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https://mikewriting.com/ Michael P. Wright is a freelance writer who narrates posts for readers to enjoy on the move. Audio options for select posts are available on mikewriting.com and streamed on major podcast services. Visit https://mkwr.co/Podcast for listing of podcast providers. Sat, 16 Mar 2024 00:31:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Blubrry PowerPress/11.10.6 Michael P Wright false episodic Michael P Wright Mikewriting.com@gmail.com Mike Writing 2019 All Rights Reserved Mike Writing 2019 All Rights Reserved podcast Say More • See What Happens https://mikewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/mikewriting-podcast-art1-547.png https://mikewriting.com/blog/ TV-G Sumter, SC, USA Sumter, SC, USA Weekly ce05aaab-1546-5a83-8979-80cadaac2db7 https://mikewriting.com/life-tips/defining-success-series-success-by-your-scale/ Thu, 27 Dec 2018 13:00:27 +0000 https://mikewriting.com/?p=3253 In a series of essays, I’m taking a practical approach to set metrics for success. For the new year, let's decide what our success will look like. In a series of essays, I’m taking a practical approach to set metrics for success. For the new year, let's decide what our success will look like. [fusebox_track_player url="https://traffic.libsyn.com/mikewriting/success-by-your-scale.mp3" title="Defining Success: Personal vs Professional Goals | LIFE TIPS" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_linkedin="true" twitter_username="mkwrco" ]



In the new year, I wish everyone success. I’m not into resolutions, but as we go into 2019, let’s think about what we want our successes to look like. Whether it be in fitness, income, education, relationships, career advancement, etc, think about why that is something you need to accomplish. Are you doing it for you? Would you pursue this thing – would you reach for that target if no one was looking?



I encourage you to own your path to success by deciding exactly what it looks like and how to measure it. By being your own gatekeeper. That’s what I want for you in 2019. That’s what I want for you in life.



Vaguely Wishing for Success



Recently, I sat in a live webinar with one of my favorite nerds right now, Dr Shannon Irvine. She’s a neuropsychologist who teaches business strategy and hosts a podcast called Epic Success. The overall theme of the webinar was how to change your thinking to grow your business.



When she went into a section on limiting beliefs and the science of success, I started to think about how general my idea of success in life is. What really tugged at me was realizing that I hadn’t given myself clear metrics to measure my success. I just vaguely wished to eventually be wildly successful.



What are my targets? What am I aiming for here exactly? I even asked out loud, “How will I know if I made it, if I don’t know what it looks like?” So you get come along with me on a little quest. In a series of essays, I’m going to take a practical approach to nailing down these metrics for success.



Success by Whose Scale



It’s common for us to look at each other as successful or not. But the problem there is that we’re only capable of looking through the lenses of our own biases.



I think being a success is subjective. And it HAS TO be. Because if it isn’t based on our own terms, we will use someone else’s scale to measure how well we’re doing.




https://youtu.be/DwIyz0ESf9A?t=598
BOB MARLEY interview MY RICHNESS IS LIFE, FOREVER



We know what that looks like. It’s going to law school when you want to be a singer. It’s playing football when you always loved the cello. It’s staying in the military for 20 years when you knew in 10 you weren’t cut out for it. It’s trapping yourself into false notions of what you should be doing. Your self-talk is full of should-be’s, should-have’s, and conflicting decisions.



There’s no way for me to say this without sounding like Gary Vaynerchuk: allowing someone else to define your success is not a healthy play -- especially in the long term.







Personal vs Professional Goals: Two Sticks in the Same Popsicle



I need to define success for me, so I have those targets. I set out for my blueprint, roadmap, etc. This post is a tangible by-product of that process for me. When I began making notes for how I’d carry out defining success, I was reminded of a conflict between listing personal goals and listing professional goals.







In the Air Force, we had performance feedback worksheets -- called the trusty Air Force Form 931 Airman Comprehensive Assessment Worksheet if you want to look it up. I remembered how much I struggled to understand why personal and professional goals weren’t the same. I get separating them for the sake of the feedback dialogue.]]> Michael Wright full false 5:28 https://mikewriting.com/people/scroll-of-the-mobile-phone/ Thu, 04 Oct 2018 06:52:24 +0000 https://mikewriting.com/?p=3025 With 68% of 7.5 billion earthlings owning a mobile phone, these brilliant devices are more common than a toothbrush. But how much screen time is too much? With 68% of 7.5 billion earthlings owning a mobile phone, these brilliant devices are more common than a toothbrush. But how much screen time is too much?
Full text: https://mkwr.co/2Qt34mK

Source:

“Number Of Smartphone Users Worldwide From 2014 To 2020 (in billions)” by Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/

“Number Of Mobile Subscribers Worldwide Hits 5 Billion” by GSM Association: https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/number-mobile-subscribers-worldwide-hits-5-billion/

https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/

https://www.census.gov/popclock/world

“Mobile Time Spent 2018” by eMarketer: https://www.emarketer.com/content/mobile-time-spent-2018

