My Decision To Pull The Plug On My Book

by Paul Castain on May 8, 2012


As many of you know, I’m open to sharing my thoughts both personal and business.

I’ve shared my story of how I lost everything back in 1995, I’ve written about my Dad’s last Christmas and I even shared it with you when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer (now cured).

There was one thing that I chose not to share with you because I needed to sort it out and do some soul searching so here goes . . .

I was approached by a major publisher last summer to write a book. As you can imagine, I was quite excited until the woman who approached me flaked on me.

She didn’t flake after seeing a manuscript so I can’t translate that into a “actually its because you suck as a writer” type of moment . . . she just flaked and went MIA after the initial “we’d like you to write a book” discussion.

Something odd happened next . . . I was at peace with it!

That actually bothered me . . . I know, being bothered with being at peace, so I decided to do some soul searching (almost a year’s worth to be precise)

At first I thought I was scared. As many of you know, it was me being scared and admitting it in a classroom back in 2008 that made me face my fears and launch this blog.

After lots of reflection it comes down to a few really significant things. Pardon me while I get brutally honest.

My Personal Life Needs Some Attention

My oldest is about to start college and I’m totally enjoying being home between trips and soaking in every moment. He needs to come first and I’m cool with that. Actually . . . I’m really quite excited about it!

There are some “Paul” things that I want to fix, specifically my weight. I’m not ready to get going on that piece yet, but when I do, I want total focus.

I Want To Grow Castain Training Systems First

My business is doing extremely well but its like a little baby in need of a lot of care.

I have a major launch on this website in the next 2-3 weeks and then have a new product launching every month for the next several months.

I have major plans to scale the business in the next 18 months.

Quite selfishly . . . I want to enjoy the climb and the journey and not have to rush off and write or go off on a book tour.

And now the hardest part to admit . . .

I’m Just Not Excited About Writing A Book!

Truth be told, I’m passionate about this blog, my training business and all those I am fortunate enough to serve but I’m just not feeling it . . . and that’s a really good thing!

Why?

Try forcing yourself to do something you’re not feeling and I’ll guarantee you that you’ll create a piece of sh*t!

I don’t know about you but I resent reading crap or worse yet, something that lacks that certain . . . “I put every ounce of my soul into this”.

You know what folks, I wake up every morning and I can’t to get to work. I can’t wait to serve my clients. I can’t wait to work on the new products I’m launching.

I sit down at night to write this blog and I can’t wait to write it but . . .

I do all this stuff with passion or I don’t do it!

If I’m going to have to pull some of my focus away from my family, Castain Training Systems or this blog . . . I need to be totally into it!

So what once began as a “Face your fears” move back in 2008 has evolved into a “don’t you dare do something that you aren’t passionate about” conviction!

Maybe this soon to be 47 year old finally grew up!

I’ve been advised that postponing my book will hurt my business and I will lose opportunities (and higher speaking fees)

But that’s OK . . . I have the balls to do this on my terms and my timetable.

I’d rather chase my passion and worry about the paycheck later.

And besides, nobody’s saying “never” here . . .

I just have a little more reinventing of me to do first!

Meanwhile, I hope you’ll travel the distance with me . . . I sure could use some company!

Peace!

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/markmillerca Mark Miller

    All the best, Paul. I’m sure it will work out no matter when, or if, you end up publishing that book. Your passion will see to that!

  • Anonymous

    Paul, I totally get where you are coming from. I tend to hate saying no so I keep adding to my plate until it spills on the floor. This adds to my overall stress level and I know that everything I do at this point is completely half-assed.

    It is great that you are realizing what your priorities are before you try to do it all.

    Thanks for a great post! Miriam

  • http://twitter.com/mfconti Michael Conti

    I think the Blogs would make a great Rock Opera.

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Me too Mr Conti :)

  • Ted Walraven

    Great Insights in your soul again Paul, helping others to do the same!
    And about the bookthing….go buy a stapler and print your blogs….READY!!!!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    What an awesome note Mark . . . Thank you!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    You summed it up perfectly Miriam!

    I’m in a great place, enjoying the journey while maintaining the quality of my work . . . I don’t want to screw with that.

    As with everything else I pursue, I’ll know its the right thing because there will be a certain “I can’t wait to stop what I’m doing now to work in it” vibe.

    Thanks Miriam!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Well thank you Joe!

    Quite frankly, I wish I had this level of awareness and clarity a few years ago but its here now and I’m grateful for it.

    Thank you for the kind words and of course, for reading my blog!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thanks Ted . . . I might just do that :)

    Rock on!

