Do You Know Your Circles?

Most of us know the idea of a hermit writer is a myth. Writing isn’t a solo effort. At some point in time writers will need help with their writing.

  I actually hired a fellow writing acquaintance to edit my book. Then, for the book proposal, I had a couple of writing friends look over it before I submitted it to an agent. They joked that I was getting two for the price of one. God knows I need all the help I can get on this journey.

  Both writers and brain injury survivors have built-in support groups we frequently tap into, these are circles of influence.

• People we can help.
• Others who can help us.

Circles?

The reach of our platform is a byproduct of our circles of influence and circles of concern. Stephen Covey notes that successful people focus more on their circles of influence: what they can do and who they can influence.

This is helpful for both writers and brain injury survivors alike. When I first had my brain injury I was desperate to get back the abilities I once had. But, due to my brain injury that was impossible, so I decided to focus on learning new skills, listening to others and doing what I could do.

Focusing on my lack of abilities or the past, wouldn’t be productive for me and often left me pretty depressed. It didn’t take long for me to give up on doing what I used to.

As a writer, I know I can only do so much and try to write to the best of my abilities, when I need help or feedback, I am quick to ask for help from others who are more qualified than I am. Other writers often share the same circles of concern as we do and are willing to help out where they can.

 This is why so many writers are willing to contribute to this website. Almost an Author is about writers helping other writers to be successful. Stephen Covey gives seven effective habits of successful people

1. Be proactive: Focus on what you can control and influence, and instead of what you can’t.

2. Begin with the end in mind: define clear measures of success and a plan to achieve them.

3. Put first things first: Prioritize and achieve the most important goals.

4. Think win-win: Collaborate more effectively by building high trust-relationships.

5. Seek to understand, then be understood: Influence others by developing a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives.

6. Synergize: Develop innovative solutions that leverage diversity and satisfy all key stakeholders.

7. Sharpen the saw: Develop innovative solutions that leverage diversity and satisfy all key stakeholders.¹

As I have stated before, living with a disability can be pretty depressing at times. This is why I have to force myself not to focus on the “I cants” and let what I can do motivate me to press on.

The brain injury community is a solid support group because we know sometimes support can be the difference between life and death for a brain injury survivor. This is what our circles are there for.

Be there!

Sometimes what seems like the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone in need, whether it’s due to a disability or someone struggling in the writing community. I doubt I would still be pursuing a writing career if you weren’t for others who helped me through their circles of influence. This is more than just a writing truth. It’s a life lessons for us all.

• Help those who are in need.
• It’s okay to ask for help if you need it.

As I look back over the 24 years since my accident I am grateful for all the doctors, therapists, and friends who have helped me on my journey to recovery. I am also grateful to all of my writing acquaintances who have been patient with me over the years. I hope I am able to give back to others as well.

Life tends to work in circles.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJonhson.com and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

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¹  https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/