How my daughter’s advice can help you reach your dream

I recently had an interview to promote my debut novel Better Than Gelato. My 13-year old helped me prepare by asking me sample questions the interviewer had sent. I was nervous and rambling, and afterward my daughter gave me this valuable feedback:  “Figure out what your destination is, and get there in fewer words.”  

During the interview, instead of jumping in then figuring out halfway through what I wanted to say, I paused. I decided on the best answer for the question, and then shared that as concisely as possible. The interview went well and I was grateful for my daughter’s advice. 

The next day I applied it to my writing.  Instead of letting the scene take me wherever it wanted, I thought of the destination. By the time this scene was over, where did I want my character to be? How did I want her to feel? What new information did I want her to have?

This advice works especially well when applied to dream chasing. What is your destination? Do you want to be a pro tennis player, or just good enough to beat your friends? Do you want a promotion at work, or just more money? Figure out exactly where you want to end up first. 

Now, how can you get there in the fewest possible steps? Double check your plan to make sure you haven’t added unnecessary words/obstacles because you’re nervous, or unsure of your destination. 

Is it possible there are steps such as certifications, education requirements, or experience that don’t need to be there? If your dream is to start your own jewelry-making business, you don’t need an MBA. Many women feel underqualified, but I promise you, there are people less qualified than you, doing the thing you want to do.