What would I write if I gave myself 30 minutes EVERY morning without failing to write? Just grab the coffee and sit away from my computer and write. Recently one of my online friends, Gina Parrish, posed this question. I had all kinds of sorry excuses – all kinds. I’ve been told I have a book in me – well that just makes me laugh. Then in her comments she brought up someone I consider a mentor: Dan Kennedy. For those that do not know him he has written a “No BS” series of books that I recommend to entrepreneurs. HE writes every day, even on the day of his mother’s funeral. OK, he writes for an hour, but I bet I could find 30 minutes. I’m willing to commit myself to a 30 day challenge (lol, some of you know how I feel about 30 day challenges!) 30 days of 30 minutes every day before email, before online marketing. I can do that. Are you up to the challenge?
I have been thinking that I want to write a “Sexy” series. Taking things I have studied and taught over the years and write about them from this warrior’s perspective. Leadership is SEXY. Ownership is SEXY. Empowerment is SEXY. Self-Esteem is SEXY. Marketing is SEXY. Hmmm…what would happen in 30 minutes every day? Do you have an opinion on what I should write about? Something you would love for me to share? I have to get over my limiting belief (yes, like you I battle them on occasion!) that I cannot write. It’s really not that hard, I have been writing for 15 minutes right now!
MY new laptop will make this even easier. I can sit anywhere. Which honestly, I sit at my desk working so much that I often don’t FEEL the creative flow there. All my creative juice goes into what I currently do for my business. I also think that writing a thesis in undergrad created some writer’s block for me. That was one of the hardest things I EVER did! But I did it well. It was published 3 times in different journals. It was 60 8.5×11 single spaced pages (typed in WordPerfect, no such thing as MS Word!). I actually wrote on paper then went to “computer lab” to type it. I also have to STOP that. I love paper; I enjoy writing pen to pad. BUT they rarely make it to a place where they can be shared online or in a book, just notebooks full of scribe.
What would you write about if you challenged yourself to 30 minutes every day? I honestly think if I am going to do it I have to learn to type though, I suck since I never took a class. I think the free software that came with my laptop has a course on it! Hmmm…always something to learn huh?
Wow, ok I am doing this – that was 25 minutes. Today August 2, 2011 I am starting my 30 day challenge. Are you in? I am open to checking in everyday! I will even share my progress in the comments below.
I have created 30 days of inspiration for you, to write and connect! Sign up for free!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I’m in…and just what I need to get my new blog full of posts. I will check in everyday too. Thanks for the kick in the butt!
D
whoohoo!Looking forward to it!
I’m in too, Ann. And I just wanted to say that I perceive you as being a great write. Holding you able to come up with some fabulous material on ‘sexy’. Would love to see that!
thanks woman, that means so much!
I have been thinking about writing everyday for quite some time now, but excuses always come. I need a push, and a strong one, so I’m in.
Awesome Diana! I’m going to ask everyone how it’s going every day!
I LOVE this idea Ann. Have been trying to push myself into blogging, but there is always something better to do. This would help me stay committed if there were others doing the same thing.
I’m in.
yay Wendee! Excited for your sparkle!
Hahaha, I hear you on the 30 day challenge! But, I am in too:) Not sure what I will write about but it will come….I am sure. Ohh, a Sexy series sounds fabulous….and I think you are a great writer!!! Looking forward to the challenge:) Oh what to write…
lol! TOTALLY @rita4kids! Hey as you can see I started with “what to write” and look- pretty good post actually! And you know I think you have a few ebooks in you!
hahaha, now I am laughing too….just like you!!! I have LB for sure;) BUT I will overcome….I am on a mission.
Facebook had this fun little thing called the 30 day song challenge where everyday it gave you a topic and you had to find a song to fit. 30 day writing challenge would be cool. You could make 30 days of sentences and have to finish the sentence everyday with 30 minutes of writing?
sounds like that would work for you, but I am not leading the sentence thing- I am allowing the creating energy to flow for everyoen as they see fit.
This is so exciting. I’m actually glad you referenced feelings that keep you stuck! Me too when it comes to being cooped up in my office all day. Okay, you write those sexy posts, I’m actually working on a piece about sex! hahaha Well, specifically about reclaiming intimacy in a world that’s been screwed. To the Swift Sword and the typing maniac! You can do it – or just get words to text software. You are great on the videos.
Love seeing that you two dynamic, smart, extraordinary women are connected… Gina & Ann. Makes me smile even!
Love that your sexy self inspired me @ginaparris
Ok, I’m in too. I’m lazy on the blogging, and have been meaning to get back to my journal as well, so this is a good push.
Does journaling count as our 30-minutes, Ann?
Hmm. I’m tempted to join you in this, Ann. I write. I write often. I write in bursts and then not for a while. But the way I love most to write is to be away from screens, keyboards, desks and even away from pen & paper.
