Do What They Do But Do It Like You

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

As I prepare to attend a writer's conference next weekend, I have been giving a lot of thought to what "work in progress" I want to focus on.

My decision is surrounding this concept of modeling others who have achieved success. While this is wise and there is much to gain from modeling the behaviors of successful people, sometimes that modeling can be to a fault.

One of the most common examples is modeling someone's diet plan when you want to drop a few pounds. While it is smart to take a look at what is working for others, there has to be some thought into how to make it your own.

Let's say you choose someone you want to model, so you do their exact same workout and eat the exact same food. This seems like a great idea, right? Until you sustain an injury or the diet makes you sick.

What am I getting at? In the example of a diet plan, the behavior we need to model is exercise and eating healthy. The details of that now have to become personal based on where you are and the safest, most effective way to get there.

I have many scenarios running through my mind surrounding this concept. I will continue to share them throughout the week.

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Post below.

How do you know what to blog about? 4 things to think about when choosing your topic.

This is a question I have pondered many times. While I love to write, in order to gain readers I know I need to have a theme that readers will find interesting.

To help me decide which theme I should stick with, I just took a look through the number of people who have viewed each of my blogs over the last several months and there is a clear spike in readers when I focus on one particular topic.

That topic is my Rant Wednesday posts.  Based on this I am thinking what I may do is start a new blog instead of continuing to post Rant Wednesday under this current blog. This way, I have a blog that is searchable, in title, that people like to read.

The whole theme behind Rant Wednesday is, "Even the positive girl gets irritated sometimes."

I originally started this theme when I used to write for the Yahoo Contributor Network, under the theme "Micha's Corner." I started blogging after this network was closed.

Here are the top 4 recommendations I would give someone who is deciding what they will blog about:

1) If you do not know what to choose as a theme, then just start writing about whatever is on your mind that day. I have been posting about many different things over the past few months. It has helped me see what people look at the most.

2) What do you get excited to write about? If you easily become passionate when thinking about a certain topic, chances are good that this passion will come through in your blog posts. Chances are also good that you will remain consistent in writing about it.

3) Is it sustainable? There will always be fashion trends, health topics, sports, etc. This is great because there is a never ending supply of things to discuss. Make sure your topic is a never-ending story of sorts. (Ex. Giving tips on a certain new diet might work for a while, but eventually the trend will change. Instead, give some room and make your blog about all diet trends)

4) What do THEY want? We all have things we love to talk about but if we want readers we have to find something we like to talk about that others also want to read about. If you are unsure of what that may be, refer back to suggestion number 1, or watch the social media trend lines for a few days.

I hope this helps someone. I will continue posting to this blog even after I create the separate blog for future Rant Wednesdays posts. If you missed any of them please go to http://michaidana.blogspot.com and scroll through for the words 'Rant Wednesday.'

Wishing you all much success! Remember, there is room at the top for all of us. Be confident and be consistent.

How is your New Year's Resolution going?

Hi Everyone,

If you already defaulted on your resolution, do yourself a favor and start again.

Do not quit. You got this! Keep going.

My resolution this year is to learn Spanish and Sign Language.

I have been using the Duolingo app every day to learn the basics for Spanish. I have not started learning Sign yet but I will refresh myself on the few things I know already, before learning more.

How are things going for you?

Any advice or comments to share with everyone as we are on our respective journeys?

May the force always be with Carrie Fisher!

It was so sad to hear about the passing of  Carrie Fisher today. My youngest daughter, who is 14 years old, is named after Princess Leia.

From what I have read about Carrie Fisher, she was much more than a great actress. She was a brave activist in the fight on mental illness awareness. She was outspoken, a warrior, and a champion to many.

My prayers are with her family, friends, and all of those who are mourning. Know that her legacy will never be forgotten!

The Health Struggle: It is Day 1.... Again

Hi Everyone,

You may remember my blog post from Thanksgiving where I questioned whether or not I was disciplined enough to splurge for that one day. If you missed it, here it is.

Well, it turns out I was not.

I derailed again. I have been pretty much eating whatever I want for the last few weeks. I have not weighed in but it was not until two days ago that I became motivated, again, to get back in the game.

So, it is Day 1 again. The other day, I did Zumba World Fitness Party on the Wii U for the first time in months and it felt great.

This will be my new daily routine. At least 30 minutes per day will be dedicated to Zumba.

I noticed that after doing Zumba I have been very conscious of what I am eating. It is almost as if my subconscious does not want to ruin the workout.

I will continue blogging my progress and I will continue along this health journey.

The only way I won't succeed is to quit!

Any advice or thoughts?

Makayla's First Hip Hop Concert Performance

Hey Family,

Here is a quick link to Makayla's solo performance at the Mesa High Hip Hop concert. I am so proud of her!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFM5jaoFSxk

Michael Floyd's DUI Arrest: Is the focus in the right place?

I was so sad to hear about Michael Floyd's DUI arrest today. I first heard the news while listening to 'Off the Edge with B-Train' on Arizona Sports 98.7FM.

Then, I read the full article on the Arizona Sports website. You can find it here.

I am not even sure where to start on this one. I do want to state, for the record, that I have zero inside information on this. I do not have a source and I do not personally know Michael Floyd.

I am just a fellow Cardinals fan that was sad to hear this news.

Needless to say, this is very bad news for his career and the team. More importantly, though, is the person.

Football aside, Michael Floyd being passed out at the wheel is a high concern for his health and the health of those around him.

My hope and prayer is that the focus, first and foremost, is on getting him the help he needs to get better.

This was a wreckless decision, on his part, and I am thankful no one was hurt. Alcoholism is a very dangerous addiction and it needs the attention right now. His career and the team, are second.

Thoughts?