Many years ago, I bought a series of motivational tapes from the Rev. Robert Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. My favorite was called Count To 10. Here is how it works:
Let’s say you are dealing with a problem or situation, and the solution is not coming to you. Get some paper and a pen. Write whatever your problem is on top of the page, then the numbers 1-10 under that. Without judging, whatever pops into your head, write it down. Don’t laugh or say this is stupid, just write down answers. Try to come up with 10 if you can. When you are done, look at your sheet of paper. Odds are your solution is staring at you.
In the early 2000’s, I created a Wish List. One of the items on this list was “I want to write a book.” The problem was I had no idea what to write about or how to get a book published. I did Count To 10. The top of my page said “What am I good at?” and “What do I love to do?” I came up with 8 answers, then got stuck. Looking at my list, 2 answers stared at me: “I love being a Dad” and “I love to cook.” But, I was baffled. Okay, so what, where is the book? My mind started drifting to my days as a single dad, juggling career and fatherhood, learning to cook for my daughter, etc. Then it came to me. I would write a book for men in a similar situation. I would tell little stories about situations I got into that led me to cooking a meal for other kids and adults. Bingo! Food Stories, published in 2010, was born.
Try it. It worked for me, it will work for you.