I love to let the play of words and ideas form in my mind when I’m not in the “doing” of well, just about anything. Maybe out for a walk or driving in silence… Then to sit and write.
you are a writer and have found your groove @tambraharck- I so admire that 🙂
OK> Starting Aug 3.
Hey Bruce- if we are connected on facebook I created an accountability group to check in and share- let me know if you want to be added.
I’m in! Will get my 30 min in today a little later, then start tomorrow in am for rest of 29 days. (Typing is not an excuse for me as my first job was typing form letters – back in the time before computers, I typed the entire letter for a Real Estate office many, many times…just normal procrastination for me.)
I will join your challenge next week. I love it!
cool Debbie do you want to be in the group on facebook?
Oh, God, can I really do this. Does it have to be business writing? Can it be personal writing? I’ve been postponing, excusing not writing and I really need to do it. My gremlins are telling me not to do it ’cause you won’t stick to it and will fail. So, what’s the worst that will happen? I won’t make it every day. But I’m going to commit too. Yikes – 30 minutes! Too late tonight, but starting tomorrow – every day for 30 days for 30 minutes.
Go @susandberland it’s writing not what you write that creates!
Anything on self esteem would be appreciated…sexy or not!!! I will definitely read although can’t commit to writing for 30 min…would mean I have to sit still for that long!!! U go girl!!!
I’m taking a travel writer’s course, and one of the first sections said I should begin writing every day. Then I see your post – how did you know? I need to do this. I think I will just write about the day in the life of an Expat in a foreign country – a diary of sorts. I know my followers would love that. So off I go to write, starting on August 3 – thanks for the inspiration, Ann!
Sharon Hiebing
Relocate Without Rose-Colored Glasses!
I do want to start. Today. AUgust 3. When and where do I post what I write?
Bruce- we have started a group on facebook for support and accountability – are we friends? (need your last name to add you)!
Yes, Ann, please add me to the FB group. I actually wrote for a while this am!
Oh I am so in this will give me a shot in the arm or the ass whichever needs to happen first LOL to get back in the groove of writing and blogging regularly. You are smart and SEXY when it come to creativity Ann.
Thanks woman! thrilled to have you!
I am so in! I’ve been thinking about this for the past week or so, and stumbling upon this post and the comments is the extra push I needed. But I love pen and paper; I think I’ll pull out a new journal and a turqoise pen to get the creative juices flowing. I’m ready!
Hello I will also join. Love the challenge. Did one like this before on my group “30 Day Blog Challenge”.
I have created a group on facebook, for energy and inspiration, friend me if you’d like to share with everyone!
Sounds wonderful. Count me in! I’ll look for the Group.
I am in.
How could I not love this?! Writing every day and in the morning is always my goal, sometimes met, sometimes not. I think there is nothing more freeing than giving myself that space to write–whatever.
I really laughed at your memory of doing your thesis. I wrote my doctoral disseration on the earliest style Mac computers (those small desktop things that were like little boxes), and I printed it myself on a dot matrix printer. Before that–typewriters and carbon paper!
If you don’t know how to type, please do learn and let us cheer you on. Writing through your moving fingers (over the keyboard) is very different than writing by hand. I use both, depending on mood and what I’m writing. Learning to type is just a matter of systematic practice (ffff jjjj gggg hhhh…)
Great post and wonderful 30 day challenge.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
“Word maven loves–and learns from–ordinary life.”
I’m in! I think I’m caught up to today; wrote for 90 minutes yesterday and 25 today! WHEW. I guess I have a lot to say lately!
Have been considering this and drawn to it…just viewed Fiona’s video about her decision to join and read her encouraging reply to my comment, and now would like to take part! I would like to start tomorrow, Friday August 5th. This writing will not be business-related, however…hope that is o.k.! My sister has been prodding me for months now to get back into my writing, so this comes at a very good time…she will be happy when I tell her! Thank you to both you, Ann and to Fiona!
So glad to be joining this a little late – have been feeling the urge to write more than just blog and this will give me the push. Starting tomorrow am before email etc and committing to write daily. I think your sexy is a great idea – I may just have to write about becoming Fabulous and Fearless 😉
Louise Edington
Fabulous and Fearless
http://louiseedington.com
I read this when I was in Ohio and I joined your challenge before I flew home. I started on the flight home. So thanks Ann! It’s all a learning experience! And what will result will be full of surprises too!
Julieanne CaseAlways from the heart! Blog: http://www.julieannecasefromtheheart.comReconnecting you to your essence, joy, vitality, youth.| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | AgeLoc Skin Carewww.thereconnectivehighway.com
I’m in, and looking forward to it. Does posting here officially “sign me up”?
This is great! And I am looking forward to the challenge!