs under $50. They're used chairs so it was viable.
Dave and I strolled the showroom looking at different chairs and testing them out. I didn't find anything at first but after our second stroll down the aisle I found a nice black drafting chair. I LOVED it...wanted it immediately. So I asked Dave if we could see it, sit in it and roll it around. We did.
Dave looked at the price tag and said..well it's $49.99. I could go down to $25 for you. And I said "Well Dave, how about $20?" And he said "I'll meet you in the middle. How's $22.50?" I said "Perfect! You've got a deal!".
Now here's the really interesting part...when we rehearsed this negotiation our rehearsal was almost word for word the exchange I had with Dave. BUT in our rehearsal I asked the sales person if they could go down to half of the price (in reality Dave already went down to half the price..I didn't have to ask). AND in our rehearsal we practiced that same exact line that Dave said "How about if I meet you in the middle?"
Fascinating right?!! Did I create that story? Well we created that story but you get the idea.
So if I can create a simple negotiation for an office chair (and it's a fantastic chair I must tell you), why not create every other experience? Sure! I'm all for it. The negotiation was fun. Dave made a sale, I saved some money and everybody wins! In fact, that's exactly what I said to Dave...everybody wins. I took his card and will definitely give him more business because after he gave me that discount, he even loaded the chair into my car for me. I didn't have to ask - he just offered. And that offer was another part of our rehearsal.
Are you finding that as "trippy" as I am?? I'm just fascinated by it. Absolutely fascinated.
So before I go off into la-la-land to explore that let's get back to the purpose-driven living. I told you I had created my personal mission statement...but I never told you what it was. I think I was tired and lazy that night. Here it is...
I was born to inspire others with my growing personal greatness through my writing, my teachings and my abundant creations in all areas of my life.
I like it. It could be summarized I'm sure but I started with about 10 sentences and this is what fits for me right now. It basically says I want to lead a life to inspire myself and others and I'm going to share my stories through writing and teaching. That word teaching includes mentoring, public speaking and one on one coaching.
At first I thought it was a bit lofty but I realize I already do it almost every day. I talk to the people in my life about my experiences and they see the changes. They see how I'm much more positive, hopeful, joyful and loving. I'm a better me and I want to share that story with the world.
I understand there will be challenges in that journey but what fun is life if there aren't challenges? I read a quote recently that said something to this effect:...don't ask for an easier life but ask for the strength to embrace challenges and surmount them with greater ease and elegance.
I really like that idea. I don't want an easier life...that's boring. I believe with great challenges comes great opportunities. And if you want to improve your life, you take advantage of great opportunities.
I want to wrap my arms around each day and face the challenges head on with joy, love and grattitude. And to do a big ole happy dance at the beginning and end of each day!
That's what I call fun!!
Til tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Are Those Your Beliefs or Are They Mine??
Today I mainly worked on emails for the apprenticeship program. We've got 15 interested participants and now it's a matter of lining up emails for each of the tasks. We'll see who makes it! It will be a terrific learning tool for me and for them.
I also tweaked the OTO for the web site so we could finish it and get it off our plates. It's time to move on to other paying gigs.
After those tasks I spent some time reading about negotiating because I know so little. I don't do it consistently but I have done it in the past. I've negotiated for better paying gigs, for the price I determined for my car and on other smaller scales.
Part of that negotiation entailed figuring out exactly what I need and exactly what I want. Right now my need is a different pay rate/salary than my need. This morning I met with a Paychex rep so I could better educate myself as far as taxes, fees, etc. I also emailed my CPA to make sure my salary was what the IRS would consider "reasonable".
Our email exchange (between me and the CPA) was a bit disconcerting initially. An entry-level copywriter in the Denver area makes a median salary of $36K. That's about $8K more than I've ever made so of course that looks good to me.
My CPA however encouraged me to aim lower and start at $1500 a month. He doesn't think my business can handle a higher salary yet.
