Pitching Goals

It may be summer - and baseball season - but that's not the kind of pitching I am talking about.

Pitching - sharing your ideas, books, expertise in an effective and persuasive manner - is essential, no matter what your business. On a recent GoalChat, I discussed Pitching with Dave Bricker, Paula Rizzo, and Michael Roderick. Dave Bricker is a Business Storytelling Expert, Speakipedia; Paula is a Media Consultant and Trainer, Listful Living; and Michael is a Connector, Small Pond Enterprises. The trio shared what is pitching … and what it is not. Dave, Paula, and Michael also talked about how to create a pitch, as well as what it takes for you and your pitch to stand out and succeed.

What Goes into a Pitch 

• Paula: The hook, the twist, and the takeaway 
• Michael: Accessibility, influence, and memorability 
• Dave: A pitch is a CAST Call: Conflict, agitation, solution, transformation, and then a call to action

Watch Our Conversation:

Goals

• Dave: Stop talking about yourself and start talking about the person you are serving
• Paula: Make a list of the questions you are always answering; a pitch is not about what you know, it’s what others care about 
• Michael: Step out of the longest line; those are full of the people who do not think they have a shot and getting access. Instead, find innovative ways to do the outreach; you never know the amazing results waiting for you

No matter what your genre, format, or expertise, being able to pitch yourself to publications, audiences, and decision-makers is a skill that will serve you well.

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you pitch yourself, your books, and/or your business? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Podcast Guesting Goals

Part of being an author is putting yourself out there, sharing your knowledge, and cultivating new audiences. A great way to do that is to be a guest on podcasts.

On a recent GoalChatLive, I talked about podcast guesting with Mike Allton, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Agorapulse; Jackie Lapin, founder of SpeakerTunity, and Anastasia Lipske, founder of Access Speakers. Mike hosts multiple podcasts, while Jackie and Anastasia focus on helping experts find stages … and microphones.

How to Find Podcasts to Guest On 

• Mike: Decide what kinds of show, topics, audiences, and start listening to those kinds of shows 
• Jackie: Google podcasts on your topic, make sure it’s still recording new episodes
• Anastasia: Search topics on ListenNotes.com and then look the shows up on Apple podcasts to check out the most recent episodes; before pitching yourself, do your due diligence and make sure they interview guests 

How to Be a Good Guest 

• Anastasia: Be smart, be helpful; bless the audience with your knowledge 
• Jackie: Have a media kit to send to the host after they book you. This includes your bio, on-air intro, 20 questions you want to be asked (in order), and the “learn more” page with your contact info and social media links 
• Mike: Have the gear, you need to look and sound good 
• Mike: Talk about the pains and problems that you solve, add value 
• Anastasia: Share the episodes; no host ghosting 
• Jackie: Use quotes from your episodes (and/or testimonials from hosts) in your speaker sheets

Watch Our Conversation:

Goals

• Mike: Carve out time to repurpose a clip out of a previous podcast 
• Anastasia: Ask friends and clients what shows they listen to that they think you should be on 
• Jackie: Book 3 hours in your calendar every week to dedicate to podcast guesting activities

When you guest on podcasts the goal is to have an experience that's a win-win-win: for the host, the guest, and the audience.

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

What's your best podcast guesting tip? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Honoring Your Voice

As a writer, your voice is one of your most powerful assets. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, novels, screenplays, marketing copy, you must accept, harness, and amplify that power to make the most impact with your words.

On a recent GoalChatLive, I discussed Honoring Your Voice with Stacia Crawford, David H Lawrence XVII, and Richard Walter. Stacia is a media strategist and founder of Stay Ready Media; David, who is an actor, voiceover artist, and educator, is founder of Narrate Your Own Book; and Richard, a long-time (now retired) screenwriting professor at UCLA, is a screenwriter and author, whose latest book is called Deadpan. The trio, who work in various aspects of storytelling (PR, voiceover, and writing), talked about the power of words, owning your voice, and more.

