Change is definitely inevitable. But I am still here. I haven’t blogged in a long time. But I am still here. There have been a lot of changes with me. But I am still here. I’ve been busy working with salon owners helping them to earn more, work less, and transition from behind the chair. Yep, my passion of hair that I had in high school hasn’t let me down. One of the great things about being a coach and an author is that I have the liberty and God’s favor to follow my passions. I love writing, I love speaking, and I absolutely love coaching. I’m happy that I can coach in another passionate area that I have experience in.

So there you go…I’m still here.

Have you ever felt like you were ever-changing? You chose this, then you chose that, and then back to this again. Then one day, you decided to just take a whole new route, but you were worried what people would think if you changed your mind yet again?

Well today I want to confess, that’s me. I have decided to make some major changes with my business and suffice it to say, I was a little worried about what “you” may think. Then I remembered that somethings are just meant to last for a season, somethings I had to do for a reason, and then somethings were just projects or ideas I wanted to do just because.

If I can encourage anyone out there today, I want to let you know…it’s really okay to change.

So, as I move forward, you may see some changes with me and I’m okay with all that. I’m really okay. What am I up to now you ask? If you’re meant to be connected with me, you will soon find out

Continue to be blessed and encouraged!
Fon

Whether you write for blogs or are well into the throws of writing the next best selling novel, the most important piece of advice I can offer as a coach is, “Don’t Lose It.” I’m sure you’re wondering what the “it” is that I am referring to, right? Actually, “it” is several things that I want to highlight in this post.

First of all, don’t lose your momentum as a writer. I know that I have had many moments in my writing career where I was simply uninspired to write anything. Matter of fact, if you look over my blog posts, you’ll notice the dips where I found myself inspiring others to write, more than I was actually writing. As a writer, you can most certainly lose it or feel like you’re losing it, but the key is to find your way back…and quickly! As a coach, I help my clients stay on task so they never get off track. I had one previous client to tell me that I wasn’t staying on him enough. It was because he was doing a great job staying on track and didn’t require my “nice, but forceful” tactics for getting him back on track. I can’t get you back on track, if you never get off

The 2nd thing I encourage you NOT to lose is, your work. I don’t know how many times I have run across writers who have inadvertently lost their work! It’s a nightmare to deal with when you are sitting there wondering why your draft looks shorter than what you remember. It’s so important to incorporate a habit of saving your work, so that you can save your sanity and not lose it!

Lastly, don’t lose your motivation. This is a biggie. Many of us actually never really lose our motivation, we simply forget about it. Remember how excited you were when you first decided you were going to pen that novel or become a blogger? Do you remember why you wanted to do it? That’s your motivation. It’s important not to lose or forget your motivation. One of the best ways to keep it in front of you is to “keep it in front of you.” I bet you thought I was going to say something really profound (LOL). But seriously, if you keep your WHY in focus, you’ll always know your purpose and operate in it with joy…even during those times when you may think you are losing your momentum or your work.

I encourage you today to keep writing. Someone is waiting to read what you’ve written!

How many times have you said…if only I had this or if only I had that…then I could move forward and do this? Or are you the type that feels you can always push yourself to greatness and you don’t need anybody but yourself? In either case, as a writer, you’ll always need to have both of these. You need to be able to pull yourself up and move forward, but you also may need another resource to help you get where you’re trying to go.

As a coach and a writer, I realize that many times we often confuse these needs. Let me break that down. When you need to pull yourself up to move forward, you usually think “if only I had this or that” and when you’re thinking if you had this resource or that resource, it’s really YOU who’s keeping you from moving forward.

When I was writing my first novel, I always wanted to write when I couldn’t possibly write…like at church, or when I was working, or just doing tasks where writing was impossible. Then when I sat down to write, my mind was on other tasks. You feel what I’m saying? It takes real discipline to be a writer. Even if you aren’t a book writer and you write blogs, the most read blogs have consistent content. So of course to have your book be the most read, you must be consistent in delivering the content. It’s a different kind of commitment, but sometimes it’s up to you and you alone to achieve. You don’t need anyone else because you already know what to do.

As I reflect upon my first experience as a novelist, and my current writing experience, and even my coaching experience, I do know one thing is for sure…no matter what I may “feel” is holding me back, in order to get it done, I am ultimately responsible to myself for getting it done. I’ve learned to get out of my own way, and stop REALLY holding myself back. It has served me well thus far.

Coaching Questions: What have you recently blamed for holding you back? Is that really why you’re not moving forward?

Be Encouraged,

P.S. Ready to stop making excuses and get your book out of you? Check out my writing program! www.GetMyBookOutofMe.com

Right now, there are millions of writers on facebook, twitter, emailing their friends, or simply doing something other than writing. Why? Because they simply haven’t created enough pressure to get the job done right now.

If you’re a procrastinating writer like I was (recovering procrastinator), and you have never used pressure to get the job done, let me tell you a few ways to positively use it for your advantage.

