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In this episode, I discuss my own decade in review (2009-2019) for my creative writing business, what 4 practices and strategies have given me the most explosive growth, and how I am setting myself up for success in the 2020s. I also reveal my “word of the year” for 2020 and what’s coming for the podcast as emerging technologies continue to compress the gap between science and science fiction.
My Top 4 Growth Practices
- Coaching and mentorship
- Exercise
- The 5-Second Rule
- Research
Coaching and Mentorship
When you are working toward a huge goal, the distance between where you are and where you want to be will be shortened dramatically if you work with a coach.
All athletes who are serious about their progress or performance work with a coach. Mentorship in business is hugely important. You’re more likely to make consistent progress that lays a foundation for success if you have someone challenging you to do better and put forth more effort than you think you can give. A good coach encourages you, but also pushes you…hard.
My big break into screenwriting came because I was in search of mentorship. I chose the Industry Insider Screenwriting Competition because that was the semi-final prize: the chance to work one-on-one with a script coach to complete the project.
Since then, I’ve continued to invest in coaching for my writing…and I’m not planning to stop anytime soon!
What’s Exercise Got to Do with It?
Answer: Everything.
I’ve found a direct correlation in my own life between how hard I push myself physically and how aggressive I am in my goal-setting. The confidence that comes from completing something that’s physically demanding inspires confidence in every other area of life.
Moving your body changes your brain. If you’re feeling stuck, or uninspired, or just sluggish, try committing yourself to a daily exercise routine. 30 minutes a day of movement is one of Rachel Hollis’s 5 to Thrive practices, and it’s also cited by Brendon Burchard as a staple for anyone who hopes to thrive as a High Performer. And, from my own personal experience, it’s a non-negotiable!
The 5-Second Rule
Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule has transformed my tendency to overthink all of my decisions. I used to analyze everything to death — and I’d get so lost in the weeds that I’d end up completely stalled out. Now, when I see opportunities, I go with my instinct and take a chance.
We can get so consumed with a fear of failure that it means we never succeed. The 5-Second Rule helps you shut off your fear response and take action on your dreams.
Bonus: It’s helped me overcome my intense fear of flying!
I 100% recommend this resource for anyone who wants to see transformation in their lives! Grab a copy here — you won’t regret it.
Recommitting to Research
You can’t write from an empty well. I went through a pretty intense creative drought over the summer last year, and that’s when I decided that I needed to recommit to a reading and research program that would help me fill my tank.
I started by making some small tweaks to my social media consumption — I followed Wired, Curiosity.com, and Futurism on Instagram. Reading the stories they post will often lead me to deeper reading and research, and I keep a folder on Evernote to store interesting material. When I need a new story idea, I go into that folder and review these resources.
The other thing I did was to start the Subject Matter Expert podcast. Getting the chance to talk to scientists and other science fiction writers has been the perfect way to reignite my passion for research and learning.
These practices have ended my creative drought — and now I have the opposite problem! But I’m certainly not complaining about that!
My Word for 2020
I really like the practice of choosing a word for your year. My word for 2020 is acceleration.
It reminds me to lean in to the things I care about and want most, to back off on things that I’m less passionate about, and to change direction totally on things that are holding me back.
Have you chosen a word for this year? Drop a comment below and let me know what it is and why you picked it!
Peace,
S.K.
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