Motivation is an Inside Job
productivity
Nose to Grindstone
“It’s not easy. I got lots of rejections when I first started out. If you want to write, you have to believe in yourself and not give up. You have to do your best to practice and get better.”
Rick Riordan
The Farewell
To Market
It’s on Amazon.
People ask me why I don’t market it more and try to maximize sales. At this point, I’m not trying to make profits or “become known.” I’m honing my craft and still learning a lot about art and writing.
My goal right now is to make meaningful work in my own voice and to do better with each project.
I’ve adopted Seth Godin’s philosophy (and James Altucher’s ideology) of “choosing myself” and that’s why I’ve chosen self-publishing.
Teacher Retention*
“Public School Teacher Attrition and Mobility in the First Five Years,” found that 10 percent of new teachers in 2007-08 didn’t return the following year, increasing cumulatively to 12 percent in year three, 15 percent in year four and 17 percent in the fifth year. The totals include teachers who were let go and subsequently didn’t find a job teaching in another district.
“Two important findings support what NEA has advocated for a long time. That high-quality mentors and competitive salaries make a difference in keeping teachers,” said Segun Eubanks, director for Teacher Quality at the National Education Association.
Data from edsource.org
Nat’s Final Rule
“Make positive effort for the good.”
Natalie Goldberg (quoting her Zen master)
Get up out of bed.
Brush your teeth.
Pick up the pen and start writing.
From Nat
Getting Younger While Growing Older
“I’m 92 and just getting started.”
Rob Bell quoting one of his audience members on Oprah’s podcast.
Bell talks about the value of wisdom and how our society is overlooking the goldmine within the elderly. Not only that, but he speaks about how focusing and caring about the “wrong things” is making us tired and aging us. It’s a great podcast. You can listen to it here.
Day-by-Day, Hour-by-Hour
“(His) need to win drains him of power.”
Eckhart Tolle (re-telling a Zen Master’s lesson).
Work
*You could ask yourself, “Does my work help propel people or my community or me forward?”
Or are you just getting by?
*Inspired by Mary Oliver’s work
Kismet 
