How to change (and why you should)

Moment of truth: if you don’t like your current results, it may be time to make a change. 
 

One of the most powerful things I’ve heard in the past few years came from one of my master coach instructors, Corinne Crabtree. She said, “I’m willing to pivot my thoughts as many times as needed to create the life I want.” Since then, I've committed to pivoting often—and not only have I had more wins, writing has been a whole lot more enjoyable. (Turns out rigidity is the antithesis of fun.)

 

Yes, sometimes it’s time to change publishers, editors, genres, and the like. But as Corinne notes, the change we often need isn’t our circumstances; it’s our thoughts. 

A willingness to change is a competitive advantage.

The writers who complain the loudest about how “publishing is the worst,” “you can’t make it in this industry anymore,” etc. are inevitably stuck in old business models, old strategies—and most of all, old ways of thinking. And they often give up on their dreams as a result. I don't want this for you, and I'm guessing you don't want it, either. 


So how do you even know what to change? 

I’m not asking you to start crashing publishing parties when you're a true introvert or ditch women's fiction to write, say, space operas under a pen name. But do start asking yourself better questions to get unstuck and figure out the best changes you can make right now. Here are a few of my favorites: 

  • How could I do this just a little bit better?

  • Which thoughts motivate me—and how can I focus on those, instead of negative mental chatter?

  • Is there another approach I might want to consider?

  • What’s the best thing that could happen if I tried this? (This one is my favorite; our brains typically default to the worst-case scenario, but considering the opposite helps us see just how much is possible.)

  • What is one shift that could turn out to be a game-changer for my career?


Answer these questions this week and see if you don’t begin to feel more optimistic, take more action—and yes, get better results. 

By the way, if you want to experience author coaching for yourself, I’d love to coach you for my podcast, You Should Write a Book. Interested? Submit a request here

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