Book Review: Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson

“In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only exceeded as an actor; she has shaped the course of history.”

President Barack Obama, 2016 Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony

Cicely Tyson’s memoir, “Just As I Am,” invites readers on an extraordinary journey that defies
expectations and leaves an indelible mark on the world. Spanning a narrative of ninety-six years,
Tyson weaves a mosaic of life lessons that resonate across generations. With skillful mastery, she
employs metaphors throughout the memoir, adding layers of depth and richness to her messages.

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BOOK REVIEW: “No Limits: Blow the CAP Off Your Capacity

Dr. John C. Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 26 million books in fifty languages. John is an internationally respected leadership expert whose philosophy is simple: “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” In 2014, he was identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association® and the most influential leadership expert in the world by Business Insider and Inc. magazine.

No Limits: Blow the Cap off Your Capacity is one of Maxwell’s books that focuses on personal growth and living an abundant life. In this book, he emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself and others and provides a roadmap for expanding personal growth and achieving prosperous living. Maxwell’s intention with this book is to uplift and bring awareness to readers to increase their capacity.

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Empowering Readers through Transformative Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Words by Writers

The Impact of Writers on Readers’ Leadership

In the realm of personal and professional development, the adage “Readers are leaders” is frequently invoked to emphasize the significance of reading. However, it prompts an intriguing question: What role do writers play in this dynamic? Can writers be considered the leaders of readers? This article delves into the transformative leadership of writers and explores how they can utilize their influence to create a positive impact on readers and the world.

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Unveiling Blindspots: Essential Ways for Writers to Cultivate Self-Awareness and Influence

Harnessing the power of self-awareness is paramount for writers, as their words possess the ability to influence and impact readers. By delving into their blindspots, writers can better understand themselves, their purpose, and their potential to bring value and create positive change in the world. This article explores the significance of self-awareness for writers and provides five essential strategies to develop self-awareness and enhance their ability to influence readers effectively.

Embracing Humility: Unlocking the Power of Listening and Feedback

To foster self-awareness, writers must humble themselves and create an environment where they invite feedback from trusted sources. By actively listening to others and valuing their perspectives, writers can gain insights into their blindspots and uncover areas for growth.

Unveiling Blindspots: The Power of Asking Deep Questions

Challenging assumptions and questioning one’s own perspectives is crucial to revealing blindspots. Writers need to ask themselves thought-provoking questions that prompt introspection, enabling them to identify areas where they may be lacking clarity or understanding.

Breaking Down Barriers: Overcoming Defensiveness and Justifications

Writers must let go of defensiveness and excuses that hinder their growth. By removing barriers and embracing vulnerability, they can openly explore their blindspots and be receptive to constructive criticism, allowing for personal and professional development.

Seeking Diverse Perspectives: Expanding Horizons and Cultivating Empathy

Developing self-awareness involves seeking diverse perspectives from individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. Writers should actively engage with others, gathering a range of viewpoints to expand their understanding and foster empathy, enabling them to connect with readers on a deeper level.

Adapting and Growing: Taking Action and Embracing Fulfillment

To foster self-awareness, writers must continually adapt and adjust their beliefs, behaviors, and approaches. By recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, writers can take purposeful action steps towards growth, realizing their full potential and ultimately living a fulfilling life aligned with their purpose.

In the realm of writing, self-awareness is an essential skill for influencing readers and effecting positive change. By understanding their blindspots, writers can overcome insecurities, enhance their craft, and unlock their true potential. Cultivating self-awareness allows writers to connect authentically with their readers, empowering them to lead and inspire, ultimately transforming lives and the world through the power of words.

Book Review: Finding Me by Viola Davis

SETTING GOALS LIKE A CHAMPION…FROM PROVERTY TO PROSPERITY

Viola Davis’s memoir, Finding Me, is a powerful story of self-discovery and transformation. Just like Jeannette Walls, the author of The Glass Castle, Davis begins her story with a description of horrific childhood memories. The memoirs’ raw details of the dysfunction present in these authors’ families evokes strong emotions of grief, anger, sadness, and pain. These stories highlight the impact of alcoholism, poverty, abuse, self-loathing, and mental illness on their lives, as well as the need for resilience and strength to overcome these challenges. Both stories highlight the importance of family, mentorship, and support in one’s journey toward success and well-being.

