Phony Part 2

I wrote earlier how I was invited to be a resource speaker, and my mind was scrambling on what to speak.

I hadn't drawn in the longest time, and my interests in the creative arts had shifted from drawing to writing.

"Okay, what do I do now, Nurj?"

I said yes to this once in a life time opportunity, because it IS a once in a life time opportunity.

I said yes to this opportunity because I made a promise to myself that 2016 would be the year when I try to do different things.

2016 is about taking little steps, and going outside of the beloved comfort zone.

I'm not the greatest resource speaker in the world.

I'm an introvert. I stammer. I'm a perfectionist. I'm serious.

But when I create powerpoint presentations, I always find myself putting 9gag memes.

Memes.

There is something about memes that make me happy, then makes everything not become serious.

I was going to speak... and I had no idea how and what to deliver.

I binged on chocolate crinkles my friend gave me from Baguio City and as I went to the pantry room to brush my teeth, a trail of thoughts flashed through my mind.

Use theme and concept.

 Use the "how to fail" idea.

 Ground it on the idea that 'All advice is autobiographical'

As I brushed my teeth, the ideas came to me, pouring like the rain. By the time I finished, I had an inkling on what to present.

I had to present my honesty.

I had to present my experience.

I had to present what I had done.

I had to present what I had not done.

I had to present everything in 20 minutes.

20 minutes is enough, and at the same time, it isn't enough.

To speak on how to draw and cram into 20 minutes is ridiculous.

But it's possible, after all... refer to Parkinson's Law.

"Work expands to fill the time it's alloted for."

20 minutes is enough.

4 Memorable tidbits from Steven Pressfield

He had me at four words. 

One day, you'll meet a blogger that will change an aspect of your life.

Like, how you view your hobby for instance. 

Adapting their mindset changes everything. 

Adapting their mindset changes you. 

Adapting their mindset enhances you. 

I met Steven Pressfield through CJ Chilvers.

And I'm grateful that I started to read CJ's material 2 months ago. 

I've binged on Steven's works over 2 days. 

Nobody Reads Your Sh*t.

Do Work. 

The Authentic Swing. 

The War of Art.

I think I read War of Art three years ago. I remember I found it boring. 

Not anymore. 

Of his writings, here are some tidbits I'd like to share. It is my deepest desire that his words touch your life, the same way his touch mine. 

1. Nobody Reads Your Shit.

2. You have not chosen the story. The story has chosen you. 

3. Theme is everything. Once we know the theme, we know the climax, we know the protagonist, we know the antagonist, we know the supporting characters, we know the opening, we know the throughline.

4. If you want to write and be recognized, you have to do it yourself.