The Super "Become Independent" Daily Journal Thread

[Matt Willard]

DAY 16 - JUNE 19, 2009

(Don't know how the dates got messed up. It's fixed now.)

Today went really well. By focusing on the big, most important things, I was able to get nearly my whole iteniary done. I finished revising one article, revised my goal plan, and posted my new blog post over at Giant Robot Invasion.

The onlg snag I hit was that damn resume, which continues to plague me to no end. Since you don't need a resume to sell humor in the beginning, I'm tempted to forget about it for the moment. Either that, or use Erin's neat technique that allowed her to land jobs without a resume. I think I'll be trying that instead.

Tomorrow I'll work on one of my scripts, record some more of my game playthrough, and do a weekly progress report on my goals.

[Kasha]

Congrats on making this thread and pushing forward.

I'm not reading anything on health/fitness though. It will help, trust me.

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by Kasha

Congrats on making this thread and pushing forward.

I'm not reading anything on health/fitness though. It will help, trust me.

This thread is mostly dedicated to making a big push towards completing my most pressing goals and not much else. I'm considering getting back onto 30 day trials, though, and if I do, I'll continue to improve my diet as I've done before.

[StephanieShine]

Do you ever go back and read the your own posts? Sometimes its helpful for me to read the first thoughts I had about a goal or something similar. When I read about how determined and excited I was, I begin to feel that way again.

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by StephanieShine

Do you ever go back and read the your own posts? Sometimes its helpful for me to read the first thoughts I had about a goal or something similar. When I read about how determined and excited I was, I begin to feel that way again.

That sounds like a good tip, Stephanie. I'll have to remember that!


DAY 19 - JUNE 22, 2009

Been away for a couple of days, but now I'm back. Tomorrow it's back on schedule!

[Matt Willard]

DAY 20 - JUNE 23, 2009

Man, my back is killin' me from the kayaking I did the other day. I hope I'll be able to concentrate tomorrow despite it but I wouldn't be surprised if I falter. It's no excuse, though, so I'm going to do as much as I can.

Anyway, today I went to my exit interview at ITT, found out some more things I needed to do, then I went to FCCJ and got more forms I need to fill out. Tomorrow I'll take care of that and write. Sorry I'm being brief-I don't feel coherent right now.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 21 - JUNE 24, 2009

Writing was pretty difficult today, for some strange reason. I just felt more tired than normal. It happens every so often, so it's no big deal.

At least I finished the script to one of the videos I'm making, as well as took care of all the college stuff I needed to handle. Turns out I don't need to turn in a particular form for my loans after all, so that's good. I've also set up my blog post for this coming Friday, and I finally got the chance to read some more comedy. (It's imperative I study a lot of comedy if I want to be really good!)

Tomorrow I want to finish my magazine article, and I'll also search and see if I can find any new work-I want to get some more funds so I can buy some things and build up savings.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 22 - JUNE 25, 2009

Whew! Finally finished my article. Now the trick is to find a place that's willing to publish it. I'll need to head up to the library later and thumb through their free local papers to see if anyone's willing to take it. I guess this means mastering the art of the query, since some of the markets I've stumbled upon are asking for one.

Well, since I already have a piece, I can begin work on another one while trying to sell this one. And I might as well keep looking for some gigs, so I'll do that.

Saturday is when Mom's off in the morning again, so I'll probably be able to get my driving course money and start passing in the forms I need, so I'll take appropriate action then. That leaves tomorrow still. And I've been concerned as of late with my productivity. I'm trying not to let my dips in productivity bug me, but I don't want to lose it all the way.

Right. Tomorrow I'll draw up a new blog post and work on that guest post I've been putting off. Then I'll search for gigs and write a query to send out. If I can get these 3-4 important things done, it'll be a good day. But if not...eh, I'll live.

(Most importantly, this Saturday I'll be doing a progress report to see how far along I'm coming on my goals, and I'll trim my lists accordingly. It should be an eye opener on how I can clear my goals out.)

[Gerto]

Looks like you're doing very well, Matt. Some progress every day will keep you moving forward!

Good luck getting the article published

[Matt Willard]

DAY 24 - JUNE 27, 2009

Sorry I didn't post yesterday-went to go see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and I got home late.

Yesterday I still accomplished a good deal, though. Polished off two of my big articles, revision wise, and I sent out my first query. But lately I've been constantly rereading two of Steve's articles, "The Power of Now" and "The Afternoon of Life", and I've been noticing a theme.

See, it seems that, when Steve focused on having the most joyful present moment he can have, the universe fell over backwards to meet his needs. Now, I'll tell you now that I'm a recent believer in subjective reality-my universe has established many coincidences based on my thoughts ever since I opened my mind to the possibility. So here's the thing-what if I opened my mind to creating the most joyful present moment in my reality? What would happen?

Of course, that fear rose in my chest when I set my task list accordingly, fearful at what could happen. But I don't know what will happen for sure, do I? And if it worked for someone else, it's definitely possible, isn't it?

