Leading up to my birthday, a few revelations popped into my head.
First of all, there’s a LOT of crap that’s in my life – junk food, mindless TV, unnecessary online shopping.
They all need to stop.
Well, they at least need to stop happening by default.
There’s no real control or conscious effort to switch the off button after a 5 episode marathon of “House of Cards”.
Rather than cave into my lack of will power, I need to listen to my already full tummy and put the rest of the chips back in the pantry.
I figure if I cut the crap, even by a little, I can make more room for the stuff that I’ve always said I wanted to do – read all the Jane Austen books, write my novel(s), run that marathon.
September is around the corner and along with the hope that comes with spring, I’ve decided to set 3 goals – in business, health/fitness and my writing.
I won’t bore you with the business one – just the usual goals about hitting sales quotas, holding back the urge to punch rude clients in the throat, blah, blah, blah.
I am, however, excited about my plans to improve my freelance writing skills.
The lovely Carolyn Tate at Freelance Writers Cartel has invited me to participate in her 8 week Kickstarter Course.
Now, Carolyn is a personal friend I met through these blogging traps. We’ve shared one too many cocktails on a cruise liner, boogied our butts at a friend’s 40th. We’ve even dared to take on the early sunrise one Problogger morning, and ran along the Gold Coast esplanade together.
Aren’t we spunks?
She is all sorts of awesome, funny and witty. But, when it comes to freelance writing, Carolyn knows her stuff.
The 8 week Kickstarter Course starts on the 7th of September. There’s the standard course or the elite level where participants receive extra 1 on 1 coaching.
And yup – Carolyn’s brain is worth picking.
With both courses, there’s 8 weeks worth of lessons (back to homework, yikes!), templates and transcripts but there’s also access to a vibrant Facebook community. People will be sharing contacts, ideas and opportunities, as well as use each other for a sounding board. More brain picking!
If you’re like me and see where your writing skills can take you, maybe it’s worth looking into Freelance Writers Cartel.
Carolyn is also generously offering my readers an introductory 20% discount. Just use the code FWC20. Thank you, Carolyn!
Now, time to cut the crap. Drop the default and smash some goals.
What goals have you set lately? Are you wanting to take your blogging to something more lucrative like freelance writing? Are you a “House of Cards” addict?
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Never seen House of Cards, but I do know all about cruising up and down the main street of a little town called “Default”. Been there, done that and even bought the t-shirt. I left it a few years back though and moved to the big city …
Good luck with the freelancing goal! Sounds perfect for you Grace.
The course also sounds like a good one.
Have fun leaving the sleepy town of “Default” …
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2151 – Getting ready for spring
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Am I the only person (apart from Leanne) who hasn’t watched House of Cards?! That writing course sounds right up your alley – here’s to smashing goals!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Jaclyn Carlson
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
I’ve never watched House of Cards, and tempted as I am to start due to my FOMO, I won’t because like you I want to set some goals and achieve a bit more next month rather than just keep doing what I’ve done previously.
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Amy @ handbagmafia says
I’ve just started a bit of freelance work- daunting but awesome at the same time!
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Lydia C. Lee says
I slept thru the last season of House of Cards so have to rewatch it when partner is away – just was really tired (and the heater too warm)….no reflection on the show…
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Conversations with a Superhero
Lydia C. Lee says
and good for you!! I need a revamp for my energy too…
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Conversations with a Superhero
Shauna 'Round the Corner says
This sounds like such a great opportunity and a really good deal but the timing is all wrong for me! I am moving house in just 2 weeks and I’ve not packed a teaspoon. Not a thing!
I get where you are coming from when you feel you just need to shake things up a bit and cut the crap! I get like that when there is too much going on in my life.
All the best for the course! My time will come I hope 🙂
Shauna ‘Round the Corner recently posted..Father’s Day Fudge Recipe + other gift ideas from the web
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
Funny Shauna, I’m moving house two weeks after I start teaching the course. Wondering what on earth I was thinking!
