self publishing Archives - Page 2 of 2

I don’t know about you, but when I face a big challenge, I need time to muster the courage to begin. Since I’ve taken on so many things that initially scared the crap out of me, I’ve learned to accept my initial doubts as part of the process, and then work my way through them until my courage returns.

You may remember I wrote that I would begin recording my audio book of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now on December 5. Well, technically, I DID begin, but that involved 2 weeks of dealing with my fears!

During that time, my negativity whispered to me, “It’s too much work! It’s too technical! You won’t be able to do it! It’s going to cost a fortune anyway!” I’m so familiar with such fears, I went into my “gain courage” mode with the following actions.

Attended spiritually-based meetings (e.g., A Course in Miracles and 12-Step groups).
Stepped up my prayer and meditation practice.
Posted an affirmation on my bathroom mirror: “I create a wonderful audio book in a wonderful way; I offer wonderful service for wonderful pay.”
Met with my spiritual advisor to share my concerns and gain a new perspective.
Asked my support team (that includes you!) to visualize me holding a completed and successful audio book.
Listened to expert advice about how to create an audio book, and kept telling myself, “You can do this.”
Set up my new microphone in a prominent place so I could “make friends” with it.
Forgave myself for my impatience and irritability while I waited for sufficient courage to begin the project.
Enjoyed golf, spending time with my husband and friends, and going to the pool.

A week ago, when I texted my niece to wish her a happy 17^th birthday, I included a few things about our holiday plans and my desire to make an audio book. She replied, “I’m really excited you’re recording an audio book. You should film the process on your phone so we can see. I have always wanted to see what it is like to do that!”

Boom! The turning point had arrived! My niece’s words ignited my enthusiasm and I immediately made a 5-minute video sharing how I connected my microphone and loaded the recording software. It was so much fun! In the next few days, I recorded two more episodes showing all the materials I was studying and how I made my first recording. Now I’m pausing during the holidays while I prepare the manuscript for reading and practice my narrating skills.

In the meantime, here are my videos! Disclaimer from a former perfectionist: I’ll get (a little) better at videos, but my main focus is getting the audio book done; so videos aren’t polished.

Thank you for sharing the journey with me. It’s a lot more fun with buddies who follow along, and I’ve already gotten some good suggestions for making audio books. If you have any tips, please send them along.

Finally, I’m wishing to all who celebrate Christmas: Have a wonderful holiday. And my hope for all of us: A happy and joyous New Year!

Gigi Langer has been clean and sober for 32 years, and holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She’s a sought-after speaker and retreat leader who has helped thousands improve their lives at work and at home. Her new book is available from Amazon, and in various formats here .

Have you ever worked to fulfill a dream, only to have it stall? Suddenly, the specter of procrastination sets in. No progress. Just an abandoned to-do list, mocking you from its lonely spot on your desk.

Since releasing 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection six months ago, I’ve enjoyed offering talks/workshops, participating in lots of FB groups, and doing some low-key ads in social media. And the results have amazed me. Not only is the book selling really well, but I’ve connected at the heart-level with so many amazing people. Thank you all for that.

Ever since I took a week off, however, my dream’s been stalled because I’ve resisted doing more “marketing”—a word I still haven’t embraced. But, as they say, “If you wrote it, you gotta promote it!”

Perhaps I was just tired after all the effort of the past year. So, I waited, rested, and practiced self-care by praying, exercising, writing in my journal, meeting with growth partners, and working on some projects with my husband, Peter.

During this time, I discovered a bonus: While procrastinating one one thing, you can get a shitload of other stuff done! Since I didn’t want to do the “big things” on my list, I did the little ones I’d been putting off. For example, that foot doctor appointment (check!) , a call to my neighbor (check!), and the book I’ve been wanting to read (check!). That all felt pretty good. But I still wasn’t working on marketing.

Here’s the practice that turned things around: the daily use of David-Ji’s meditation “Manifesting All You Desire” (on Insight Timer). As I followed his guiding words, the golden energy of my “agni” chakra dissolved all resistance, and I reclaimed my commitment to my dream: to encourage others’ happiness and growth.

Now I’m ready to go back into action by creating more ads, making a video, recording an audio-book, and scheduling more speaking engagements. Rather than seeing these actions as marketing, I now see them as connecting in care and love with others. Now, that, I can go for!

Even when we’re stuck, growth practices like these can help us gain courage and resolve our challenges in perfect order. Isn’t that great to know? Rock on!

Gigi Langer is a former “Queen of Worry.” She’s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection, winner of the 2018 Indie Excellence Award. Available through Amazon (5 stars), Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.

Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education and an MA in Psychology, both from Stanford. As Georgea M. Langer, she has published several books for teachers and school administrators.

Gigi Langer

Worry Less Now!

Tag: self publishing

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL: COURAGE!

A Stalled Dream: Procrastination Part 2

Subscribe to Newsletter

about gigi

worry less now

speaking

Subscribe