First I want to tell you how adding pressure can have a negative effect on you and your writing. If you can ONLY write under pressure, this is not a good thing. You won’t always have a pending deadline looming (especially when you are writing for yourself or your business). Since you’re the boss, the pressure is only what you make it to be.

A positive way to add pressure to move you past procrastination, is to set up an accountability structure with someone other than yourself; like a book coach, a friend, a writing buddy, etc. By having this person hold you accountable to you getting your writing done in a specified time period, you add positive pressure to yourself. Anytime deadline pressure is applied as a writer, you find a way to move no matter what.

Many times, we as writers try to figure it all out before we even begin and that leads to procrastination. By simply adding a little pressure, you won’t have a chance to try to stall and figure it out. You will be able to accomplish your writing goals a lot easier with added pressure. If you tell yourself, “I want to write one chapter a day.” But you don’t tell anyone else, then you are setting yourself up. And when you don’t do that one chapter a day, you subconsciously sabatoge your success by mentally beating yourself up for not doing what you said you would do.

My speciality is clients who procrastinate. I love helping a client break through what’s been holding them back for years or months, and see them get to the point of no return…the finish line.

If you’re battling with something that needs to come out of you…add some pressure by telling someone what you plan to do and when you plan to have it done. A coach will make sure your plan is realistic, but more importantly, she’ll be there to add that much needed pressure to get you through to the other side.

Be Encouraged…Add Pressure…and Stop Procrastinating.

P.S. I’m available for hire if you’re ready to move beyond your self-imposed limitations. Let me help you get there
www.GetMyBookOutofMe.com

As a coach and a human being (smile), one of the words and habits that I always run across in coaching and in my life is dealing with being “distracted.”

I was talking with friend the other day and she was describing how much she can get done when she has a plan and is really focused. She and I talked on and on about what she had accomplished through goals and planning, and how she felt so good accomplishing all that she had set out to do. She then shifted the conversation and asked me, “so how’s everything going for you, Fon?”

It was in that moment, that I had a revelation. Of course I answered her and told her how things had been going, but I then began to reflect on my life and how easily a distraction can get you off track.

When I was writing my first novel, there were so many distractions. Whether it was reading other author’s books, fooling myself like I was studying the craft, or simply talking about writing, I realized how easy it was for me to get off track with my own writing. I had a goal, but it was a goal of mine. No one else was holding me accountable to do what I said I was going to do. It took me a long time to finish my first novel because of all the distractions.

In life, we also get distracted. As a Christian, you decide you’re going to live your life this way, and as soon as you start on the good foot, the bad foot distracts you. You can spend your whole life working toward a goal, but if you allow distractions to overrule your life, you’ll never get anything accomplished.

Of course, I accomplished publishing my first novel (and a 2nd one too), but the lesson I learned from that journey was to not let anything distract me from the task at hand. The more I get distracted, the longer it will take for me to accomplish my goal. The longer it takes to accomplish my goal, the longer it will take for a reader to read my work and be impacted.

If we can continue to keep the “why” in front of us, then distractions won’t have a fighting chance. Yes, we will be tempted with distractions, so don’t think just because you know how to handle them, they won’t come. They are still going to come, but knowing “why” you can’t be distracted, will be the key to staying focused.

What’s got you distracted from what you are wanting to achieve? Remember why you want to achieve it in the first place, then shake off the distraction and move forward. You’ll be so happy on the other side of distracted

Be Encouraged,

Do you know how many people in this world use writing for therapeutic reasons? Maybe they need to jot down their feelings and thoughts. Or maybe they want to write down their successes, their failures, their goals. Some people journal because it’s known to be a form of therapy.

What’s interesting is that in all of this writing, there are many books that could be written to benefit others. Most writers who write professionally, simply take their thoughts and turn them into books, whether fiction or non-fiction. Becoming an author is the icing on the cake. Writing in its purest art form is, captured words that come to your mind.

Release
For me, writing allows me to release all that is brewing in my head. Whether it’s a marketing tip for writers, or a character talking to me, I let me fingers iron out the details of what’s going on in my head. It feels so good to get it from thought to paper (or in my case “the screen”). Speaking of, the other day I tried to write long hand on paper and realized that I couldn’t really read my own writing. Plus, I lost several thoughts because I couldn’t write as fast as I type. It actually became a chore and frustrated me slightly. That’s when I realized that I was was a “type-writer” lol. How funny is that? Typewriter machines are but a distant memory, but this is the type-writer that I am. LOL. Still cracking up on that one.

With the proliferation of i Pads, Qwerty keypads on our cell phones, and other “typing” devices, it’s just as easy these days to capture our thoughts, as if we had a traditional pen and paper. But there are still some writers who like the “old school” way of capturing thoughts. Plus, there are so many beautiful journals on the market today that entice you to want to write long hand, but to avoid that frustrated feeling, I am techno-geeked with the new stuff like Evernote, which is like having one big giant notebook electronically!

Here’s to your writing journey…may it be therapeutic, fun, and inspiring, no matter how you “write” it.

Be Encouraged!

