There are two extreme attitudes to work - 'firebrand' and 'doormat'. Both are the result of seeing work as a series of problems to be tackled. The firebrand is the fighter, constantly chaffing and battling against the odds. The doormat is the victim who has given up the struggle. Most of us are somewhere in between and can recognise elements of both.
When I first started work, I thought my employer was lucky to have me there. I knew that if things took a turn I didn't like, I would simply go elsewhere - I would fire my boss!
As I gained more experience and became 'sensible', I began to be more tolerant and to take account of how things would appear on my CV. Even then there were times I got to a point of resignation - on occasions it was accepted and other times not.
My strategy to cope with significant problems was to resign. Of course, the word resign really has two meanings. The first is to leave, get out. Clearly I did this. The second meaning is to put up with the situation, to give up. Like many people, sometimes I did this too.
We may think that there is some deficiency on our part and the solution lies in working harder. I remember one of my coaching clients who, after months of committed work and excessive overtime, continued working all hours in the vain hope for the recognition that was conspicuously absent. We are all prey to what Benjamin Franklin called the 'insanity of doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results'.
Problems represent what we want to get away from. They do not tell us what we want to move towards and, without knowing that, we are unable to decide how to get there. It is time to ask that most radical of questions: what do you really want?
If you already know, that's great. If you're not clear, you are in good company. We are often acutely aware of what we don't want but unclear on what we do want - what really matters to us. Let's use the problems we face as a clue.
On a piece of paper, draw two columns. In one column write out each problem, that is each thing you want to get away from. Now in the other column, for each problem, note down what this problem stops you from doing or achieving. Be honest with yourself - sometimes a single problem stops you reaching more than one thing.
When you have finished, you will have a list (in the second column) of what you really want. As you read through, add anything you think is missing. Now you have a way forward. By clearly communicating what you really want, first to yourself, then as appropriate to others, you step outside the limitations of the problems themselves.
You might like to borrow an idea from the film 'The Secret'. Create a Vision Board where you can pin, paste or post suitable reminders of what you really want. Choose your own preference of pictures, words and textures and keep it where you can see it from time to time.
As you become clear about what really matters, you will feel much more alive. The inspiration that you experience will generate increased energy and motivation to take action towards your goals. The likelihood of success takes a quantum leap forward.
Whenever you are going to be writing articles for the Internet there are a lot of different places that you can go to get ideas on what to write about. However, the best ideas are going to be the ones that people want to hear about. You have to know what is hot and what is not. Only then are you going to be able to write a quality article that people are going to want to hear about.
The best place to look, first of all, is on search engines. On search engines, you can take a look at what keywords are searched for the most. Thus, you are going to be able to get an idea of what most people want to hear about. Of course, keep in mind that just because something is the most searched thing, does not make it a great article to write about.
For example, if the number one most searched thing on the web is ''dogs'' and the second more searched thing is ''cats'', then you should write about which one you like the most. If you are not a dog fan, then there is no reason to write about it just because it's ranked higher than cats. You are going to get a better response when you write about something that you like vs. when you write about something that you do not care about. Your knowledge is power so use it to your advantage.
After you pick out what you are going to be writing about, you are going to need to pick out what you are going to write about under that topic. This is where on-line forums come in. Visit forums that have to do with your topic that you are writing about and read what other people are talking about. Usually, you will be able to get a pretty good idea of what topics are most popular under the topic you are writing about. Say you are writing about video games, and you go to a video game thread and see that the Nintendo Wii is one of the most talked about video game topics. Then you could choose to do a topic on the Nintendo Wii, because people are going to want to read about it.
There are tons of different ways to get inspired, but the main thing that you have to remember is to not force yourself to write about something that you are not into. When you do, it will show in your work. People are not going to want to read articles that are not entertaining. If they are reading about this topic, that means that they are into it, and it usually helps if the writer is into as well.
Both Trevor Hill & Serge Dandelin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Trevor Hill has sinced written about articles on various topics from self improvement and motivation, Elearning and self improvement and motivation. Trevor Hill is a qualified coach who works with groups and individuals who want to reinvigorate their working lives. With over 25 years experience across a wide range of organisations and sectors, he helps people create more energy, focus and satisfactio. Trevor Hill's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Serge Dandelin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Candida Infection and Computers and The Internet. Do you want to learn more about Internet Marketing? I have just completed my brand new guide to Search Engine Marketing Success: ''How To Consistently Drive Thousands Of Targeted Visitors With Search Engine Optimization''. Download it free here:. Serge Dandelin's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.