Plan Ahead or Look Back? – Taylor’s Tips Newsletter

TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…

Dear Friend,

DO YOU PLAN AHEAD FOR THE FUTURE…

 or…

 DO YOU LOOK BACK AT THE PAST?

I have to admit that I do both. What about you?

I look intently at the future, studying where I’d like to be in six months, one year, five years. I plan for success by attending conferences, submitting to various markets, working on my web presence, blogging, keeping up with my writers’ groups, and by writing, writing, and more writing.

Not all my plans come true, but some of them do. Years ago I had set a goal to break into Guideposts magazine. It took eight years of submitting to the Workshop Contest, but I finally got the envelope in the mail that announced I was a winner. That was back in 2004. I’ve since set new goals, but look to that one as one of my biggest accomplishments. It took years of perseverance and gritty determination, but I did it. What are you planning for? What’s in your future?

As for looking back at the past, well, I do that too. Mostly, I do it with love. I have a three-ring binder in which I place colored photocopies of every piece that I have ever had published: articles in newspapers, stories in compilations, feature pieces in magazines, conference brochures listing my speaking credits, a copy of the Pacesetter Award I earned at Mount Hermon. All of these things bring me great pleasure and serve as a pat on the back when I’m feeling low. And believe me, there are days when I do feel low.

Maybe you look back at your past and you’re not too happy. Haven’t accomplished what you thought you would by now? That’s okay, just keep moving forward. Every inspirational reading you peruse, every daily sunny topic you encounter, all the friends who support and encourage you–these are the things that help you to get yourself out of a rut and onto the road to your future.

So which direction will you choose today?

If you look back at the past, make it a time of loving yourself for your efforts. Then move on toward the bright and sunny future.

How can you get what you really want?
Decide what you want, develop a plan to reach your goal,
follow through, and the odds are great that you too will succeed.
Zig Ziglar

Happy writing and blessings on your work. 

What’s Happening…

Don’t miss out on a chance to win a free Chicken Soup book! Only one more day to comment or subscribe on B.J.’s New Blog! August 31 is the deadline. When you subscribe to the blog you get 25 points and an additional 5 points for every comment you make on any of the posts. (I extended the deadline to the end of August.) The blog has tips on dogs and dog topics, some writing thoughts, and reviews on dog-related books. www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com  (I even post this newsletter there so come on over, subscribe, and be sure to confirm your subscription, then comment on the newsletter on the blog. It will count toward the free book giveaway.)

Chicken Soup for the Soul Deadline is August 31 for the Grandmothers book. Did you get a story in? Check out the website for additional books in the works. www.chickensoup.com

 Follow your dreams…

B.J.

NEW DOG BLOG: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com Facebook: listed on FB as B.j.Taylor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bjtaylortweets

Author of :
“The Complete Guide to Writers Groups That Work”
Available on Amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-4099-7

Check out my website at www.bjtayloronline.com