The second time.

"Love the work. Destiny will do what it wants with you, regardless." - Elizabeth Gilbert   The second time will be less scary, less stressful, and more successful.   But you'll never get to the rewards of the second time until you find the courage to try for the first time.   Here's hoping you find it.   Now, on to this week's ideas...   * * *   1. CHANGE IS HARD, BUT HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE ALTERNATIVE?   "Despite the constant presence of change in your life, you probably tell yourself over and over again that change is hard while failing to acknowledge that not changing is harder."   This is a quick read that will hopefully help if you struggle with change in your life or work.   In the post I recommend a different way to think about change and suggest focusing on how hard it will be to avoid change can help you become more comfortable with transitions.   RELATED: Watching this video every morning could change your life.   * * *   2. SIMPLIFY FIRST, NOT LAST   "Simplifying first is a strategy to help you surface options that are categorically better. By setting a different target, you play a different game altogether."   I love simple concepts that have the potential to completely change the way you work and this is certainly one of them.   Wes Kao explains what happens when you simplify first instead of last and suggests it's a frame shift that will help you come up with options that are categorically different and usually better than when you try to simplify after creating something.   RELATED: The three minutes it takes to read this will simplify your work forever.   * * *   3. HOW TO BE YOUR OWN BUSINESS COACH   "Taking two or three hours to dive deep into my business was an eye-opening, soul-searching experience. I can imagine that taking the time to do the same for the rest of my life would be just as illuminating."   You don't need to hire a business coach to benefit from some of their core concepts.   Shaunta Grimes shares how to be your own business coach including how to have a monthly check in and develop concrete plans.   RELATED: Six ways to grow yourself and your business.   * * *   4. THREE WAYS TO GET BETTER AT SAYING NO   "One person can't be all things to all people. And those that try – by saying 'yes' to everything that's asked of them – will inevitably let themselves and others down."   I'm sure you know you need to say no to things, but also realize it's harder to do than it sounds.   Robert Glazer can help with that thanks to his three ways to get better at saying no including to give up the guilt, know your core values, and leverage templates.   RELATED: How to say no in a more powerful way.   * * *   5. ELIZABETH GILBERT'S 10 TIPS FOR WRITERS   "Tell your story TO someone. Pick one person you love or admire or want to connect with, and write the whole thing directly to them —like you're writing a letter."   Author Elizabeth Gilbert knows a bit about what it takes to write things people want to read and her 10 tips for writers features some helpful advice.   The tips include to use radically simple sentences, remember you've been doing research your whole life, and don't worry if it's good - just finish it.   RELATED: How to write like the creator of James Bond.   * * *   COMING NEXT WEEK TO ALL ACCESS MEMBERS...   Here's a sneak peek at some ideas All Access members will get in next week's newsletter:   • How to benefit from micro workouts   • How to start a speech   • How to become more disciplined   • The secret to simple design   • Lessons learned from publishing 100 newsletters   If you'd like me to send you these ideas, sign up here to become an ALL ACCESS member before next Sunday.   This newsletter is 100% reader supporter (no ads!), so it's your support that keeps the ideas coming.   Thanks!   * * *   NEW MUSIC FOR THE INTERESTED   I added six songs to the For The Interested playlist this week including some alternative hip hop and dance covers of songs I'm sure you'll know.   Got a song to recommend for the playlist? Send it to me.   * * *   WHERE I FOUND THIS STUFF   I got some of this week's ideas from Ann Handley, Jocelyn K. Glei, Kyle Westaway, Sari Azout, and Khe Hy - they're awesome and worth checking out.   Image via Vincent van Zalinge.   * * *   If you're seeing this newsletter for the first time and would like to get future editions, you can subscribe here.   * * *   Share:

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