How To Feel Like A Pro!

Why would a Ph.D., an associate professor and author of three books choose to hire a coach? “Accountability,” was Dr. Debbie Danowski’s short answer to that question. “That, and encouragement.”

Debbie joined one of my coaching groups with the desire to feel more like a professional writer. She was already employed full-time at a local university where she had regular office hours, a set schedule and a title. What she wanted was to create that same structure and atmosphere when she was wearing her writer’s hat.

As I do for all of my clients, I simply posed the questions—“What is it to be a professional? Who is Debbie, the Professional Writer?” Debbie provided the answers from her own creativity and self-knowledge. She imagined that a Professional Writer would:

• Create a dedicated workspace.
• Write two hours per day three days per week.
• Develop a press kit filled with clips of her writing.

From there it was easy. Our meeting dates were already set so she knew how long she had to accomplish her goals. The first month was devoted to clearing out a space for a home office and setting it up with a comfortable writing area. She also committed to writing at regular intervals.

The second month Debbie worked on creating a one-sheet which would serve as a snapshot of her writing career. This document included her photo and bio, a list of her publications, bullet points enumerating her specific areas of expertise and testimonials. It functioned as a visual résumé for her prospects. Plus, she continued writing regularly.

All of this preparation and dedication yielded Debbie writing assignments which she used to fill a growing and increasingly prestigious press kit.

Knowing that she would be checking in with our group on a monthly basis kept Debbie on task. She also knew that her colleagues were equally invested in her success—as she was in theirs. The group took on an energy of its own that propelled the individual members beyond their own expectations.

Debbie’s fourth book, The Emotional Eater’s Book of Inspiration is due out in January. Click here to learn more. When I asked her recently if she was feeling more like a pro these days she looked at me with curiosity. She had come so far that she had all but forgotten her original goal. When you are in the process of fulfilling your visions and desires, you stop looking over your shoulder at how others see you and start living your dreams.