My friend and I were traveling back from Palm Springs to AZ today. As we drove through the desert we were imagining what it was like for the pioneers to travel in covered wagons in the heat. Imagine the level of faith and hope that those people had to have? Imagine what it was like to get 1/2 or 3/4 of the way and wonder if you did the right thing? Imagine what it was like to lose people along the way to illness and disease?

In a lot of ways, I think there’s a new breed of 21st Century pioneers…people that are reinventing themselves after long corporate careers…people that are starting businesses…working in network marketing companies, etc. Are you one of them? I’d love to hear from you here on the blog about how you’re reinventing yourself. Can you imagine being a pioneer crossing the country for the chance at gold?

Over the past few years, I’ve had many, many people tell me about the book that they’re writing. I’ve discovered that “writing a book” can mean anything from thinking about a book and having nothing written (in once case for 3 years!) to having a bound prototype of a book including an ISBN number on the back of it.

Are you really writing a book or are you thinking or talking about writing a book and not doing any writing? As harsh as it might seem, the best advice I can give you, is to: Shut up and write! Stop talking, stop thinking and start writing. However, before you do that, here are my three best tips to get your book done.

1) Create an outline before you write. Volume does not create value. Just because you have a lot of words written doesn’t mean that your book is good or has commercial viability.

2) Don’t write and edit at the same time. Writing and editing are two different processes and you will spontaneously burst into flames unless you focus on one task.

3) Believe that you’re worthy of writing a book. Yes, everything has been said before by someone else, but your voice is unique and I guarantee you that it will resonate with someone.

Thank you to Marie Forleo for her great post today where she mentions hiring a writing coach. You can watch the video here. If you want to know more about the writing coach process feel free to call, e-mail, Tweet or Facebook me.

If you just want a quick jump start, grab my awesome eBook, Zero to eBook in 24 Hours or less here. By the way, an eBook can quickly be converted to a traditional book if you have enough content.

Finally, I started an Independent Publishing company. If you’re worried about what you’ll do with your book when you get it done, I’ve got you covered!

Marie Forleo did a great video today called: Are You Too Old? It’s a wonderful topic because age is one of the easiest excuses to use for not doing something. One of my favorite quotes is from the actor John Barrymore: “A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”

Yes, there are certain things that happen to our bodies as we age. However, for the most part, age is a state of mind. You can ALWAYS be young for your age.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I walk this talk. I started graduate school when I was 42 and moved across country this past year to start a new life. I’m okay saying “I’m scared to do something” but not okay saying “I’m too old.” The first comment is honest, the latter is an excuse. Wayne Dyer has and great book called Excuses Begone! How to Change Lifelong Self-Defeating Habits. Gotta love that subtitle! He specifically has a chapter there on the excuse of being too old or young. He wrote the book a couple of years ago after interviewing thousands of people, asking them what stopped them from achieving their dreams. Wayne is easily in his 60′s, maybe older.

Think about someone that you know that is young for their age. I don’t mean immature but has a youthful spirit. We all want to be that person…the one with the good attitude, that’s productive and vital well into their senior years. That’s a choice! Think about it. You chose your attitude and you choose your attitude about age.

Finally, there are a lot of good examples of people that have lived long and productive lives not letting age stop them in any way. One of my favorites is Frank Llyod Wright. Wright designed the Guggenheim Museum when he was 76 years old. If he had said: I’m too old, we wouldn’t have one of the great architectural treasures of the world.

Are you willing to be young for your age? Leave a comment here on my blog. I’d love to hear what you think.

Okay, they’re magic “phrases,” not magic “beans,” but magic beans got your attention and is a way more fun title. So cut me a little slack, okay?

I spent many years in Customer Service and found two magic phrases that I’d love to share with you. The first one is: How is your day going? You can use it if you’re a coach or a parent or just wanting to make conversation.

Drum roll please: How’s you’re day going?

Not How are you doing? or How are things going? or How are you today? specifically How’s your day going?

The difference is subtle but significant. Now you’re not talking about the person but you’re talking about their day.  Test it our on someone that usually clams up on you. You’ll be amazed. Let me know how it works for you here on my blog.

The second magic phrase is: I’m sorry that you’re upset. Inevitably, the customer hears this as: You’re right. Regardless of whether you believe they’re right, tension is immediately diffused.

Another phrase I use a lot is: The customer is always right, even when they’re wrong. Get over yourself, check your ego at the door at your job or even if you work for yourself. Make the customer right and you can turn an unhappy customer into your biggest advocate, even if you are refunding something. Your graciousness in your customer transactions says more about you than what you’re “selling.”

Here’s a link to more great customer advice from a rock solid business woman, Marie Forleo

Dear Tuesday,

You are my favorite day of the week! Unlike Monday, with a bad reputation or Wednesday, the day to “get over” on the way to Friday…Tuesday, you’re filled with possibility.

I tell people you’re the best day to reinvent yourself because you’re filled with possibility.

I look forward to you every week.

Love,

Maryellen

Author Unknown but this is beautiful. Thanks to my cousin Jennifer Donovan for sending it to me.

“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has
been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”