How to Honor Your Voice 

• David: Your voice is far better than you think it is; realize the value of being human
• Richard: Stop striving for perfection 
• Stacia: Make sure you have something worth saying

Watch Our Conversation:

Goals

• David: Reframe how you look at your voice 
• Richard: Allow yourself to get distracted 
• Stacia: Stop worrying about what other people think; your voice, your message, is unique to you

You have something to share - to write - say it loud and proud. That is the best way to honor your voice!

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you honor your voice? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Writing & Publishing Goals

Do you have writing and publishing goals? If you landed on this blog, I am guessing the answer is "Yes."

On today's GoalChat, I spoke with authors/educators Amy Friedman, Marita Golden, and Susan Shapiro about the topic. Amy Friedman is author of Desperado's Wife and publisher at Out of the Woods Press, Marita's fiction and non-fiction titles include The Strong Black Woman and A Woman's Place, and Susan's books include The Book Bible and The Byline Bible.

If You Want to Get Published

• Susan: Research potential publications first. Read what they publish, before you pitch
• Amy: Decide what you want, writing-wise, and then figure out what that means
• Marita: You need to know how hard it is and how good you have to be

Watch Our Conversation:

Writing Goals

• Susan: Write three pages about your most humiliating secret ... that you can put your name on 
• Amy: Write three pages in a style or genre you haven't tried 
• Marita: Write three pages from a point of view of doing something out of character
• Marita's Bonus Goal: Write a letter to yourself, congratulating yourself for being a badass

Whether you write long form or articles - whether your specialty is fiction, non-fiction, or memoir - being a writer starts with a decision to write. It continues with education, research, revision ... and putting yourself out there. 

Go for it! We know you can do it! 

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

What is your best writing tip? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Prioritizing Personal Goals

In the constant search for work-life, writer-life, personal life balance, it's helpful to remember that personal and professional goals go hand in hand. When your personal life is going well, while it may not give you as much dramatic material, it does make your professional easier. The reverse is also true. 

On a recent GoalChatLive, I dove into the topic of Personal Goals with Erik Fisher, host and producer of Beyond the ToDo List; Nona Prather, an author and speaker booker; and Michaele Weissman, author of The Rye Bread Marriage, along with other books and articles. 

 The panel shared their takes on personal goals, what stops people from prioritizing them, tips for finding balance, and more.

What Are Personal Goals

• Erik: Checking in with yourself
• Nona: Quality of life
• Michaele: Managing work and family effectively

Goals

• Michaele: Beyond networking, find your core group of supporters. And let them know/show how much you appreciate them
• Erik: Get more and better sleep
  
• Nona: Do at least three things per day that stretch you a little

Watch Our Conversation:

Final Thoughts

• Nona: Don’t let your goals scare you. There’s never a perfect time to do the things you want to do
• Michaele: Now is the time
• Erik: Maybe now isn’t the time. But still write down the things. Soon may be the time

Even if all you do is schedule one appointment a week to prioritize your personal goals - though I hope you do more - it will certainly make a difference in keeping you productive, healthy, and happy! 

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

What are your wins for 2023? What wins are you planning for 2024? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Goals for Winning

Before you set goals, count your wins. Winning is the fuel that keeps you motivated on the road to achieving your goals. This is especially for long-form projects like novels, screenplays, and non-fiction books. 

On a recent GoalChatLive, I talked about winning with Aime Card, author of The Tigerbelles; Annie Korzen, 85-year-old TikTok influencer and author of The Book of Annie; and Liz Lachman, a filmmaker, whose documentary Susan Feniger FORKED is currently on the film festival circuit. 

All three have pursued projects that define what it means to win. 

