Time for Top 1o Lists and such. So, here goes with my list (for what it’s worth), in NO particular order:

1. Who’s Got Your Back by Keith Ferrazzi — This is Keith’s sequel to his 1st NYT Bestseller, “Never Eat Alone”. In this book Keith suggests strategies for creating “Life-Line Relationships” and “tribes” that will support you in your UP and DOWN times. I haven’t finished this book, cause I loaned it  to a new friend. Hope she gives it back before I fly home.
2. In the Land of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Mate, MD — Gabor is a physician in Vancouver, BC and, among other things, treats addicts in E. Van. I’ve long wanted to understand addiction — because of the massive addictions in my FOO and because of mine own addictive personality. Gabor suggests that many hard-core addicts suffer from ADD or ADHD and that it is these underlying conditions that create and sustain the persistence of the addictions. Mate suggests, also, that the “best cure” for persistent addiction is participation in a 12-step program.
3. Conquering Fear by Harold S. Kushner — Just picked this book up at Fry’s Superstore in Mesa, AZ on Christmas Eve. It called to me! And, I read 2 chapters before bed on Christmas Day. I love Kushner’s balanced look at strategies for dealing with FEAR. FEAR has driven my life as a Recovering Victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse … and I’m deeply moved and encourage by Kushner’s words. By the way, Kushner is a Rabbi and is most famous for his 1st book, “Why Bad Things Happen to Good People!”
4. What Color is Your Parachute 2009 by Richard Nelson Bolles — I buy and read this annual every year. In past year’s I’ve reviewed this book here at this blog. I’m not going to do that this year because I’m busy writing mine own book on Creative Careers. BUT, I do recommend that IF you are searching for WORK, BUY, READ, and MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, USE this book’s ideas.
5. Anything by Julia Cameron – Julia is my Thought Leader when it comes to freeing up writers. In 2010, I will be offering a number of workshops FOR WRITERS based, in part, on the strategies taught by Cameron. WATCH for news in your INBOX!

5 MORE books in a nonce! g

I missed them cause I was busy getting ready for the teleclinc and the new gig.

Oh, and I was also preparing to teach an Unsticking(TM) workshop to the writers who hang out at the Alberta Romance Writers Association. That one was called “Break Free … and Write!” It was yesterday and was the best!

We had a great session for the teleclinic on “How to Find Work That Doesn’t Suck” I aplogize if you weren’t on the notification list.

If you haven’t already subscribed to the mailing list for my Unsticking(TM) Teleclinics (I run 1 a month for FREE) … and if you want to get the free resources I offered after the call then …

Send a blank email to unstick-clinic@aweber.com

The audio of the April 23rd call will be posted today … provided I master the intricacies of WordPress.

However, financial shit is happening … folks is losing jobs … maybe YOU .. so what are you to do?

Well actually this is the BEST TIME to rethink your career. Nothing like a little anxiety / stress to get you going; and get you focused. I know where of I speak: I would not have ever worked for myself if my former employer hadn’t given me the boot!

During tough times like these, it’s best to go back to basics.

So, if you know your Type Preferences, ala the Myers Briggs Type Indicator(R), here’s a great article from Psychometrics on making Career Decisions.

If you don’t know your Type Preference, I’d be happy to help you determine it. Just scoot on over to my Contact page and send me an message.

The 1st 5 people who contact me and BOOK a Career Assessment will get $ 50.00 OFF the regular price! In the comment box, write Want MBTI Assessment.

Two of my most favourite experts in ONE SPOT!

From Andy’s blog:

"Conventional wisdom tells us that success is all
about perseverance. Never giving up. Sticking to it when the “going
gets rough.” After all, quitters never win and winners never quit.
Right?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Find out
why New York Times Bestselling author, Seth Godin, recommends that you
quit. And, quit right now. On Thursday, June 21st at 2pm ET,
you will learn why quitting may be the best thing you can do for the
growth of your business, your relationships, your career and your
happiness. This the strategy that Jack Welch, Olympic athletes, Apple
Computer and other greats use to become the “best in the world.”

Join us for this live call with Seth and Andy on Thursday, June 21st at 2pm Eastern Time.  On the call, you will discover:

• Why quitting may the best thing you can do for your business (and your life)
• How to become the “best in the world” at what you do
• When to quit a project, relationship or idea and when to stick it out
• Why the best in the world quit all the time – and why you should too!

Register now for this call."

And, here’s an even better reason to have a great, support AND supportive network…

Real Age reports, ‘Some people don’t have much memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease, even
though their brains show physical signs of it. And the more good
friends and close family they have, the less affected their memory
seems to be.’

Exploring his site for the book I was lead to his "Life Coach 101" Tool. Gave it a try.

Revealing!

What I like is the fact that it gently forces you to create an ‘advisory board’ to help you with your goals. The idea is based on a principle in his book, Chapter 29 in fact. And, the system automatically creates a set of ‘contracts’ you can share with your advisors.

Now, to put the thing into action.

Hmm!

That annoys me. I think I’ll call my friend Brenda to chat about it!

Yep! My brand, spanking-new, interview series STARTS November 8, 2006.

BUT, I think the name of the series SUCKS!

So, I’m running a little contest.

The series will feature in-depth interviews with creative, eclectic, &/or multitalented, independent professionals who are "Slightly Famous" — to borrow the title of Steven Van Yoder’s wonderful book Get Slightly Famous

Currently the title of the series is "The Slightly Famous Touring Road Show".

But, I think it could be better!

Here’s the prize: I’m cleaning out my library. So, here’s what I’m going to do.

1st Place – 5 of my used-to-be favourite books  (all in excellent condition), e.g. "The 30th Edition of What Color Is Your Parachute".

2nd Place – 3 of my used-to-be favourite books, e.g. Radical Joy by Todd Allen Pressman.

3rd Place – 1 of my used-to-be favourite books — e.g. Working With Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman.

Prizes will be awarded based on quantity and quality.

Send your suggestions here or simply comment on this post.

Along that theme, I’d like to share this poem I wrote in 1987:

Courage

Cowards are we all,
Who easy choices make.

Fear whispers
In every ear,
Few choose
Not to heed.

Seldom to us
Is given greatness,
And, it is not
The grand acts
That make us great.
Rather,
Small choices
Carved out of despair,
Forged in pain.
Choosing life’s hurtful embrace.

Not for other’s
Scant approval.
But, for self,
We do that
Which we must do.

Living for ourselves
Is never easy.
We stand alone,
Balanced at the edge.

Giving no thought to others,
We fall amongst the uncaring.
Heed too much others’ calls,
We join the sheeplike masses.

And, yet all this knowing
We dare to say,
“I choose.”