adding spice to your life
This incredible APODS Series, written by Amanda Cabot is a must read for not only writers, but EVERYONE and I recommend you apply APODS to your life. I am a writer and a practicing attorney, and I found it extremely useful in mine. This post will take you through a summary of each article and … Continue reading “PUBLISH DON’T PERISH — TIP #5: Apply APODS to Your Life”
At last! We’ve reached the final step of APODS: Support. Some of that support is external, but you may be surprised to learn that a large part is internal. Although writing is by its very nature a solitary profession, there are times when we need help if we’re going to reach “The End.” That’s why … Continue reading “APODS – Support by Amanda Cabot”
When your goal is “Getting to the End,” it doesn’t matter how much analysis, prioritization, and organization you’ve done if you’re not willing to take the next step and discipline yourself to write. I know, I know. No one likes the word “discipline,” so let’s call this the “Just DO It!” step. It’s not necessarily … Continue reading “APODS — Discipline by Amanda Cabot”
We’re going to wrap up our discussion of Organization this month with advice from two experts as well as my own suggestions for how to keep yourself organized. We’ll start with Steven Covey, whose The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic. When talking about organization, Covey has one simple suggestion: Substitute weekly … Continue reading “APODS – Organization: Part Two by Amanda Cabot”
Welcome back to APODS. Are you ready to talk about organization? I hope so, because I want to share some precepts from experts in time management and organization. This month’s post focuses on ideas from Marilyn Paul, whose It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys is one of my favorite … Continue reading “APODS – Organization: Advice from the Experts by Amanda Cabot”
This month we’re going to conclude our discussion of priorities by talking about opportunity cost. Are you familiar with the term? The basic concept is that resources, whether time, money, energy, or something else are finite and that the cost of something is not absolute. Rather than measuring dollars or minutes, opportunity cost measures what … Continue reading “APODS – Priorities: The Opportunity Cost by Amanda Cabot”
This month we’re going to conclude our discussion of William Bridges’s Four Ps (Purpose, Picture, Plan, and Part) by outlining the way to develop a successful Plan. The final step will be to identify the Parts everyone will play. In prior months, you developed a Picture of what it is you want to accomplish. Now … Continue reading “APODS – Priorities: The Four Ps (Part Three – Plan and Part) by Amanda Cabot”
Welcome back. As I promised last month, we’re continuing our discussion of picture, the second of William Bridges’ Four Ps (Purpose, Picture, Plan, and Part), with an explanation of how to make your goals SMART. SMART, as you undoubtedly guessed, is an acronym. It stands for: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-Bound. You need all five … Continue reading “APODS – Priorities: The Four Ps (Part Two – SMART Goals) by Amanda Cabot”
Last month we talked about the fact that getting to “The End” often involves change and that change can be difficult. The good news is that change can and should be managed. That’s where the Four Ps can help. What are the Four Ps? William Bridges identified them in his book, Managing Transitions. Purpose – … Continue reading “APODS – Priorities: The Four Ps (Part One) by Amanda Cabot”
Are you ready to address priorities? They’re the second step in the APODS process and one of the most important, so let’s get started. In his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey advises us to “organize and execute around priorities.” While that may sound simple, many of us find it … Continue reading “APODS – Priorities: Getting Started by Amanda Cabot”
