What Does Completion Look Like?

I'm a huge Marie Forleo fan and her video today is one that all creative people need to check out. Anyone who embarks on any creative endeavor, be it writing or art or even quilting -- probably starts at least 10 projects for every one that they finish. This can be disconcerting and may make you feel like a quitter for not finishing what you start.

Her video today looks deeper into the non-completion component of creativity, and why it's good for you. Her best advice is to always ask yourself, What does completion look like? This can be interpreted for both the long and short term of any project, and, at least for me, seems like a good way to set framework for daily goals.

The Creating Versus Consuming Ratio

Today I have to line edit a lot of nonsense. Granted it's all nonsense that I wrote, but still, it's a loathsome task that needs to get done, particularly if I want this next book project to see the light of day. (Oh, and I do.)

This video from Marie TV talks about how to balance creating your work with consuming all the fantastic, inspirational stuff out there.

I've never been a fan of reading books about writing. There is only one way to get better at writing, pitching, etc., and that is to do it and then kvetch to others who are at your level or above. But, books about creativity and being centered and all that jazz suck me in all the time. Because creative work has an amazing ability to make you a little loco.

Luckily, there are people like Marie Forleo who seem to read my mind and create videos like this at the exact moment that I need them.

Now. Back to noun/verb agreement.

A Blog To Check Out: The Food Babe

Knowing what's in our food is a hot topic these days, with factory food being the pariah of all things edible. This week on Marie TV, she has a guest named Vani Hari who runs the blog Food Babe, which explores what's really in our food and how we can eat better.

This particular video talks about foods we think are healthy, but actually aren't. It's fascinating. It's a long video but worth the watch.

I also like the point that Marie makes, that people, such as Vani or even myself, can be multi-passionate, and that's OK. Vani loved being a management consultant and she also was fascinated by food. It's important to realize that just because you like one thing, say weddings, you can also like other things, like real estate or New York history. The idea that you can only pursue one area of interest is crazy. It's an important take away.

Back To School And Back To Work

Smell ya later, summertime. Everyone's going back to the grind this week.

On that note, Marie Forleo has some great tips for working from home without distractions. (As well as a naked man wearing a wrestling mask running around her set.) Happy fall!

It's Good To Be Contagious

It's Tuesday, which means I'm mainlining some Marie Forleo. Today she sits down with Jonah Berger, the author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On. Anyone who does any kind of business -- especially start ups -- should watch this and listen to their tips. All great stuff.



You can buy Contagious here:

Following Through On All Your Genius, Creative Projects

Marie Forleo's videos are becoming regular Tuesday features over here, because they are great. Today she tackles a really big issue with people who like to create: how to follow through on all your projects.

As a writer -- and one who likes all things digital -- I get lots of ideas for websites, novels, etc. Following through on those initial warm and fuzzy feelings is hard. Wedding Nugget, which is part of a few affiliate programs to monetize it, actually has an editorial calendar, otherwise no one will ever come back, people won't want to be Vendor of the Week, etc. But other projects, such as a chick lit novel I've been noodling away at for a year, is still unfinished.

Ms. Forleo has some great tips for getting things done, such as making commitments to yourself and not taking on too much at once.

Action Is Magic

I'm a big fan of Marie Forleo, and today I found this video that deals with making decisions when pretty much everything around you sucks. She has great advice -- none of which is preachy -- but it all comes down to three words: action is magic.

Def worth a watch. It's all of five minutes long.