Do You Have One?

TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…by B.J. Taylor

Dear Friend,

Summer is here and with it comes all kinds of fun: outings to the park or the beach, movies, picnics and BBQs, vacations and lazy days. That’s all great, but I’d like to propose a SUMMER STRATEGY for those who want to get something accomplished while still having fun in the sun.

Here’s the 1  2  3

#1 PLAN

Pick just 3 things you want to accomplish this summer. For me, I want to: 1) write and submit two Chicken Soup stories, 2) outline my next nonfiction book so I can begin the writing this fall, and 3) write 6 blog posts so I have a short stack of go-to’s when I’m busy. What THREE things do you want to do this summer? Write them down.

#2 PREPARE

Look at your three. What do you need to gather to make those happen? I asked myself these questions: Do I know what two Chicken Soup books I want to write for? Have I looked at the website to see the story call-outs and deadlines? Do I have 3 x 5 cards for outlining (maybe different colors for multiple POVs)? What blog post ideas interest my blog readers? I need to gather all of my materials ahead of my work time. Do you know what you need so you are prepared?

#3 PERFORM

You planned and prepared, now perform. Take each of your plans and break it down. Look at your calendar. When can you work? Take a Saturday morning or a Sunday afternoon, or an early morning before the kids get up, or late at night when everyone is in bed. You prepared for it, you have all your supplies, so when you find that two-hour window, get busy and get going.

Do you remember what it’s like to have that sense of accomplishment when you do something? Doesn’t it feel good? If you allowed for relaxation time, refreshing weekends, maybe even reading a much-desired book, you’ll enjoy the performance and achievement of your goals so much more. As the summer progresses and you cross first one plan off your list, and then another, look down the road at yourself. Are you beaming with pride? You should be.

Let me know your PLAN for the summer. I’d love to share in your excitement. Just reply to this email or comment on Facebook. We can all encourage and support each other.

Hugs and love, and blessings on your work.

Follow your dreams…
B.J.

P.S. If you want to subscribe to the once-a-month unobtrusive email format of this newsletter, just go to my website and insert your email address right on the home page. www.bjtayloronline.com

What’s Going On:

Family Fun – I came back from Wisconsin with visions of my Great-Granddaughter Aubree in my head (and in my cell phone photo gallery and on my digital camera). She’s precious, sweet, and adorable, and all the accolades I lay on her would never match up to how much I love her. I’ll bet you have loved ones you find precious too. It’s what makes life worth living.

Nothing on the Agenda for Now – So how is your summer stacking up? I have my projects and open prayer time for God to drop in whatever he feels is right for me. How about you?

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Looking for a few good….reviews! We haven’t had a review of Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, and Second Chances since February.

Is anyone reading the CHARLIE BEAR book? We’d love it if you’d post a review on Amazon. Charlie would give you a woof/woof and a paws-up! And I’d say a big thank you!

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Charlie Bear loves to speak (through his Mom Peep of course). Sign up here to get free posts of Charlie Bear’s blog musings: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com.

Want to see him in his photo shoot for Guideposts?
http://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/pet-stories/learning-to-love-charlie-bear

He’s also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliebearwigglesandwoofs
AND on Twitter: @CharlieBearY2K.

Without shame, Charlie says: Check me out! I have a H A R D C O V E R book! You can find it here: http://amzn.to/11uOka6

B.J. Taylor
bj@bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com