Winning Words to Live By

• Aime: “I’m tired is not the time to quit.” 
• Annie: “Yeah, why not” 
• Liz: “Leave me alone”

Winning Goals

• Annie: Phone a friend who doesn’t realize you feel like they are neglecting you Aime: Get out of your comfort zone Liz: Literally jump for joy

Watch Our Conversation:

Final Thoughts

• Annie: To appreciate what you’ve got, make the best of what you’ve got 
• Aime: Gratitude goes a long way 
• Liz: Another therapist told me: Your head is the secretary. The gut is the boss. The gut says, here’s what I want to do. The brain makes it happen. Don’t confuse the two. Don’t let the brain start making the decisions

I hope you have a successful year full of joy and lots of progress, Start by counting your wins. And let that energy carry you through the ups and downs you face along the way. Happy New Year!

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

What are your wins for 2023? What wins are you planning for 2024? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Writing, Reading & Learning

As writers, we are always looking for inspiration, whether we want to revitalize old writing projects or start on new ones.

Last month, on GoalChatLive, I discussed about writing, reading, and learning - and how all three work together - with authors Judy Baker, Guy Morris, and Lisa Niver. Judy Baker is the Book Marketing Mentor, Guy Morris specializes in intelligent action thrillers, and Lisa Niver is author of Brave-ish. The panel shares their writing journey and projects, thoughts on reading, advice for writing, and so much more.

Their Writing Proceses

• Guy: Begins with the premise, does 2 to 3 years of research, then outlines, writes first draft, edits, edits, edits, does more research, more edits. 
• Judy: Starts by dictating to get the ideas out, since she edits too much when writing. Also, she uses music and aromas to get in the zone, since the more senses you can involve, the deeper your writing.
• Lisa: Uses her teaching background and gives herself homework. She seeks inspiration - music, notes, videos - and uses that as resource.     

Writing Goals 

• Judy: Find something you are grateful for and write about it. It sets you up for a positive mindset … you will be far more productive 
• Guy: Learn to love to learn. Find out what you want to know and then learn it. 
• Lisa: Get a book out of the library and start reading it. 
• Summary: Write for 5 minutes a day, learn for 5 minutes a day, read (or listen to an audiobook) for 5 minutes a day

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts 

• Lisa: Take advantage of the change of season to set goals and make new plans. 
• Guy: Never let your past define your future. Keep moving forward. You and your writing will get where you want to go. 
• Judy: Your book marketing is like growing a garden. Plant new seeds every day.

Whether your focus is on fiction or non-fiction writing, look at things differently, so you can breathe new life into your work  

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you reinvigorate your writing? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Creativity Goals

Creativity is a foundational element for any business. This is true for writers, marketers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and/or all of the above. To keep things fresh - your projects, your perspectives - it is extremely important to try different things. That's why you want to set set Creativity Goals.

On a recent GoalChatLive, cartoonist Chari Pere and creative producer Damion Taylor joined me for a conversation on creativity. Chari and Damion shared their backstories, what stops people from being creative, how to tap into and/or replenish your creative spirit, and so much more.

Tapping Into Your Creativity

• Damion: Work on the things you can control and stop worrying about the things you can’t. You may come up with solutions when doing other things 
• Chari: Get outside of your head. Try running, exercise, brainstorming 
• Damion: Spend time alone, even if it’s only for 5 or 10 minutes 
• Chari: Give yourself permission to explore. Curiosity and collaboration are also super-helpful     

Creativity Goals 

• Damion: Challenge yourself. Find 15 red things (or green things or blue things) and write down why are they connected. See how they tell a story about you 
• Chari: Take 15 minutes to do what you want to do for yourself

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts 

• Damion: It’s okay to give yourself permission to enjoy things. It's such an important part of the creativity process.
• Chari: Just do it!

Even if you consider yourself creative by nature, there are always new mediums to try. Are you a creative writer? Paint a picture. Are you a fine artist? Take an improv class? Do you have lots of "creative" pursuits, try cooking, gardening, or a new sport.

Taking the time to develop your creative muscles, makes it a win-win for you and your audience/clientts.  