“5 Billion Subscriber Infographic” PDF by GSMA Intelligence:https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/?file=796b31a9277dfb35f78a883091825f43&download

Find me on Twitter @mikewritingcom]]> Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 13:00 With 68% of 7.5 billion earthlings owning a mobile phone, these brilliant devices are more common than a toothbrush. But how much screen time is too much?<br /> <br /> Full text: https://mkwr.co/2Qt34mK<br /> <br /> Source:<br /> <br /> “Number Of Smartphone Users Worldwide From 2014 To 2020 (in billions)” by Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/<br /> <br /> “Number Of Mobile Subscribers Worldwide Hits 5 Billion” by GSM Association: https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/number-mobile-subscribers-worldwide-hits-5-billion/<br /> <br /> https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/<br /> <br /> https://www.census.gov/popclock/world<br /> <br /> “Mobile Time Spent 2018” by eMarketer: https://www.emarketer.com/content/mobile-time-spent-2018<br /> <br /> “5 Billion Subscriber Infographic” PDF by GSMA Intelligence:https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/?file=796b31a9277dfb35f78a883091825f43&download<br /> <br /> Find me on Twitter @mikewritingcom https://mikewriting.com/chuckles/curb-racism-a-guide/ Sat, 08 Sep 2018 11:51:31 +0000 https://mikewriting.com/?p=2817 No, I haven't cracked racism YET. But I'm closer than I’ve ever been! Here are several mitigation techniques for diffusing racist encounters. No, I haven't cracked racism YET. But I'm closer than I’ve ever been! Here are several mitigation techniques for diffusing racist encounters.
Visit mikewriting.com for full text and images.]]> Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 9:35 No, I haven't cracked racism YET. But I'm closer than I’ve ever been! Here are several mitigation techniques for diffusing racist encounters.<br /> <br /> Visit mikewriting.com for full text and images. https://mikewriting.com/fight-me/40-acres-and-a-dodge-challenger-part-1/ Thu, 21 Jun 2018 12:12:42 +0000 http://mikewriting.com/?p=1582 As parents, what do we lose when we keep the subject of Money taboo? This is one Black American male’s perspective of lessons learned and not learned that reinforced Broke Mentality As parents, what do we lose when we keep the subject of Money taboo? This is one Black American male’s perspective of lessons learned and not learned that reinforced Broke Mentality





As parents, what do we lose when we keep the subject of finances taboo? This is one Black American male’s perspective of the lessons learned and not learned about money that reinforced Broke Mentality.




The children lose when we keep the subject of finances taboo.
Michael Wright



Grown Folks Business What I Learned at Home



As a kid, you didn’t talk about money with your parents. You didn’t ask about bills. You didn’t know how much your parents made. That was all Grown Folks’ Business. If you asked for something, the answer was yes, no or we’ll see — each had their unique variations. For the benefit of the doubt, I understand our parents couldn’t teach us about stocks and bonds if they had never opened an investment account. But what about the basics, the day-to-day financial responsibilities like bills, loans, credit cards, BMG CD clubs, etc? That was fundamental knowledge that would have seriously helped us.



Dad used to say, “Save your money, son.” I used to wonder ‘Save money until when? Save for what?’ I remember feeling like it was wrong somehow to spend money immediately after you made it: like it was a sin or something.



Photo via Lost Indian https://lostindiana.net/2001/06/01/burger-chef-indianapolis/



When I was 16, I worked for $4.35/hour at Hardee’s (this is a 1997 minimum wage in Gardendale, AL). I saved for 8 months. Dad took me to Let it Ride Auto Sales off Hwy 31 in Fultondale, AL. That’s where I traded $901.56 for a shiny blue Oldsmobile. It ran for 3 weeks — overheated from an oil leak and the motor locked up. Whether that particular lesson was a good or bad one is, of course, a matter of opinion. It was effective! I learned two things: buy a car with a warranty and learn how cars work.



That was a pretty hard pill to swallow. The part that always bothered me was that later Dad and I had a couple conversations about the car but none of them were about not buying As-Is, having an engine inspected, or what kind of protection a buyer has when getting a lemon. The conversations fell flat landing on my not watching enough oil changes. I felt kind of betrayed. A seed was planted in my mind that we, the children, could be inadvertently being setup for failure.



Balance Checkbooks, Sell M&Ms for Shoe Money What I Learned in School



Photo of Asics Harrier 99 shoes on runningfree.com



I recall, very vaguely, an assignment where we got two sheets of paper: one was a printout of fake checks and the other looked like the back of a checkbook. The memory is so foggy I don’t even remember what class or even what school we had the assignment. I can't think of other lessons on finances except for being charged to have your yearbook picture printed in color. There were more assignments on managing money though, I’m sure. I’m kinda sure. It felt like the subject of finances was low-priority in school.



