by Susan Daffron, SPOC Organizer
I first heard Gary Barnes speak on a “traction call” which is a question and answer session with a twist. The “traction” aspect is what makes these calls unique. Generally a caller explains how he is stuck with some problem. Gary then helps that person “get traction” again, so they can move forward.
Gary has a gift for looking beyond what people are actually saying to unearth the real reasons behind why they are doing (or not doing) something. It’s hard to describe, but his insights can be extremely powerful. Everyone I know who has been on a traction call has left with new ideas.
Since I met Gary a couple of years ago, I’ve been involved in one of his mastermind groups and also helped him with the interior layout of his book. I’ve talked to him often enough now that it feels odd to just say he’s a business coach. Now he’s become the type of friend everyone should have: someone who isn’t afraid to offer up some honest “tough love” when necessary. In other words, he knows me well enough to call me on my “stuff” or tell me when I’m about to do something stupid. ;-)
When James and I starting thinking about SPOC 2012 early this year, I knew I wanted Gary to do a call related to finishing a book because he is all about getting results in business. Plus, after two years of putting off writing his own book, he wrote the first draft of his manuscript in less than a week. (Talk about results!)
His special SPOC preview call is titled “Get Your Book Unstuck.” It offers a lot of insights into the things that might be holding you back. The call covers everything from poor time management, fear, lack of focus, and more.
Here’s just one interesting tidbit from the conversation that really made me think. A lot of writers say that they procrastinate because they are lazy. Gary suggests that procrastination is really almost always about fear. Maybe it’s fear that you aren’t really “smart enough” or “good enough” to write. Or you’re afraid of what you don’t know. Or that you’ll risk exposure and potential criticism. Or maybe it’s just a fear of getting started and being afraid of how you’ll feel when you open up that blank document.
When you start isolating these problems and focusing on what’s real, instead of what’s just a belief, you can make amazing progress on your book. Gravity is real (if you jump off a building, you find out how real). But what you think about your writing ability is just a belief.
Instead, move forward. Start with an outline. Or write just one article. Then do the next thing. Then the next. And before you know it, a book will be born!
If you missed the preview call, don’t worry, it was recorded. Registered SPOC attendees can download a copy of this recording along with all the others during the conference. Be sure to REGISTER for the conference before the end of April to take advantage of early bird pricing. ($50 off!)
Connect with Gary:
Website: http://www.garybarnesinternational.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garycbarnes
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GaryBarnesMax