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
mamagrace71 says
What were you thinking???!!! 🙂 Can’t wait to start x
Haidee@Maybe Baby brothers says
With the brighter weather around the corner it is always the perfect time to start making some goals! Mine are in the health/fitness section mostly, more exercise and healthier food are top of the list. Good luck with achieving your goals!
Haidee@Maybe Baby brothers recently posted..I Have A Confession … My Blondest Moments Exposed
Emily says
Enjoy the course! Carolyn’s brains are worth picking on many matters. Someone who can coin the term ‘exclamation elbows’ is clearly wordsmith and marketing genius. Love the pic of you two x
Emily recently posted..Too Busy Sleeping – Zanni Louise and Anna Pignataro (book review)
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
I work best with a wonderful muse. Your elbows were born to inspire poetry! xx
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy says
I can definitely vouch for Carolyn, she has definitely been a support figure when it’s come to my writing and if there’s anyone looking to do a course, this would be awesome.
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy recently posted..How To Make a Terrarium
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
Thanks Eva, that’s so lovely! xx
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
Mumma McD says
I was looking into Caroline ‘s course just the other day, I’m very keen to do it but completely time-poor right now! Maybe next round! Let us know how it goes 🙂
Mumma McD recently posted..Ben and Holly – Reimagined
Ai Sakura says
Haven’t set anything major lately… just some health and fitness goals to reach via my current fitness training program. Go you!! Hope you achieve all the goals you set for yourself. And Happy Belated Birthday once again!!!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival with Hello Kitty + WIN Kawaii Mooncakes Box Set
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
I need to cut out the crap big time. After having a baby I’m dreadful at eating too much of all the wrong things and just plain too much. I also become an online shopping addict and watch Netflix too much but I’m not willing to part with that last one just yet. There is a point where I have to actively say no more. Good for you that you’re at that point.
Carolyn seems like a bit of a gun to me so I have no doubt her course will be greatly insightful. If I wasn’t so stuck in baby fog I would join you!
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..In Mourning For the Daughter That Never Was
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
Naw, thanks Vicki!
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
I love that photo of you both! I was thrilled to meet Carolyn at this year’s #PBevent and she is so lovely! Do you need to have any formal writing quals or background to do her course? Like others – I’ve never watched House of Cards and have no idea what it is about. I am probably living under a rock aren’t I?!! xoxo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Taking Stock – August 2015
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
I loved meeting you too, Min! No qualifications necessary for the course, just a love of writing and a desire to start getting out there and selling stories. I think it’s particularly perfect for bloggers who love to write and want to take their work to the next level, but just aren’t sure where to start or who to talk to. I want to give people the confidence and the tools they need to start putting themselves out there, because wonderful things can happen!
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I wish I had time to binge watch tv lol my poor Netflix is neglected {except for all the cartoons bub watches}. I’m starting to think I’ll have to wait until bub’s at school to do anything proper with my freelance writing because I just don’t have enough time I can allocate to do anything on a full time bases {which is where I want to be eventually}.
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Vanessa says
My ability to quit the crap seems to depend on how tired I am!
Vanessa recently posted..Why I Don’t Like The Post Office
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I have been branching into freelance writing this year, but I am a bit hopeless with keeping up the momentum of pitching.
Good luck with your writing.
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Fairlie says
I binge-watched the first season of House of Cards on long-haul flights to and from NYC…perfect. I was captive and had nothing better to do. How freakin’ good is that show? I’ve sadly found very little time since to watch seasons 2 and 3…working through an episode at a time every now and then. I NEED a binge viewing. I am super-interested in the idea of Carolyn’s Freelance Writing course…I’m not sure the timing is right at this point…but I’ll check it out!
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Emma @ Life, kids and a glass of red says
Total House of Cards addict here! Now the weather is getting nicer, I too am feeling the need to cut some crap out. Not totally cut it out, but at least cut back. Less chocolate, more reading proper stuff (not trash!), more exercise and generally looking after myself more. I need to find some more inspiration and motivation for more writing, feel like my brain has deserted me at the moment!