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you explore your creativity? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Self-Advocacy Goals

Whether you are building a business, a writing empire, or both, you need to be known. And to do that, you need to step out of your comfort zone and start advocating for yourself!

On a recent GoalChatLive, I discussed self-advocacy with Jackie Bailey, founder, The Speak Feed Lead Project; Jamie Martin, a life and leadership coach; and Bob Wheeler, host of the Money You Should Ask podcast. During our conversation, Jackie, Jamie, and Bob shared what self-advocacy is, the value of self-advocacy, how to get better at it, and more.

Self-advocacy is ... 

Having the ability/courage/desire to speak up for yourself (Jackie), Coming from a place of alignment, so you can voice your values (Jamie), and becoming your own champion (Bob).  

How to Self-Advocate  

• Jackie: Stop worrying about how everyone will react to what you are doing. Ask yourself: 
• What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this? 
• What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this? 
• What’s the best thing that can happen if I do this? 
• What’s the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
• Bob: Get clarity. If you know your purpose, it helps you align with self-advocating, since it’s in service to others. 
• What do I want?
• Why do I want it?
• Why don’t I have it?
• What am I willing to do to get it?
• Jamie: Practice. 
• Take a video of yourself self-advocating!

Self-Advocacy Goals 

• Jamie: Become aware of what stops you from sticking up for yourself. When that happens, write it down, so you can objectively look at what is happening.
• Jackie: Write long-hand where you are vulnerable and why, and why you hesitate about advocating for yourself. Then think about how you learned it and change the story to include “I can do this.”
• Bob: Make a list of top 5 things you are not self-advocating. Pick the one that is least scary. Set a deadline to get it done.

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts 

• Bob: Gratitude. Being grateful goes a long way.
• Jamie: You have a voice and it needs to be heard, so others can learn from you.
• Jackie: Your voice is your superpower. Advocate for others, as well as yourself.

When you advocate for yourself - when you build a platform and shout from the "rooftops" - you not only help yourself. You help others who need to learn from you, understand your message, or be entertained by your work.

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you self-advocate? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Pivoting Goals

Sometimes in work - and in life - you need to alter your course aka pivot. This can apply to a writing project, a marketing initiative, or something entirely different. How you embrace change, whether by choice or by circumstance, can make all the difference. 

I had a wonderful conversation on pivoting - aka left turns - last month on GoalChatLive. My guests were Matt Bailey, founder of SiteLogic; Cheri Ruskus, whose company is Business Victories' and Jennifer Watson, co-founder of Twister Twins LLC. 

Matt, Cheri, and Jennifer discussed how they’ve made left turns … and in some cases have come full-circle. They also talked about how to avoid the advice abyss, pitfalls when pivoting, strategies for success, and more. 

What is a pivot? Matt says whether it's actually a pivot depends on how far you are turning. Cheri believes pivoting involves getting out of your comfort zone. This is a good thing, just be sure you are making a change for the right reasons. Adds Jennifer, pivoting can be as simple as following your heart. 

Things to Keep in Mind  

• Cheri: When you are exploring new things, people may try to throw a safety net over you and dissuade you; stay away from the safety net people. Use your instincts 
• Jennifer: Trust your gut. And, trust the process.
• Matt: You can take a left turn and still stay in your area of expertise. 

Pivoting Goals 

• Matt: Read a story to your children. Kids don’t remember the grand gestures. They remember the quality time. Don't have kids? Spend quality time with yourself 
• Cheri: Get out in nature. Cheri has a morning momentum practice 
• Jennifer: Start reading a book that can inspire you. Reach out to someone you’ve always wanted to meet; get out of your comfort zone

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts 

• Jennifer: Just do it! 
• Cheri: Trust yourself, trust the journey you are on. Be the happiest person in the room! 
• Matt: Sometimes left turns happen to you; be aware of the opportunity!

