Saturday, December 12, 2009

Another possible motivational tool


The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer, do not reflect the views of Salt Lake Community College, The Community Writing Center, any other writer on this blog, and should not be construed as an endorsement of any product, publication or process.


I am the world's worst procrastinator, so I'm always looking for ways to set goals for my life, and for my writing. recently, I introduced you to The Pomodoro Technique, a time management tool.

A local entrepreneur I met in another writing group (gasp!), Phil Davis, is an author as well as a publishing guru. His latest effort is entitled the I Survived 2012 Daily Journal.

I 've never been very successful at keeping a daily journal, but I recommend that all writers attempt it. I think this publication may get me further into this activity than past attempts because of its unique approach.

We're all aware that since the world began prophets have been foretelling its demise. The big scare these days is the supposed Mayan Prophesy that the world will end in 2012. Various theories exist as to what will actually happen on December 21, Winter Solstice 2012. They involve everything from global to universal cataclysms, a new world order, sweeping change in collective human philosophies and religions, and absolutely nothing at all. I think the best source for clarification is straight from the horse's mouth:

"Anthropologists visit the temple sites and read the steles and inscriptions and make up stories about the Maya, but they do not read the signs correctly...Other people write about prophecy in the name of the Maya...The Mayan elders are angry with this. The world will not end. It will be transformed."
 
      -Carlos Barrios, sprirtual guide of the Mayan Eagle Clan.

Davis shares this more positive outlook concerning the future, and challenges us to  work toward a better future for ourselves by "creating a legacy of choice rather than running away and hiding in fear."  With his 2012 journal, he creates a simple daily process anyone can adopt to inspire themself to get more out of each day.

Here's how it works"
  • "Significant Acts" Prompt: Each day begins by prompting you to think of one "Significant Act" you will perform.
  • "Quotes" and "Facts": Throughout the journal you will see "Seize the Day" prompts, 2012 Facts and Random Quotes....one of these prompts may get your creative juices flowing.
  • "How did it go?" Prompt: Write down if you did what you said you were going to do and if so, what happened.
  • "Other thoughts and ideas" Prompt: In this space, write down any other significant events, ideas or thoughts that occured on that day.
( from the I Survived 2012 Daily Journal by Phil Davis)

Easy, right? All in an attractive, spiral bound journal. The quotes are funny and thought-provoking, the facts are intriguing, and the prompts are motivating. It's simple enough that anyone from about Jr. High age (perhaps younger) on up can understand and make use of the devices. I can't wait to start mine in the new year; that's my resolution.

John Wilkes
CWC Volunteer
DWS co-mentor
The Rio Grande Report
Mister Write's Blog

For more information or to order your I Survived 2012 Daily Journal, go here.

Phil Davis is the president of ZDocs- a book printing and self publishing business based in Lindon, Utah-and Authors On the Net and The Author Platform, two sources for eCourses, online publicity, self-publishing programs, and an online writing community.

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