This week has been a lesson of what works and what doesn’t work in life these days. It’s been more of a confirmation of what I already knew than revelations, but it’s always good to take stock and make sure you’re still on the right path and doing what works best for you. For example, this week I’ve discovered that:
Self publishing works. I don’t have anything against my epublishers – in fact, I like them and I learned so much about the publishing process from them. But one thing I learned is that going through an outside source is slow. If I had submitted Progenitor to one of my publishers, it would probably be 12-18 months from now before it got published, if they accepted it. By contrast, I had a final draft and cover worked out in 2 months. Self publishing is a lot faster, and you keep total control of your work, which is handy because writers have to do the bulk of publicity themselves no matter how they publish, so it helps to be able to adjust price points or to run specials when it’s convenient for you. The downside is that with 100% control comes 100% responsibility, but I’ve learned how to divide and conquer when it comes to getting the work done.
Diet and exercise work. I had my annual physical on Monday, and my doctor said I was in the best shape she’s ever seen me in. I guess those T25 ads when they ask if you can give up 25 minutes of scrolling on your phone to get in the best shape of your life aren’t kidding! My weight has gone back up a little since I moved up to the strength training workouts, but the doctor said that’s alright. Plus, she said my foot healed from that break last fall perfectly, and that I’m at no risk for osteoporosis or arthritis in it since it healed without complications. I guess the few people that were predicting a future of pain and doom for this foot are wrong!
Going to a little extra trouble to get the makeup I prefer works. I have my preferences for a reason – because they work! I’m really glad that Avon has brought back it’s loose powder too, because “smooth minerals” makeup doesn’t work for me with my oily skin.
Technology works. Yes, it causes things to change at the speed of light, but after a week of digitizing old files, I see that the benefits of these rapid developments far outweigh the stress of constant adjustment. We do work faster and more efficiently. Remember when typing was a skill limited to secretaries and people at the bottom of the totem pole? Now, you’re handicapped if you can’t type. The advances in technology in every area really have made life better and more enjoyable. However –
Staples don’t work. If I had a penny for every staple I’ve pulled in my career, I’d retire today. If I had a dollar, I could have just pulled staples for a few weeks and called my career done. In this age of digitizing files, paper clips and binder clips have become more valuable commodities than staples. Honestly, I’m thinking about starting a “Staplers Anonym’s” group.
Multitasking doesn’t work (neither does nagging me to multi-task). I quit multi-tasking six years ago, and I’m amazed that people are still frustrated with me for not doing it – especially when my productivity is so high. I learned long ago that I do better when I focus on one thing at a time, because I make fewer mistakes. Sure, there are times when I’m required to put something aside for a more urgent issue, but that’s rare – and also when I’m most likely to make errors that frustrate people and need to be corrected later.
Using discernment works. I had an incident this week when somebody said they lost my number and looked me up on Facebook. Thank goodness I’ve limited the access to my profile and posts, but all they would have seen are a bunch of things about my writing, pictures of birds, me admonishing Tyrion Lanniser to release the dragons on Mereen on Game of Thrones, and silly reposts I’ve seen across the web. Seriously, anybody stalking me would have a sure cure for insomnia in minutes! Still, it’s a good reminder to be careful. I hope you all know to use discernment in all things online – and in every other area of life! After all, there are enough lurkers, trolls, and busybodies stalking you. Don't make it easy for them!
My discoveries are of the obvious this week. That’s ok. It’s good to have confirmation that all things are still rolling in the right direction!
That’s all today. Take care. Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Bye!
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