Diana Cosby, My First Ever Guest Blogger

"A New Year’s Guide To Achieving Your Goals!"

By Diana Cosby ©2012

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great.” - Mark Twain

Dreams are visions of what we can become.  But, dreams are also an invitation to doubt, to wonder if you’re good enough, or if you have what it takes.   When I retired from the Navy, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a published author.  After 100 rejections, I quit counting as I figured I knew how to achieve a rejection.  Then, after 9 ½ years, I finally sold.  The journey taught me many things, which I’d like to share with you.

-Take yourself seriously:  If YOU don’t, no one else will. 

-Associate with people who inspire you, and encourage you to achieve your dreams.  Encourage and inspire others as you grow in your own writing.

-Set a clear goal:  Once you know exactly what you want, break down steps to achieve it.  If you’re unsure how to start, read biographies of people who have achieved a dream similar to yours.   What steps did they take?  Are there comparable avenues you can pursue?

-Success is a compilation of small steps toward one focused goal.   

-Affiliate yourself with professional organizations:  Join accredited groups to educate yourself about the industry you’ve chosen.  In addition to net-working, you will have opportunities to learn from on-line or local sources.

-Self affirmation:  Each morning reaffirm that you are good enough and clarify your goal of the day.  Then, move forward with positive, focused steps.

-Inspirational quotes:  I’m a huge fan of inspirational quotes, they ground and remind me that each of us struggle as we pursue our dreams.  Each day, I find a quote that touches me and post it on my Facebook page in hopes others find inspiration in the message as well.

-Permission to fail:  Success is not a moment, but a journey.  As we grow within our craft, there will be times when we fail at certain steps.  Focus not on the failure, but on the lessons learned.  What worked, what didn’t?  Move forward and make wiser decisions with the knowledge learned. 

-The way we act, and talk about our goals reflects our commitment to them:  What are you telling yourself?  “I WILL do this!”  Or, are you assuring yourself that one day you’ll really try?

-Give the gift of example:  When you make the choice to follow your dream, you are doing more than commitment to self, but teaching your children an important life lesson — dare to dream, and follow through.  So, be bold.  Believe in yourself. 

            I hope you’ve found inspiration from my comments.  Remember, there is no right path, but the steps right for you.  Believe in yourself, YOU have what it takes!

*How do you encourage others to go after their dreams?

**One person will be drawn from all posts today.  The winner receives a signed copy of His Destiny!

Bio for Diana Cosby

After retiring at 36 from my job as a Navy Chief Meteorologist/Oceanographer, I dove into my passion – writing romance novels. With 33 moves behind me, I was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people I’ve met throughout the world. Nine and a half years later, I received “The Call” from Kensington and sold the first two books in the MacGruder brother’s series.

I have many passions, but one that resonates most in my life is that of giving. I firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life.  With each book I sell, I tithe 10% of my royalties to a charity of my choice.  I’m currently working on the next book in the award-winning MacGruder brother’s series, and look forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author

www.dianacosby.com

His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder

His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder / His Destiny-Patrik

(Updates on the MacGruder brothers series coming soon!)

Highland vampire anthology:  Title/Release date TBA
. http://www.dianacosby.com/
http://www.dianacosby.com/books.html

Thank you, Diana, for being my guest today! I first met Diana several years ago at a meeting of the Virginia Romance Writers. I was impressed with her poise and charming personality. Since then, I've been amazed at the interest she shows in all the writers in our VRW group. Although she moved to Texas soon after we met, she has continued her connection with Virginia Writers. I very much admire her interest in a variety of charities and her dedication to giving a portion of her royalties to those of her choice.

Please comment on this post. I will leave it up though Saturday, and a winner will then be chosen to receive a copy of His Destiny.

Diana is my first ever guest author. I hope to make this a new feature on Notes Along the Way for 2012 with a guest once or twice a month.