Take Small Steps, Because Being Inspired is Overrated

All my life, I've always thought that inspiration is needed to become successful in something, even a small project like acing the board exam. But now in my mid-40s, I know that inspiration is overrated. Reaching success requires a series of steps organized in a way that is systematic and doable.

But, inspiration is needed to become motivated, right? Yes, motivation matters. However, it's easy to get demotivated and hence lose inspiration because of the mediocre things that need attention. We easily lose sense of the big picture. Before we know it, years have passed and we still have not reached our goal of becoming successful, especially in our studies.

I've seen people proclaim their new year's resolutions to the world on social media. I know they'd probably make the same resolution next year because a year can feel like a very long time in terms of inspiration.

We often only have strong inspiration for a couple of days at most. Then, life happens, and we lose steam. Normal life errodes inspiration when it becomes obvious that the gargantuan effort needed to reach the BIG goal feels too much.

And, also, there's this thing called Procrastination. We tend to procrastinate.

Small steps, especially those that lead to accumulating wealth, improving fitness, and gaining skills may not result in dramatic events, but they do lead to a better life. These steps require discipline, but not the BIG types of discipline like starving, going for days without carbs, etc. Just enough discipline to choose the healthier options.

One good choice. Daily. These small decisions accummulate to big ones. You can make good decisions even if you're not inspired at the moment or you're feeling miserable. If it's broken down into small steps, being on track for the big things can be easy.

5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge. Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps. 2. Getting Things Done by David Allen If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax. Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists. 3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker Peter Drucker is...

My Introduction to One Piece Season 1: The Humorour Storytelling is What Really Got Me

[Warning: Post may contain spoilers] As a newcomer to the world of "One Piece," I must admit, the hype surrounding this anime had always intrigued me, and I finally decided to dive in and see what all the fuss was about. Season 1 of "One Piece" has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and it's easy to see why it's captured the hearts of so many fans around the globe. From the very first episode, "One Piece" throws you into a vibrant, peculiar world of pirates and treasures. We're introduced to Monkey D. Luffy, an irrepressibly cheerful and somewhat naive young pirate with a dream: to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King. But there's a twist - Luffy is no ordinary pirate. After eating a Devil Fruit, he gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber, at the cost of never being able to swim again. This quirky blend of humor and fantasy hooked me right from the start. As the season progresses, Luffy's...

Library Management Brainstorming: Get Patrons Involved

Brainstorming is a dynamic and flexible tool that can be applied to library management. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the brainstorming process, libraries can tap into a wealth of ideas that pave the way for innovative services, enhanced user experience, and efficient operations. The structured approach to brainstorming, from idea generation to selection, ensures that libraries can systematically explore and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of their communities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, libraries can remain vital centers for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Librarians don't need to do it alone. After all, patrons are also the ones who would benefit from improvements in the library. Hence, tapping them for ideas is a good call. Topics for Library Management Brainstorming Improving User Engagement: A library looking to increase patron visits might brainstorm ideas leading to initiatives like a community bo...

Playtime is Library Time: the Library as a Place of Adventure

When I was a kid, the word “library” meant one thing: boredom. It conjured up images of stuffy silence, stern librarians, and endless shelves of dusty books that seemed more interested in gathering cobwebs than capturing my imagination. Yet, I’ve since learned that this perception couldn’t be more wrong. The library is not a place where fun goes to die; it’s a playground for the mind. So why do we, as adults, so often pass it off as a dreary destination for last-minute study sessions or research marathons? I can’t help but think we’ve done our children a disservice by failing to frame it as what it really is: a place of adventure, discovery, and, yes, play. Imagine for a moment if the library wasn’t treated like a "last resort" when you've exhausted all other options for entertainment. What if, instead, it was seen as a treasure chest waiting to be opened? Each shelf a new map to a far-off land, every book a ticket to a new world where anything is possible? This shift in ...

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

3 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Handwriting

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

Why Traditional Artists Refuse to Sell Their Art Online?

Traditional artists often face several challenges when trying to earn money online. While the internet provides vast opportunities for showcasing and selling art, there are specific barriers that can prevent traditional artists from achieving financial success in the digital space: 1. Digital Skill Gap - Lack of Technical Skills: Traditional artists may lack the technical skills needed to navigate online platforms, set up digital shops, or market themselves effectively online. - Learning Curve: The transition from traditional methods to digital tools and platforms can be daunting, requiring time and effort to learn. 2. Marketing and Self-Promotion - Limited Marketing Knowledge: Successful online selling requires effective marketing strategies. Many traditional artists may not be familiar with digital marketing techniques like social media promotion, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising. - Reluctance to Self-Prom...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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