Trashing the Formula

Just some thoughts clogging the gray matter lately. Similar to my Mixtape post, but less random and more opinionated.

You don't have to declare yourself as a guru or an expert. I should already have a sense of that based on your words and actions.

You don't have to throw out your TV or own only 100 things or less in order to have a minimalist way of life.

You don't have to quit your 9-5 to be liberated. If you like your job, that's wonderful. If you LOVE your job, then you are one blessed son of a bitch. If you absolutely dread it then it's time to reassess your situation and do something about it AKA Plan B.

You don't have to write an essay and call it a manifesto to get me to read it. A nice regular title will do.

You don't have to have a trailer to promote your book. Unless it's a really amazing one, that is.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to start building a platform for whatever it is you do. You just have to be resourceful. Later on, if you can afford to turn your game up a notch then do it.

You don't have to sign up for every social media site under the sun. Just master the ones you like and enjoy. Mine? Twitter first. Facebook second. I actually use Hootsuite so I can tackle both with one app. Even better.

You don't have to multitask. Seriously. Doing one thing at a time is perfectly fine. You'd probably get more done.

You shouldn't feel obligated to write a blog post or feel guilty when you miss one.

Try not paying attention to your word count. Instead, just write until you feel like you're done for the day.

Your inbox doesn't have to be zero. Mine isn't. It never is. I just keep it down to a manageable amount. I do an occasional review and trash - kinda like email spring cleaning.

You don't have to have a moleskin notebook to jot down ideas. A cheap composition notebook is just as effective. Or a pack of index cards. Or post-its on the wall. Or a web app.

Don't be a carbon-copy of the bloggers you admire. I came to your blog to see the headliner (You!) not a cover band. 

You don't have to start a revolution, be a freedom fighter, be epic unless it's something you feel strongly about.

You don't have to plan and schedule everything. Sometimes the best things/experiences come from winging it and being spontaneous.

You don't have to take my word if you don't believe in it. I wouldn't want you to. Create your own rules and let me know how it works for you.