Although 2008 has been pretty good so far, 2007 was a doozy, and it has taken me a little while to recover.  I’ve experienced a crisis of confidence, and only recently started talking to my friends about it.  My radio show co-hosts, Christine Hassler and Lindsey Pollak, have been especially helpful.

Christine visited me in Chicago a few weeks ago, and over a New Orleans-style lunch she told me that I needed to stop holding my career’s reins so tightly.  Instead of attempting to control everything all the time, Christine recommended that I simply let go and concentrate on putting positive energy into the universe instead.  She felt that good fortune often finds those who don’t try so hard, and Christine’s a successful life coach, so I really took her words to heart.

The next day, I had the opportunity to chat with Lindsey on the phone.  We lamented our indecision about what to write next and the disease of perfectionism that plagues us both, and we helped each other brainstorm ways we could turn some of the “less perfect” aspects of our lives into stories that would resonate with our readers.  I hung up feeling reinvigorated and ready for my next challenge.  

One thing I like about talking to Christine and Lindsey is that as authors and speakers, they always understand exactly where I’m coming from.  They comprehend the world of selling books, negotiating gigs, and keeping the promotional machine in working order.  They’re able to celebrate with me when things go well, and commiserate when they don’t.  The invaluable support of Lindsey and Christine is why I think that it’s important to have a few friends at work who you trust, regardless of your profession.