Organized, But Flexible

Make plans, but hold them loosely.

I arrived at my employer’s big event with my next issue thoroughly planned, the cover long since completed and every article accounted for.

But in a few minutes I realized those plans had to change. Before me stood my new cover — and my new cover story. Within an hour or so I’d taken the new cover photo. … Continue reading

Seize the Season

Take advantage of today’s opportunities.

A few weeks ago I was scrambling. Multiple deadlines forced me to spend long hours at the keyboard.

Last week, the season changed. I could bask in the luxury of a more relaxed pace. I had time to plan the next issue and sketch the framework of the one after that.

I had time to catch up on my correspondence and time … Continue reading

Discarded Plans

Will you settle for something better?

I was really proud of the plan I’d created for the next issue of the magazine. Just a few days after sending May/June to the printer, I’d decided on good mix of articles for July/August.

Then an amazing article—a must-run item—crossed my desk. No problem; I’d swap it for my plan’s lead article and leave everything else … Continue reading