While I understand his viewpoint, I felt discouraged by that. I felt like he was stifling my goal. And I felt that for a few minutes til I realized that was simply his reflection..his belief system..his thoughts. It had nothing to do with me personally and I respect his opinion. I hired him for a reason: he's a good CPA.
Now in his defense, I can always increase my salary take at any time and trust me, I fully intend to...to the tune of at least $5K a month by December 2007.
So that's where we stand with that. It's completely reasonable for me to aim for $5K by the end of the year and to aim for $10K a month by April of 2008.
I believe it's possible. I believe we will make it happen.
And it will be so fun when I have my own payroll! I like to think about that feeling and focus on it. It feels great!!!! A heckuva lot better than focusing on how I'm going to make that amount. I know I can do it and I'm moving in that direction so the how will simply unfold.
That's it for me for the day. I ran 4.5 miles tonight, I'm tired!!!
Til tomorrow...
I also tweaked the OTO for the web site so we could finish it and get it off our plates. It's time to move on to other paying gigs.
After those tasks I spent some time reading about negotiating because I know so little. I don't do it consistently but I have done it in the past. I've negotiated for better paying gigs, for the price I determined for my car and on other smaller scales.
Part of that negotiation entailed figuring out exactly what I need and exactly what I want. Right now my need is a different pay rate/salary than my need. This morning I met with a Paychex rep so I could better educate myself as far as taxes, fees, etc. I also emailed my CPA to make sure my salary was what the IRS would consider "reasonable".
Our email exchange (between me and the CPA) was a bit disconcerting initially. An entry-level copywriter in the Denver area makes a median salary of $36K. That's about $8K more than I've ever made so of course that looks good to me.
My CPA however encouraged me to aim lower and start at $1500 a month. He doesn't think my business can handle a higher salary yet.
While I understand his viewpoint, I felt discouraged by that. I felt like he was stifling my goal. And I felt that for a few minutes til I realized that was simply his reflection..his belief system..his thoughts. It had nothing to do with me personally and I respect his opinion. I hired him for a reason: he's a good CPA.
Now in his defense, I can always increase my salary take at any time and trust me, I fully intend to...to the tune of at least $5K a month by December 2007.
So that's where we stand with that. It's completely reasonable for me to aim for $5K by the end of the year and to aim for $10K a month by April of 2008.
I believe it's possible. I believe we will make it happen.
And it will be so fun when I have my own payroll! I like to think about that feeling and focus on it. It feels great!!!! A heckuva lot better than focusing on how I'm going to make that amount. I know I can do it and I'm moving in that direction so the how will simply unfold.
That's it for me for the day. I ran 4.5 miles tonight, I'm tired!!!
Til tomorrow...
Monday, April 2, 2007
Rockin' and Rollin'
We're moving forward fairly quickly and I like the momentum.
Today I worked on an invoice and the autoresponder emails for our apprenticeship program. It will be terrific to have these in place so when someone joins, they automatically receive email instructions on their next steps in the program.
Much more in the way of fun times ahead!
Other tasks I completed today:
Til tomorrow...
Today I worked on an invoice and the autoresponder emails for our apprenticeship program. It will be terrific to have these in place so when someone joins, they automatically receive email instructions on their next steps in the program.
Much more in the way of fun times ahead!
Other tasks I completed today:
- Email to Listdotcom.com
- Autoresponder emails (three)
- Blog
- Handwriting
Til tomorrow...
Sunday, April 1, 2007
A Few Additions...
I did accomplish several tasks this weekend in addition to attending church this morning.
Here's what I worked on over the weekend:
Isn't life grand?!
Til tomorrow...
Here's what I worked on over the weekend:
- bought Bob Bly's The Copywriters Handbook
- also bought Joe Vitale's The Attractor Factor
- email to Listdotcom.com members
- began first CD in Robert Allen's Empower Yourself!
