"I’m having trouble getting started. I tend to pour a lot of energy into something and often have it flop. I want to put myself into things that have good potential."
This is an excellent question submitted in that quick survey I sent out a few weeks ago. (If you haven't done it yet, click here and I will answer your specific question.)
It's excellent because of course you're having trouble getting started if, in the back of your mind, you're thinking, What's the point? It's just going to be a flop, anyway.
It's demoralizing to think of pouring your time, energy, and soul into a project that'll go nowhere.So what's the antidote?
Decide in advance what the opposite of a flop is (the anti-flop, if you will), then purposefully set up your book project to achieve the anti-flop.
There's a sneaky middle step, too, which I'll explain in a mo, but let's start with the first part of this equation.
1. Decide what the opposite of a flop is
What is an anti-flop for you? This will be personal based on what you want to achieve in life, but it might be:
Becoming a bestseller
Having a book to give to your kids
Helping one person who's going through what you went through
Selling a coaching package to someone who read your book and wanted to work with you one-on-one
Selling twenty coaching packages
Getting speaking gigs so you can inspire more people with your message
Holding your book in your hands and knowing you did a thing, and no one can take it away
Making sense of what you went through and finding some meaning in it all
Paying it forward and helping others, because you appreciate that people helped you
Leaving a legacy that will outlive you
Don't overthink this and don't get caught up imagining it should be profound or noble. Acknowledge whatever you're naturally drawn to. No judgement. No second-guessing.
1a. Dig deeper to understand what you really want from that
This is the sneaky middle-step I mentioned. We're not going to judgeour answer from above, but we're going to dig in to understand it.
For a long time, I thought I wanted to write a thriller novel to create a career as an author. When my writing coach (yes, I'm a writing coach who has her own writing coach!) made me pause to consider, I realized I don't really want the career.
I mean, sure, it'd be great. I wouldn't turn it down. But it's not my real motivation.
Really, deep down, I just want to see if I can do it. If I can get a traditional publishing deal. If I can write something other people like.
I thought I wanted a career because that seemed more sensible, purposeful, and, well, justifiable.
But we don't need to justify our desires.
We just need to understand them, so we can work towards them.
When I stopped worrying about all the stuff involved in building an author career, I could focus on just writing the best book I'm capable of. And that gives me the best shot at getting a traditional book deal.
So, what's your anti-flop? Whatever it is, that's cool! Now let's dig deeper.
What appeals to you about that idea?
When you imagine that, what's your favorite part?
If that happened, what would it mean for you? What would you be able to do, say, or feel?
Say your anti-flop is to become a bestseller. Awesome! But dig deeper.
Perhaps having a bestseller appeals because it would mean financial security. That's a great insight. Then you can consider if this is the best route to that deeper desire.
Or maybe a bestseller, for you, would mean validation. Or more people hearing your message. Or something else entirely. Again, no judgement. Just acknowledgement.
2. Purposefully set up your book project to achieve the anti-flop
Once you're aware of what you really want, set up your book project to achieve that.
If you want your book to secure more clients for your coaching business because, deep down, you know coaching is the best way to help people, then purposefully align the book and the business.
Outline your writing so it connects readers to naturally want to engage you for coaching afterwards. Use the book to show the benefits of coaching.
If you want a bestseller because, deep down, you want as many people as possible to read and be touched by your story, then study bestsellers. What's popular? What do people love to read? Then deliberately embed those elements into your writing.
Purposefully aligning our book projects
Projects can flop for many reasons, but often it's because they're not properly aligned with what we really want (and want to put our energy behind).
This requires some up-front work. People are often frustrated when I ask them to hold off writing while we consider these ideas, but the time and mental energy spent here is so worthwhile. It can help you feel confident this will be an anti-flop.
Even if you're not confident yet, you can be purposeful. And that can drive you into action. That can get you started.
What's your definition of an anti-flop? I'd love to hear. Email and let me know.
Thanks,
Liz "No Flop" Green
Editor, Book Coach, and Ghostwriter
Green Goose Writing
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