So let's see what happens. While I'm still going after my goals, I'm going to do so while creating the most joyful present moment possible, and we'll see what happens. I'm opening my mind to the possibility that, when I hold the state of happiness, the universe will respond accordingly. Hey, it's proven itself before, hasn't it?

Tomorrow I'm going to do a lot of writing. What makes me happy is creating entertaining work and sharing it. I go forth with that in mind.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 25 - JUNE 28, 2009

So I'm setting up my quest to provide more value. (This has the added benefit of building my writer's platform, as advised on a blog I go to called Query-Free Freelancer, so it's a double bonus.) For the rest of the night I plan to distribute an article I wrote across various places to build authority, and I plan to keep doing that. I'll also do this with the videos I'm working on.

As such, I redesigned my goal plans appropriately, along with the other things I need to do to accomplish my goals. In short, I've made a lot of progress so far, and I'm really glad, so I want to keep it up. I also finished revising a new blog post and did some work on one of the video projects I've had on the backburner for a while.

Tomorrow it's more of the same-write and revise. I'll also record some more SQ5 for a break.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 26 - JUNE 29, 2009

Man, I spent most of today working on my blog post, and I'm STILL not done. Got a lot of it finished, though. I also spread out an article I wrote to build my writer's platform, and I recorded more game footage for my long comedy video game playthrough project. A tiring but satisfying day.

Tomorrow I finally have some room to record my script. This other video project I'm working on should help build my writer's platform by quite a bit. I'll also finish off that blog post, and work on my other monologue. (I have quite a few video projects planned for writer's platform purposes.)

[ns123]

It seems you have a lot of interest in writing, why don't you take a writing class? See what comes from there? And maybe join toastmasters to improve your public speaking skills?

This way, you will have some one actively review your writing - and help you improve. And you also have someone one review your speaking (like comedy stand up) and help you improve there.

It sounds like you've been writing and blogging... but how much feedback have you gotten to the value of it? It's been 26 days... are you driving or taking any classes yet? It actually doesn't take that long to sign up for and attend a class....

Not to jump on your back... but I thought I would.

[Daffy Duck]

Great work on your daily progress, Matt.

Your "Totally Fox Kids" article was a nice trip down memory lane for me. I actually have the exact issue you pictured in your article. I used to be a huge Power Rangers fanatic. I still have tons of unopened Power Ranger toys that I gradually collected. Probably well over $500 worth.

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by ns123

It seems you have a lot of interest in writing, why don't you take a writing class? See what comes from there? And maybe join toastmasters to improve your public speaking skills?

This way, you will have some one actively review your writing - and help you improve. And you also have someone one review your speaking (like comedy stand up) and help you improve there.

It sounds like you've been writing and blogging... but how much feedback have you gotten to the value of it? It's been 26 days... are you driving or taking any classes yet? It actually doesn't take that long to sign up for and attend a class....

Not to jump on your back... but I thought I would.

Well, some of my progress has been hindered due to the fact that I've been waiting for Mom to get a day off so I can have her drive me around and take care of things. Admittedly, I can walk up to the bank to get out my money for the driving class (which is July 15-21), and I can take a bus to FCCJ to drop off forms and such, but I have no idea if the bus goes to Sandalwood. (And I can't take a bus to my old college-I had to leave because the bus wouldn't go there :V) Still, I'm glad you brought that up, and I'll add those changes to my task list.

As for my writing, I haven't gotten a lot of feedback on its value, I'll also admit. Taking an extra writing class in college sounds like a good idea, but I don't think Toastmasters is a possibility right now. (Unless membership is free, in which case, sure.) I'll have to remember to post more articles to the writing forum I've joined, especially the scripts for my upcoming video projects.

Originally Posted by Daffy Duck

Great work on your daily progress, Matt.

Your "Totally Fox Kids" article was a nice trip down memory lane for me. I actually have the exact issue you pictured in your article. I used to be a huge Power Rangers fanatic. I still have tons of unopened Power Ranger toys that I gradually collected. Probably well over $500 worth.

My friend still has the Red Dragon Thunderzord and I hate him immensely for it :V

[Matt Willard]

DAY 28 - JULY 1, 2009

My productivity is slipping, methinks. Yesterday I didn't do anything, and today I only got a little bit done. I finished the blog post and charged a bit through a draft of the next one, but beyond that, nothing. I tried to work on the script for another of my video projects, but it was going way slower than normal. It's probably because I was using a way different writing style, and it just bogged me down. I think I'll put that aside for a while and focus on something else.

Tomorrow I plan to attend to my other goals. I'm heading up to the bank to get my driving class money, and I'll also spend time practicing driving around the complex. I'll also do some more platform building through forums. I really need to catch up on that.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 29 - JULY 2, 2009

I managed to get everything done today, so I'm glad about that. The only thing I'm not so glad about is that I didn't write as much, but I'm not gonna worry about it. I got my driving class money and I even spent some time practicing, which I definitely need to do more of.