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Deborah says
I keep staying I’ll start freelancing but find myself flummoxed about sending people stuff…. The course sounds great, but sadly not something I can afford at this point! #alas
Deborah recently posted..Author interview with Claire Varley – The Bit in Between
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
That’s exactly the sort of stuff we tackle in the course, Deborah. Maybe next time…
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
EssentiallyJess says
I would love to do her course, but I’m already maxed out with TAFE at the moment.
Good luck Grace. I’m so excited for you. xx
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Read the Paper with EssentiallyJess. (The one where I turn into my dad)
Kristyn says
We are in the same boat with the crap eating and health stuff Mama G! I am happy it is getting warmer. So need to get back on track.
And yay for the writing thing! Always here to help out!
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Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
At this moment, my goals right now are just to listen to myself and do what feels right. I have plenty of inspiration to push my blog, pick up more freelance writing work, drop that baby weight, and it goes on ,,, but right now I’m listening to what I needs and taking the pressure off by just enjoying my time with my three girls. PS I haven’t seen House of Cards.
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natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
I’ver never watched house of cards either.. Just thought I would add that in.
Having come back from a relaxing holiday, I am pumped to improve my blog and blogging so one day I can show my husband that this can be a serious business..
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Nikki@WonderfullyWomen says
OITNB is still sitting on episode 3 in Netflix just have not had time to watch any more of it. I have too many default settings that need changing, working on the list now and finding practical ways to do things differently. x N
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Shannon @ Oh Creative Day says
Woohoooooo to Spring!
Something about the change between Winter and Spring just is motivating and inspiring in and of itself.
Have fun with the writing course it sounds amazing. I’m off to finish the current season of House of Cards now. Thanks for reminding me! Just joking- I need to cull a few things in my life to make room for the important, good stuff.
Happy LAST weekend of Winter!!!! xx
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Denyse says
Spring is definitely the game changer for motivation and change isn’t it? Good luck Grace. X
Denyse recently posted..What’s This? 240/365.
Robyna | the Mummy and the Minx says
Definitely spunks! The course sounds great – I think a definitely need a kick of some sort and a kick start is a good way to go.
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Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
I’ll kick you, love! 😉
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
Kell @ All Mum Said says
Currently torn between work (freelance writing), my blog and the expected arrival of bub #4; my time seems to be non-existent. Ideally my goals are to learn more about SEO and how I can improve it for my blog ranking but feel it may have to wait until more hours are added to the day.
Good luck with your goal!!
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Fluffy says
Love, love, love the ‘House of Cards’ but have decided that this is not a waste of time – it is career relevant (all a matter of perspective) 😉 … if you ever want to run a marathon in Sydney, let me know 🙂
xx
Fluffy recently posted..Wading Through Wankers
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel says
What beautiful words, Mama Grace, thank you so much! Blogging has brought some wonderful things into my life, but the friendships I have formed are the definite highlight. Looking forward to running with you again very soon, and in the meantime, let’s get you selling some stories! Cannot wait. xxx
Carolyn @ Champagne cartel recently posted..7 rookie freelance writer mistakes – and how to avoid them
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life says
I know what you mean about having so much crap going on…I’m trying to be a bit more mindful but it’s oh-so-hard. I have two more months of uni to go and then after that, I’m hoping to start setting some goals in place re freelance writing and the like. Good on you for pursuing that in addition to all the other stuff you are currently doing.
Haven;t watched House of Cards though I’ve added it to my Netflix list. Highly recommend The Fall by the way…I’ve been a bit addicted to it when I have the time! 🙂
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Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Yep, house of cards is a great show and I get on a binge watching it as well. Looks like this course could be a winner, I have started toying with the idea of freelancing but haven’t spent much time fully thinking it through yet.
Julie @ Off to the park says
I’ve never watched House of Cards so have no idea what it’s about!?! Carolyn’s writing course sounds great, I’d love to get into freelance writing as well as have a book of mine published…..maybe one day 🙂 Enjoy the course Grace xx
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