If you think you need to make a change, you are probably right. Whether it’s a big change or little, personal or professional, embrace who you are and what drives you, so you can start heading in the right direction.

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you embrace or seek change? What tips do you have for pivoting? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Woo Goals

 

What is woo? And how can you use it to elevate your writing ... and your business? 

Last month, I talked about the business of woo with Christy Maxfield of Purpose First Advisors, Mindset Answer Man Cliff Ravenscraft, and Annie P. Ruggles founder of Quirk Works Consulting and the Non-Sleazy Sales Academy. 

Christy says, "The things you care about are woo!” According to Cliff, "Peace, love, and joy are found within you and by tapping into that higher power." "Woo," Annie believes, "is your personal energy and the energetic world of your business." 

To Tap into Your Woo  

• Cliff: Try meditation. Dedicate 5-10 minutes a day for starters. 
• Christy: Practice gratitude and extend blessings to others. Tell the universe that you are open to blessings – be clear, but leave it open. Trust! 
• Annie: Practice radical self-forgiveness

Woo Goals 

• Annie: Take the one thing off of your todo list that is nipping at you
• Christy: Take action on the thing that will make a difference. Invoke the woo and take the energy to act 
• Cliff: Read a book that will introduce you to new ways of thinking

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts 

• Christy: Trust yourself and trust the universe 
• Cliff: Whatever you focus on consistently, you will tend to manifest into your life 
• Annie: Be kind to yourself

When you love what you do, it shows. When you don't love what you do, it really really shows. 

If you are not feeling it, perhaps it's time to take a step back to remind yourself what it is you love about your writing projects and your business. Get back in touch with your purpose and you will discover your woo ... and find ways to share your woo with your audience, prospects, and clients!

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you woo? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

Nourishment Goals

As a writer it's essential to keep yourself balanced, this includes nourishment in your fuel, relationships, surroundings, and work. Achieving your goals expert Debra Eckerling offers help.

 

~~~~~

 

It's important to set nourishment goals. When you nourish yourself - mind, body, and spirit - you are way more productive. 

In April, I had a wonderful conversation about Nourishment with Natasha Feldman, Nosh With Tash and author of The Dinner Party Project; Michal Levison, a speaker, cookbook author, and founder of Seasoned Moments; and Nicky Pitman, Director of Shemesh Farms, a social enterprise that offers community and employment for those with diverse abilities. 

Natasha, Michal, and Nicky talked about their connection to food, the relationship between nourishment and community, how they nourish themselves, and much more.

Nourishment is "being able to live a life that’s fueled by your community," Natasha says. According to Michal, "You don’t sit down to eat vitamins and minerals; you sit down to enjoy a meal. Nourishment is the holistic view of how food makes you feel." Nourishment is "what fills you, what fuels you," Nicjy believes.

Nourishment Goals 

• Natasha: Set up a dinner party. Make it monthly/weekly! 
• Nicky: Go outside and take a breath – breathe deep, long, and take a moment to feel the elements. Do it daily-ish or multiple times a day. 
• Michal: Try to take a lunch break every day! Step away from your work and sit at a table, preferably with another human being. Spend 20-30 minutes or longer. Take mindful bites. Build up to a daily routine.

Watch our conversation.

Final Thoughts 

• Michal: Savor all the moments; you can savor a meal, a conversation, a relationship. It’s an important way to get in touch with gratitude. 
• Nicky: Stay open to what nourishes you, and allow what nourishes you to change. 
• Natasha: Food – like everything else you do in life – should be fun. Enjoy it!

Nourishment comes in many forms. And proper nourishment starts with taking the time to refill your mind, body, and spirit.

* * * 

For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin! 

* * *

How do you nourish yourself? Please share in the comments. 

* * *

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A goal-strategist, corporate consultant, and project catalyst, Debra offers personal and professional planning, event strategy, and team building for individuals, businesses, and teams. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; host of  #GoalChatLive aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.