Writing with Purpose

Much of communication today happens on-line, whether by email, website, or blogs. It is increasingly important to make efforts to ensure that what was intended to be said is actually communicated clearly, without distraction. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you write:

• Be unique and compelling - Make sure that your thoughts are original and purposeful. If you reference another source, do not spend much time summarizing. Create your own ideas and be confident in sharing them.

• Be clear and concise - People will just scan what you write if it is too long. Use simple sentence structure. Make sure every single sentence ties into the main point. Include enough “evidence” to prove your point, but not too much that it becomes tangential. A person should not have to reread a sentence or wonder what you were really trying to say.

• Be perfect - Make sure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors that would distract from your content. Hire an editor if necessary.

It would be advantageous to take the time and effort to invest in becoming an excellent writer. Your credibility and financial success depend on it.

FUDS - Fears, Uncertainties, Doubts

We have a need for consistency in our life. This is what Prescott Lecky, a self-image psychologist believed. We act out of what we believe - our values. Most people are controlled by their fears, uncertainties and doubts - FUDS. We all have FUDS. However, how we let them affect us is a different matter altogether. General Patton was asked if he had fears. His response was a “Yes.” However, he stated, “I never take counsel of my fears.”

Perhaps you are stuck in a job you do not like. What is keeping you there? Or you are fearful of approaching a possible sales prospect. What stops you? Or you protect yourself from failure in all aspects of your life. Think about the remaining years of your life. Are FUDS going to control you until your death day? What a painful existence. What about choosing a life of belief. First, define what you really believe and want. If that is not intact, then FUDS will control you. There is no vision to latch on to in your life. There is nothing to anchor your decisions. Your fears, uncertainties and doubts will surely control you.

I love helping people move beyond their fears and into their beliefs. It is one of the most exciting things to witness - a fully alive human being. I hope your journey to live fully starts today.

Thinking

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle
The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
–Albert Einstein

“I am a camera with its shutter open, quite passive, recording, not thinking.” - A Berlin Diary

In my business coaching with clients, I enjoy helping people think. Einstein commented that it is one of the hardest things to do, that is why so few people actually do it. This happens every day. Ask a person a one-layer deeper question such as, “Why do you think it is a great idea?” or “What is great about the person you are commenting about?” There usually is a pause. You are requesting a thought - something that goes beyond cruise control.

Now apply it to your business. Where will you be in five years if you continue doing what you are doing currently? Think through it. What is it you believe about doing business? Who do you say “no” to? Why? Answering these questions takes thinking. If you dare enter into that struggle, then you will define your standards, beliefs and convictions and just might start living out your values - your beliefs. Dare to think.