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2023 Women’s History Month – Honoring Claudette Colvin

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I always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. And sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone.

Claudette Colvin

I was at a poetry festival and one of the poets said she would like to have lunch with Claudette Colvin, the woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus 9 months before Rosa Parks, the known civil rights activist, did the same. I researched this woman and decided to honor her for Women’s History Month.

At 83, Claudette Colvin, civil rights activist, is finally being honored and recognized as a pioneer agent of change. She was one of the plaintiffs in the federal case, Browder v. Gayle, filed in February 1956 during the boycott that ultimately led to the desegregation of Montgomery’s buses.

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Set Goals Like a Champion

The Goal: LeBron James, NBA Lakers player, to be NBA’s leading scorer on February 7, 2023. He needs 36 points to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Laker legend’s scoring record of 38,387 points.

The outcome: Lebron is now the NBA’s leading scorer at 38, 390 points.

WHY SET GOALS?

GOALS are valuable! They are a vehicle that drives us to our desired destination. They design our lives; propels us forward personally and professionally. They energize us. They make us confident and happy.

On Tuesday, March 7, at 4 pm, I invite you to join me in a conversation about the value of goal setting and goal achievement.

In this interactive presentation, we will discuss:

  • What is a goal?
  • Why set a goal?
  • 7 Step Goal Achievement Process
  • Benefits of Participating in a 90-day Goal plan Over One Focused on Annual Goals

Two live, online options:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 4:00 pm PST. Registration $25
Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 4:00 pm PST. Registration $25

Click here to register for Tuesday, March 7 event

Click here to register for Sunday, March 19 event

Please email me at writerworks@gmail.com for details.

Flyer for 90-Day Year Goals Workshop

WOULD YOU INVEST $20.23 TO ENSURE YOU HIT YOUR GOALS THIS YEAR?

If not, stop reading now.

But if, yes please continue…

Join me, Coach Diane, on Thursday, December 29th at 5PM PST, as I conduct a 90-minute workshop to serve you.

BECOME INVINCIBLE while you learn to set goals and achieve them faster. Can you SPIKE 2023 so that you can build momentum and accomplish more in 90 days than you ever have before in a complete year? Work smarter, not harder!

I encourage you to take action and commit to starting strong!

To that end, I’m gifting you a FREE copy of the wheel of life.

Join me on December 29th for the 90-day teleconference 90-minute workshop to create an outline for your 2023 goals blueprint. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy the holidays armed with your foundation of success so that you can conquer 2023!

Reach out to writerworks@gmail.com for more details about how to sign up.

January 2022, you set goals for the year. You created a plan of action and went to work. Now it’s the fourth quarter, are you on track to finish strong? If your answer is yes, let’s celebrate. If your answer is no, don’t quit!  There is still plenty of time to make your fourth quarter productive.

“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” —Thomas Edison

Let’s recalibrate. Coaching is a powerful tool to make your goals happen. Together we will focus on accountability, helping you to gain self-awareness and new insights. And as your coach, I want to see you win. You can finish 2022 strong, and be moving with the momentum to begin 2023.

Would you like some help with that?

I invite you to schedule a date for a life-changing coaching session with me. Click here: 

https://coachdiane.blog/  (Calendly) 

Also, I invite you to join me on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 4 pm PST for an interactive “4th quarter Goals Manifestation Coaching group. Please email me at writertworks@gmail.com  for details.

Thank you

5 Benefits of Group Coaching

What is group coaching?

According to the International Coaching Foundation, group coaching happens when a group of 10 or fewer people are moving in a similar direction at the same time. A group can be coached for a specific time frame (such as 1, 3, 6, or 12 months) or the group coaching can be ongoing.

Group coaching is for those who are looking to take their life to the next level. It provides individuals with an opportunity to simultaneously work with a coach and work in a group of people who are interested in changing their perspectives to achieve the same goal. Both group and one-on-one coaching are equally valuable; however, the deliverables are different…

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