My dear neglected blog:
I know you don’t feel dear or loved or even somewhat liked. Because I’m so rarely here. I so rarely write and post. I procrastinate. I neglect you. I even ignore you. I’m so sorry. You see…I’m not just a flake–I am a huge, bigger than life FLAKE. I had to admit it after reading Sonia Simone’s post: The Complete Flake’s Guide to Getting Things Done. Here are the opening paragraphs:
Are you smart and motivated and passionate, and have lots of cool things you’d like to get done, but somehow when it comes to doing them, you just . . . don’t?
Are you great at ideas but lousy at execution? Talk a good game but don’t get any results? Spend a lot of time thinking about where you want to go, but not much time actually moving your ass down the road that would take you there?
You, my friend, are a flake. Congratulations. We are a worldwide force. If we could all get ourselves moving in the same direction, we would change the world. However, that will never happen.
I’m sure you’re recognizing several behaviors. I have grand plans for you, but I never quite get around to writing and posting. I am so passionate about how you could change how we think about the women and the Bible and tell the real story of women working outside the home, but then I hesitate; I doubt; I procrastinate; and then I find something else to do (yes, yes, I know Twitter is an addiction, and I don’t blame you for being jealous of all the time I spend there). Yes, I talk a good game but I don’t get any results, and you my dear friend remain neglected.
But don’t worry. Sonia has words of advice and help for flakes like me:
The Plan in 7 Reasonably Painless Steps
1. When you’ve got something to do, figure out what you really want to get out of it.
2. Do the pivotal technique. Think about what you want, then get clear about where you are right this minute. Notice the difference.
3. Figure out the next action.
4. Do what you feel like.
5. Rinse, lather, repeat.
6. Start a compost pile for ideas, notes, plans and insights.
7. Stick to three or four primary areas of focus.
So dear blog, I want you to know I am taking Sonia’s steps, and that you are one of my primary area of focus. I am going to find ways to be a flake and still get things done. I am going to find ways to be a flake, show my love for you, and write regular posts to show my love. Because I know you are tired of empty words and broken promises. But I’ve taken my first step. I’ve admitted that I have a problem: I’m a total and hopeless flake. And instead of changing that, I need to learn how to work with it. So dearest blog, I promise to stop turning away and use Sonia’s 7 Reasonable Painless Steps to show the attention and love that you deserve. You deserve to be updated regularly and marketed to shine as the gem I know you are.
Thank you for giving another chance (again).
Your humble flake,
Shawna R. B. Atteberry
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Thanks Mary Beth and Wulfie!
Wulfie see you over at Havi’s!
I am so laughing at Sonia’s blog and your letter. Awesome and the total truth. I am a Flake and joining forces with all the Flakes in the world. Hi. Nice to meet you!
Well said! And I am loving this technique. Off to use it. As soon as I finish looking at blogs…um…