Ask the Author: Michael James
Answered Questions (7)
Michael James
My summer plans are focusing on writing another text applying the concepts of personal growth to those in leadership roles, along with materials for future presentations on the topic of personal growth and self-discovery. This includes reading a number of articles, journals, research and books. Thanks for asking.
Michael James
For years I wrote on topics related to my work in the field of education and training. I remember getting my first article published. I was elated. Over the years I found a niche where my articles were appreciated and valued. This provided me with motivation to write more. By starting small I gained the confidence and inspiration to finally take on a major project which was my book.
To do it right in my opinion, you have to work with a good editor and publisher who is willing to critique your works. I had to draw on this inspiration to overcome the many obstacles and re-work required. There were times when I just wanted to shelve the project. Recalling my purpose in writing this book however became my major source of inspiration. It was no longer only about me, but my interest in helping others.
To do it right in my opinion, you have to work with a good editor and publisher who is willing to critique your works. I had to draw on this inspiration to overcome the many obstacles and re-work required. There were times when I just wanted to shelve the project. Recalling my purpose in writing this book however became my major source of inspiration. It was no longer only about me, but my interest in helping others.
Michael James
Do not just rely on how well you did writing in high school or college. Most of my writing during this time was to complete assignments. I was graded on technical merit vs. creativity most of the time. On my first college paper I received an "F". I perceived this to mean that I was not a good writer. It hampered my interest in creative writing later on.
What I would suggest is that if you are so drawn to writing, then write. Go in with an open mind. Once I realized that there was potential in my book, I sought out an editor to help me with the technical aspect of writing without losing the meaning. It totally transformed my words into something more meaningful for the reader.
What I would suggest is that if you are so drawn to writing, then write. Go in with an open mind. Once I realized that there was potential in my book, I sought out an editor to help me with the technical aspect of writing without losing the meaning. It totally transformed my words into something more meaningful for the reader.
Michael James
It is a form of self expression. For me, I can put ideas, thoughts and in particular feelings in written word better than I can in spoken word. Ideal is the opportunity to edit what was written, to provide greater clarity or find a better way to get a thought across, where spoken word is much harder to edit if not impossible.
Michael James
The idea was presented to me numerous times as I shared my story in many circles. Many were impressed by my level of openness and candor, particularly as it related to admitting my own issues. Others appreciated my insight, which was always presented in a humble manner. Mostly, many stated that I was an inspiration to them and others for taking that hard look within. The result was numerous requests to write a book on this topic.
It took nearly two decades to write this book. It was hard to re-live my past, share the details and the impact it had on me. It was embarrasing to share my weaknesses. Once I realized that writing this would not only help others, but also myself in healing my past, it helped me to regain focus and move forward.
Special thanks to all those who encourage me along the way!!
It took nearly two decades to write this book. It was hard to re-live my past, share the details and the impact it had on me. It was embarrasing to share my weaknesses. Once I realized that writing this would not only help others, but also myself in healing my past, it helped me to regain focus and move forward.
Special thanks to all those who encourage me along the way!!
Michael James
My career work includes a lot of focus on leadership development. I am in the process of writing a text on the application of personal growth and self-development in leadership.
Michael James
Although I have never run a marathon, what I hear from marathon runners relates to my writing. They say you hit many walls along the way while running. They say that conditioning is all about learing how to "push through" these moments. I hit many walls along the way, some of which were a result of writer's block. Other walls related to other responsibilities relating to work or family.
Much of our success comes from mental perseverence, which is what a runner uses to push through a wall. Much of my strength to do this comes from a sense of meaning and purpose that knaws at me if I am not doing something that I should be doing. It is this combination of purpose and mental perseverence that helps me overcome any obstacle coming my way.
The first step was learning how to accomplish this relating to my own life while overcoming many of the issues I was dealing with.
Much of our success comes from mental perseverence, which is what a runner uses to push through a wall. Much of my strength to do this comes from a sense of meaning and purpose that knaws at me if I am not doing something that I should be doing. It is this combination of purpose and mental perseverence that helps me overcome any obstacle coming my way.
The first step was learning how to accomplish this relating to my own life while overcoming many of the issues I was dealing with.
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