Tomorrow I need to plan out my next projects, and maybe see about finding some work. I guess I'll search every so often-since I've been hitting Craigslist mostly, right now I'm under the impression that building a presence is a better idea in the long run. (I'll also cram in some normal jokes tomorrow-I want to re-establish my writing quota.)

[Matt Willard]

DAY 30 - JULY 3, 2009

Wow, all this progress in one month...I'm pretty pleased. Keeping on track should get me to finishing off my goals fairly soon. All the same, there's no way I'm stopping now!


Since I pushed my one video project to the backburner, I've begun planning for another one in the more traditional format I'm using. And, since I'm striving to be happy and fulfilled, mocking another bad comic book series sounds like a great target :V Also mostly did blog work and finished recording footage for one of the video projects. Now I finally get to go in there and start writing up jokes-it's going to be a Mystery Science Theater style project, basically.

Tomorrow I'll basically try to clear out one or two seperate drafts. Just write as much as I can, really. Opportunities are coming up soon for more driving and college stuff.

[UIS4821]

Matt it's amazing to look at the up and down your going through it's very "REAL". Keep us updated best of luck to you!

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by UIS4821

Matt it's amazing to look at the up and down your going through it's very "REAL". Keep us updated best of luck to you!

Keepin' it real is always a priority! Thanks!

[Matt Willard]

DAY 34 - JULY 7, 2009

Well, that was a hectic four days, but now I'm back! After a fun-filled 4th of July weekend, I spent part of yesterday and today handling college affairs. My registration adventures continue! I've also decided to back down on the driving course, having figured out a much more cost-efficent and easier way of getting the practice I need. Really, why didn't I think of it sooner? Maybe it's the universe opening my eyes to the better possibilities

Tomorrow I should finally be getting back on schedule with all the writing I want to do.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 35 - JULY 8, 2009

I think it'll take some effort to get back to my usual schedule. Having been out of whack for four days, it seems I need to build back up-I only got one thing done today. Tomorrow I want to accomplish a basic set of important tasks-add jokes to a blog post, drive, and write some other jokes to get me back on track with collecting topics. If I can do all of that tomorrow, I'll be good for the whole day.

[blueflame]

Props to working towards your independence. I'll be doing the same thing in FL too, except I'll be in law school while I'm doing it. It's nice to follow someone else who is also in a similar position. Best of luck to you

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by blueflame

Props to working towards your independence. I'll be doing the same thing in FL too, except I'll be in law school while I'm doing it. It's nice to follow someone else who is also in a similar position. Best of luck to you

Thanks, man. I'll keep at it!

[Matt Willard]

DAY 36 - JULY 9, 2009

Ugh, the writing today was murder. It took me so long to actually finish writing up jokes since I've been out of practice. At least I got a big chunk of my script draft done as well. It's a natural valley in the writing process, so I'm not too concerned.

Well, some rest and sleep should help clear things up tomorrow. Finish the script, revise those jokes I did write, and take care of some clerical work.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 37 - JULY 10, 2009

Well, I managed to get a few more things done today, which is good. Got my script done, did some minor stuff, and I even started work on script writing for one of my more involved projects. Tomorrow I don't expect to do much-I mostly want to clean my bathroom, which I've been putting off for a while. For the rest of the day, though, I plan to follow through on the thoughts that made me feel good and happy, so I should get some other personal stuff done as well. I'm going to try to make it a very nice Saturday, basically.

Also, a free tip-always check on how clean the local pool is before you take a dip in it.

[Kaybee]

Matt,

I just scanned your entire thread of post. Good for you. I think using a public form of accountability is a great idea. The other thing you should do is keep a running list of everything you've accomplished to date. When you view it as a whole, I think you may be quite pleased with progress which will continue to fuel your motivation.

Keep going.

Kim
Self Improvement and Motivation

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by Kaybee

The other thing you should do is keep a running list of everything you've accomplished to date. When you view it as a whole, I think you may be quite pleased with progress which will continue to fuel your motivation.

That's a good idea. I'll definitely consider that.


DAY 38 - JULY 11, 2009

Today was fairly decent. Tomorrow I write, make a progress report, and take care of some minor tasks floating around.

[Matt Willard]

DAY 39 - JULY 12, 2009

Today was a peaceful, productive day. I definitely want all my present moments to be like this. I finished my blog post draft, wrote up some jokes for one of my video projects, took care of some minor tasks, and I drew up a weekly progress report. Now I've got a better idea where to go next. Mental note-review Zen Habits more often.

Today I also sent out notes to my family members to get their schedules so I can line up college and driving work. I want to drive at least three times a week for an hour each, so knowing schedules is important. (My mother and sister have licenses and I don't-I'd rather stay legal, thanks :V ) Until then, video and blog work, along with making a new 30 day plan to cut fried foods out of my diet. Someone mentioned that I think about health/fitness stuff, so be glad I'm finally getting back to that.

[nhaasch]

I just wanted to say again that I'm still watching. Your updates are coming straight to my inbox. =D

Awesome job! It's inspirational to watch you continue to keep up with posting updates.