- crafted my personal mission statement based on that CD
- watched Rocky
- watched The Apprentice
- finished the sales letter
- blog entries
- handwriting
Isn't life grand?!
Til tomorrow...
What Does Your Reflection Say About You?
There's a belief I have come to accept and embrace and it is this...whatever you can see in someone else is something that exists within you.
Basically it means that if I see someone else's beauty and greatness, it is because I have beauty and greatness within me. Cool huh?!
Naturally that applies to "good" and "bad" qualities, everything from joy, passion and happiness to rude, insensitive and jealous behaviors. It's a really fascinating concept that I've recently learned. I understood it a little deeper today...
Today was a wonderful day. I spent the morning at a local church. I had intended to go to a church of religious science (go here to find out what that means) but ended up at a similar neighboring church. They both believe in similar doctrines and frankly any religion/spiritual practice absolutely fascinates me.
I've read and practiced a few different religions delving slightly into Buddhism (very briefly and I'm excited to learn more), Wicca and variations of Christianity. But every time I've gone a bit deeper into a certain faith, I've felt overwhelmed when I attended a service or a ceremony. I'm not entirely sure how to explain but I've felt such immense joy and love flow through that it overwhelmed and overtook my senses. I've often felt the same during yoga and meditation.
Because I haven't been able to channel those feelings or to stay centered when they occur, I've pulled away from the experiences. It's just been too much for to deal with. It feels a lot like an internal volcano exploding and billowing forth. I didn't know a damn thing about controlling the lava flow and although exhiliarating, it was too consuming for me and I couldn't experience it regularly.
For the first time I feel like I can contain that lava flow. I can stay centered and let the feelings pass in the middle of a service. Today I realized why that is true...in those religious services I came into the purest forms of love, joy and immense grattitude but until I could see and experience those feelings within myself I couldn't stay centered when I experienced them in outwardly.
I've tapped into those feelings of bliss inside myself when I'm not in church, yoga, meditation, etc so when I am in a service or a ceremony I recognize the feelings and I simply allow them to be. I'm not even sure that makes sense to anyone else but I understand it.
Just thought I'd share that with you..thanks for reading.
Til tomorrow...
Basically it means that if I see someone else's beauty and greatness, it is because I have beauty and greatness within me. Cool huh?!
Naturally that applies to "good" and "bad" qualities, everything from joy, passion and happiness to rude, insensitive and jealous behaviors. It's a really fascinating concept that I've recently learned. I understood it a little deeper today...
Today was a wonderful day. I spent the morning at a local church. I had intended to go to a church of religious science (go here to find out what that means) but ended up at a similar neighboring church. They both believe in similar doctrines and frankly any religion/spiritual practice absolutely fascinates me.
I've read and practiced a few different religions delving slightly into Buddhism (very briefly and I'm excited to learn more), Wicca and variations of Christianity. But every time I've gone a bit deeper into a certain faith, I've felt overwhelmed when I attended a service or a ceremony. I'm not entirely sure how to explain but I've felt such immense joy and love flow through that it overwhelmed and overtook my senses. I've often felt the same during yoga and meditation.
Because I haven't been able to channel those feelings or to stay centered when they occur, I've pulled away from the experiences. It's just been too much for to deal with. It feels a lot like an internal volcano exploding and billowing forth. I didn't know a damn thing about controlling the lava flow and although exhiliarating, it was too consuming for me and I couldn't experience it regularly.
For the first time I feel like I can contain that lava flow. I can stay centered and let the feelings pass in the middle of a service. Today I realized why that is true...in those religious services I came into the purest forms of love, joy and immense grattitude but until I could see and experience those feelings within myself I couldn't stay centered when I experienced them in outwardly.
I've tapped into those feelings of bliss inside myself when I'm not in church, yoga, meditation, etc so when I am in a service or a ceremony I recognize the feelings and I simply allow them to be. I'm not even sure that makes sense to anyone else but I understand it.
Just thought I'd share that with you..thanks for reading.
Til tomorrow...
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