There were no presentations, cheesy VHS videos or text book chapters on bank account types, income tax, credit cards, interest rates and loan types?]]> Michael Wright full false 10:42 https://mikewriting.com/open-letter/friends-with-purposes/ Mon, 21 Aug 2017 11:00:25 +0000 http://mikewriting.com/?p=1663 You want to see your tribe winning during the prime of their lives. I'll always push my friends to do the work they love. Consider this article a push. You want to see your tribe winning during the prime of their lives. I'll always push my friends to do the work they love. Consider this article a push. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 6:17 You want to see your tribe winning during the prime of their lives. I'll always push my friends to do the work they love. Consider this article a push. https://mikewriting.com/artists/artists-and-change/ Tue, 14 Feb 2017 01:59:55 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=116 Artists reserve their rights to create, change, evolve, and innovate. Get on board or get out the way. Artists reserve their rights to create, change, evolve, and innovate. Get on board or get out the way. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 4:16 Artists reserve their rights to create, change, evolve, and innovate. Get on board or get out the way. https://mikewriting.com/open-letter/i-used-to-look-just-like-her/ Mon, 16 Jan 2017 12:00:04 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=876 I stumble through superficial conversation with my mom even though that's the only kind we have. Our relationship needs repairing. I'm just not brave enough yet. I stumble through superficial conversation with my mom even though that's the only kind we have. Our relationship needs repairing. I'm just not brave enough yet. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 12:23 I stumble through superficial conversation with my mom even though that's the only kind we have. Our relationship needs repairing. I'm just not brave enough yet. https://mikewriting.com/life-tips/my-pleasure/ Mon, 02 Jan 2017 12:00:59 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=660 Chick-fil-A's employees saying 'my pleasure' to customers reminded me of way to feel less tortured by performing uncomfortable tasks. A fine example of the relationship between emotions, behavior, and habits is Chick-fil-A's employees saying 'my pleasure' to customers. It's also a clever way to express eager servitude and humble gratitude. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 5:16 https://mikewriting.com/speaking/oh-public-speaking-where-is-thy-sting/ Tue, 20 Dec 2016 17:25:55 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=111 Here's a what-I-know-so-far guide to improving your public speaking. Read or listen to unique ways to get over the anxiety and where to focus during prep. Here's a what-I-know-so-far guide to improving your public speaking. Read or listen to unique ways to get over the anxiety and where to focus during prep. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 11:28 Here's a what-I-know-so-far guide to improving your public speaking. Read or listen to unique ways to get over the anxiety and where to focus during prep. https://mikewriting.com/open-letter/thank-you-mrs-byington/ Fri, 02 Dec 2016 22:16:56 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=450 Mrs. Byington, 10th grade English class, inspired me to write despite my rejecting an invitation to join the Journalism Club. Mrs. Byington, 10th grade English class, inspired me to write despite my rejecting an invitation to join the Journalism Club. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 9:10 Mrs. Byington, 10th grade English class, inspired me to write despite my rejecting an invitation to join the Journalism Club. https://mikewriting.com/lists/if-i-was-in-a-band/ Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:00:48 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=386 I own a harmonica. I'll probably, definitely probably start a band. Here's a list of band names we might use. I own a harmonica. I'll probably, definitely probably start a band. Here's a list of band names we might use. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 4:31 https://mikewriting.com/people/just-a-man/ Fri, 25 Nov 2016 21:57:05 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=130 I understand why we idolize the intelligent, accomplished, and successful. I don't understand why we elevate celebrities to a plane where mistakes can't be made. I understand why we idolize the intelligent, accomplished, and successful. I don't understand why we elevate celebrities to a plane where mistakes can't be made. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer Just A Man | PEOPLE full false 11:40 https://mikewriting.com/predictions/death-of-public-restrooms/ Fri, 18 Nov 2016 13:00:54 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=218 The conversation of transgender people and public restrooms is not complex at all. Here is the inevitable outcome. The conversation of transgender people and public restrooms is not complex at all. Here is the inevitable outcome. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 10:02 https://mikewriting.com/people/crying-at-funerals/ Fri, 11 Nov 2016 13:00:47 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=140 If you loved them while they lived, celebrate their life at the funeral. Nine questions to ask yourself if you're holding onto a grudge. If you loved them while they lived, celebrate their life at the funeral. Nine questions to ask yourself if you are holding onto a grudge.
Full text: https://mkwr.co/2RIN7KH]]> Michael Wright, Freelance Writer full false 6:36 https://mikewriting.com/parenting/the-anxiety-i-shouldnt-have/ Fri, 04 Nov 2016 12:27:35 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=107 I get heavy anxiety when I'll be spending time with my kids. I think that I would be okay if I never thought of the goodbye. I get heavy anxiety when I'll be spending time with my kids. I think that I would be okay if I never thought of the goodbye. Michael Wright, Freelance Writer The Anxiety I Shouldn't Have | PEOPLE full false 3:32 https://mikewriting.com/people/about-divorce/ Mon, 31 Oct 2016 12:00:54 +0000 http://www.mikewriting.com/?p=41 I've been wrong about divorce. I believed divorce was wrong. I considered myself a failure. I thought it was my fault. I've been wrong about divorce. I believed divorce was wrong. I considered myself a failure. I thought it was my fault.
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