This May Sound Cocky But...
writing and self-publishing a book wasn't that big of a deal - to me.
It has been said, posted, Tweeted and Instagram'ed over and over: "People will always make time for the things they want." I normally see this quote in regards to dating, situationships, talking and what is called the "hoetation" in Rule 6: Learn to Play of The Words I Didn't Listen To by Dominique Wilder ;).
But this powerful quote goes so far beyond who didn't text you back last night and who you are constantly fighting with to get their attention.
People do not only make time for the people they want, but people make time for the things they want to do. With any amount of determination that lives inside of you, if you wake up one day and say you want to do something - you do it. There are no excuses.
Goal setting and accountability are crucial and two of the most slept on processes of personal development. Forget New Years Resolutions and Birthday Wishes about how your next year is going to be "the greatest of your life because blah and blah and blah." I mean, this is what I am going to do, by this date, these are the steps I am going to take to get it done, I am going to do this daily to make sure my goal is met by my set date and I am going to ask a close friend or family member to make sure I get it done.
It is December 23rd, 2015. I am going to write a book. Completed by March 31st, 2016. Right now, I will attempt to do a little research, figure out chapters and do an outline to determine exactly what I am trying to say. I will write 500 words a day - when I don't (although I pray that I do consistently) I will make up for it the next day. Let me text Phylicia, so that I am held accountable for my very specific, actionable goal.
I didn't tell my mother. I didn't tell my father. My sister. My grandmas. My boss. My coworkers. My best friends. Close friends. Associates. Acquaintances. No one.
It was two days before Christmas, you think I wrote 500 words on Christmas Day? NOPE! You think I wrote 500 words the day after? NOPE! But every night, I made a note of how many words I owed myself. About two weeks later, sitting on an Amtrak, I caught up and more! Phylicia will tell you, she never had to keep me on track, she read it and gave me feedback, but never had to tell me to get my life. Because...determination.
Since releasing The Words I Didn't Listen To, numerous people have come to me and discussed their own dreams of writing and publishing, I told them - just do it! I know that all things are not equal, and it may not actually be as easy for the next person as it was for me. But there are plenty of things that come as a serious challenge to me, that are beyond a breeze to so many others. Set realistic, specific and actionable (do not read: easy) goals. Set goals that will make you proud of accomplishing them! Set goals that make you happy. Set goals that make those around you set goals.
Goal setting is nothing without accountability and accountability is nothing without determination. If you really and truly want it, you go out there and you get it! Stay low and build like @JGrandGQ would say.
I challenge you today to set some goals, get stuff done and make yourself proud. There is nothing holding you back today, except you. The era of excuses is over. The beginning of your life starts with determination, willpower, purposefulness, intent, strength of character, tenacity fortitude and force. I hope that beginning is today.
I look forward to seeing your goals unfold.
Ashe.
