Writing and publishing a book about public speaking was a dream that took nearly two years to bring to fruition (and it’s not over yet, there’s still lots of marketing to do!) It was harder than I thought.
From my coaching business, I already had a lot of material on the topic of ‘presentation skills’ so I thought putting it all into a book would be quick and easy, but I wasn’t prepared for all the hurdles, especially around technology.
It was a steep learning curve: everything from the ins and outs of the publishing industry, Amazon’s own quirky rules, finding a narrator that could pronounce my surname, a book cover designer who understood my vision, a professional editor who could start soon and the relentless world of book marketing – it was overwhelming.
There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel. The thought of putting myself out there to ask for reviews, facing rejection, and dealing with the minimal profits from book sales was daunting. Yet, each time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of the bigger picture (and the support and kindness of people in my community).
This wasn’t just about writing a book; it was about helping people who struggle with speaking in public. People who miss out on job opportunities or building better relationships because they don’t know how to use words and body language to connect with others.
I also wanted to be true to myself that when I set a goal, to see it through to the end, no matter what. And a huge driving motivation for me in everything I do, is to be a good role model for my girls. I think it’s important to show them that commitment, hard work and resilience in the face of adversity are worth embodying.
If there’s a goal you’d like to set for yourself, or you need motivation to keep going, here’s a quick outline that I use every time I set out to achieve something.
1. Define Your Goal
Clearly define what you want to achieve. Make sure your goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This clarity will guide your planning and help you stay focused.
2. Establish Compelling Motivation
Understand why this goal is important to you. What will achieving this goal bring into your life? Strong motivation is key to overcoming obstacles as they arise.
3. Set Sub-Goals
Break your main goal into smaller, manageable tasks or sub-goals. These should be steps that gradually lead you towards your larger objective, making the process less overwhelming and more structured.
4. Create a Plan
Outline a strategy that includes what actions you will take, resources you need, and a timeline for when you plan to achieve each sub-goal. Planning helps anticipate potential challenges and how you might overcome them.
5. Follow Those Who’ve Succeeded
Identify and follow people who have achieved similar goals. Learn from their experiences and insights. This can provide valuable guidance and inspiration as you navigate your own journey.
6. Take Action
Start executing your plan. Taking the first step can be the hardest part, but momentum builds as you progress from planning to doing.
7. Monitor Your Progress
Keep track of your progress regularly. This can involve scheduling check-ins on your calendar or keeping a journal of completed tasks. Monitoring helps you stay on track and can motivate you to continue pushing forward.
8. Adjust as Necessary
Be flexible and willing to adjust your plan as you progress towards your goal. If you find certain strategies aren’t working, be ready to try new approaches. Adapting is crucial to overcoming unexpected challenges.
9. Reach Out to a Coach
Consider hiring a coach or mentor who can provide personalized advice and accountability. A coach can help you refine your approach, overcome specific challenges, and stay committed to your goals.
10. Celebrate Successes
Recognize and celebrate each success, no matter how small. Celebrating victories along the way boosts your morale and motivates you to keep going.
My gift to you – if you’d like my audiobook for free click the relevant link and sign up to Audible 
If you live in Australia click here. USA click here. UK click here. CAN click here.