P.S. If you’d ever like to turn your writings into a book…check out my online writing program.

One of the easiest ways to procrastinate is to make your normal day to day activities long and drawn out. If you’re a parent or have a family and you need to cook for them, and you work a full-time job, unless you wake up early or stay up late, you tend to let your lack of time cause you to procrastinate on your work in progress.

When I figured out that cooking and grocery shopping took up a lot of my time, I started looking for an easy and reasonable solution. I found E-Mealz! This is the best thing since sliced bread…no seriously, have you ever tried to cut bread not sliced (LOL).

Anyway, I have been using E-mealz for a long time now and I thought it would be cool to share this with you. E-Mealz has allowed me to spend more time writing real content than wasting my time writing grocery lists. I’ve learned how to cook some really cool and quick meals, and my family (including my two year old) love them! By simply subscribing to E-mealz, I was able to reclaim about 2 hours in my evening!!! Yes, that’s two hours of writing you can do (if you want). I highly suggest shorter writing times, but up to you.

Check out E-Mealz…I guarantee it will be worth it!!!

P.S. Did I mention that it keeps my grocery budget in check? Oh yeah, it keeps my grocery budget in serious check!

Have you been holding a book on the inside of you? Do you need help getting your book out, but money has blocked you from doing what you know you are called to do? Do you wish someone like a great book coach would create a program that you could afford to attend? Wouldn’t you rather be around other people who have the same goal as you?

If you answered yes, then hold your keyboard…the big launch of my Get My Book Out of Me – Group Program (COMING SOON) is about to be the cure for your procrastination. There will only be 25 spots for this group and the program runs from November 15th through May 15th! I guarantee you’ll have your first draft completed or else!

Stay Tuned For Details!! This program is going to GET THAT BOOK OUT OF “ALL” OF YOU!!! Want to see what the program is all about? Check out my signature program. You’ll get the same outcome from the Group Coaching Program! You decide.

P.S. If you simply can’t wait and want to secure your space in this limited space group class (only 25 spots), email me: CoachFon@FonJames.com  to secure your space now!

Be Encouraged!

My life’s journey has been an awesome one thus far. I’ve done some things that still excite me today when I think about them. For instance, I was the head drum major in my high school band. I’ve written and published numerous articles for various news media, starting with my college newspaper, all the way up to large publications like the Houston Chronicle, The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, and Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek, CA. I’ve even been a radio disc jockey! I’ve recorded commercials for radio and have had my fair share of TV time too for various reasons, including promoting my books. Oh yeah, that’s the other thing. I’ve written and published two best-selling novels.

I know you’re probably thinking that’s great Fon, but why are you talking about yourself? Your posts on the blog usually encourage others. You’re exactly right. But I realized that by telling my story and being more transparent, you can also get encouraged.

I started my new website with the intention of sharing with my reading fans and those that knew me that I am now a certified life coach. I wanted to help others figure out what they were passionate about and help them pursue it. I mean, I had figured out what I was passionate about, so why not return the favor, right? I loved listening to people, helping people, and providing an encouraging word. I was so excited about it! I still get excited about it! But recently, I realized that I also get excited about helping writers get their books finished. Every where I go, I always run into people who want to know specifics about my journey as an author. That’s when I realized that maybe I should be spending my coaching time with this group of people. The group of people who really need me right now. Okay, don’t get me wrong, I’ve helped people figure out their passion, but I’ve had way more people talk to me about their passion of becoming an author like me. Side Note: Listen to life’s cues.

Time For Change

It took me a while to make this decision, but I have decided that my energy will now be put into helping new writers become authors. I remember my journey as a new writer.  I was overwhelmed, excited, confused, and often procrastinated due to these things. It took me a really long time to get my first book completed because my writing was all over the place. I started writing this book, then I would start writing another book, and then a third book. My debut novel was  my 4th attempt (from what I can remember) to write a book, and you know what? It wasn’t until I made up my mind that I was going to finish the book and get it out of me, that it got finished.

There are so many readers and Fon James fans who have told me how much they enjoyed the book, how the book spoke directly to them (even though it’s fiction) and how it has truly blessed them to see me go from “talking” about writing to actually becoming a successfully published author. I want to help other writers  get this feeling and so much more!  There’s no feeling in the world like having a person read your book and tell you it was meant for them. That means the longer it takes to get your book out of you, the longer the person(s) who it is intended for will have to wait on it.

I’ll End With This…

In true Fon James fashion, I’ll end with this encouraging word. You already know what’s on the inside of you. It’s been there for a while, waiting on you to let it live on the outside of you. Don’t get caught up in what others will say or think, just get it out of you, so that it can serve its purpose of benefitting others.

I’m still your favorite life coach, but when it’s time to make a change, you have to be willing to move forward. You know exactly what I’m talking about and who I am talking to. It’s time for you to listen to life’s cues and make the changes necessary to be purposeful in this life.

So with all of that said….presenting Fon James…the life coach who is now focused on helping new writers reach their life long goal of becoming an author. If this is you…sorry I took so long. Let’s get started!