  • http://www.facebook.com/pete.primeau Pete Primeau

    Good for you Paul! I look forward to your newest contributions.

  • Jeff Peter

    Great post Paul, it is all about the passion.

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    It certainly does Jeff and thank you for the kind words my friend!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thanks Pete . . . Happy Wednesday to you!

  • Barbara Giamanco

    Paul, I believe that all things happen for a reason and clearly there were a few reasons why your book hasn’t come to pass yet. We all need to tackle things in life when they feel right. Having a book is a good thing and does help to build credibility. No doubt. That’s what has happened for me. That being said, it was almost a year of very hard work, in addition to everything else going on in life and business. You’ll right that book when you are ready and like everything else that you do, it will ROCK!

  • http://be.linkedin.com/pub/charles-henri-gaukema/a/5b/249 Charly

    Paul, this make me remember a phrase I read once. It sounded like this : “you can’t be good at helping others as long as you’re not caring enough about yourself”

  • Michel Ferraro

    Listen to your heart, CHOOSE your passion, the rest will fall into place! The force is within you!

  • http://twitter.com/nsgconsulting Nanette Gregory

    Paul –one of your best post—thank you!

  • KristiD

    Paul—thanks so much for sharing. Exposing our true thoughts to the world can be downright scary. Congrats for being bold enough to blaze your own trail! The passion in your work will continue to propel your success. Life/work balance can be quite rewarding–soak up every moment.

  • Traci Walters

    I’ve often wondered how you manage to write this awesome blog…every single day…and do everything else that life demands.

    Best wishes for mucho continued success!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thanks Traci . . . Its called caffeine :)

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thanks Traci . . . Its called caffeine :)

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    “ Life/work balance can be quite rewarding–soak up every moment.” I couldn’t agree more Kristi! Well said!
    Thanks for stopping by!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    “ Life/work balance can be quite rewarding–soak up every moment.” I couldn’t agree more Kristi! Well said!
    Thanks for stopping by!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I really appreciate that Nanette!

    Wishing you a stellar Wednesday!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I really appreciate that Nanette!

    Wishing you a stellar Wednesday!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    That’s the plan Michel and that damn force better be within me or I’m pretty screwed :)

    Thanks!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    That’s the plan Michel and that damn force better be within me or I’m pretty screwed :)

    Thanks!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I heard that one as well Charly and I believe its spot on . . . 

    Kind of like when you’re on a plane and they tell you in case of emergency to grab your oxygen mask first :)

    Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I heard that one as well Charly and I believe its spot on . . . 

    Kind of like when you’re on a plane and they tell you in case of emergency to grab your oxygen mask first :)

    Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I really appreciate the support Barb and I’m with you 1,000% when you say that things happen for a reason.

    Right now, I’m being pulled in a direction (actually several) that truly excite me. I believe it will reflect in my work.

    Thanks again Barb . . . you are truly appreciated!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I really appreciate the support Barb and I’m with you 1,000% when you say that things happen for a reason.

    Right now, I’m being pulled in a direction (actually several) that truly excite me. I believe it will reflect in my work.

    Thanks again Barb . . . you are truly appreciated!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    We need to tell my kids that I’m cool . . . they never believe me when I tell them :)  

    I really believe in what you just shared as far as walking our own path even if it doesn’t make sense to other people in our world.

    Sara Bareilles named one of her albums “Little Voice” because she decided to stop listening to others and follow the little voice inside her. I’m glad she listened to that little voice because the result was pretty awesome!

    Thanks Randi!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    You know Mary Beth . . . I love what you’ve written here and find both comfort and inspiration in it!

    Thank you!

  • BrianC

    I started subscribing to your post after entering the Sales arena a few months back.  I come from many years in the Account/Customer Services field.  I can’t wait to get to work in the morning and read your blog, especially today, it literally brought tears to my eyes.  Had a VERY similar discussion with a friend last night and bottom line…life should be about PASSION!

    Thanks for the continued inspiration Paul!

  • Kristine Allcroft

    You make me smile with your authenticity (a missing commodity in many blogs!) I fully support your decision and I will certainly wait until the book is ready to be written. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears” You’re a great teacher already!

  • Edward Pasby

    Hi Paul.  I enjoy and look forward to your work everyday.  Thanks for inviting us to travel the distance with you.  I’m on board.

  • Randy

    Uncle Paul, I look forward to reading your blog every single day. I can not wait to see what is next.

  • Alan Bortree

    Paul, I really like the statement- “Listen to your heart, chase your passion and the paycheck will follow”. The paycheck cannot be the focus. True satisfaction comes when we really decide what is important and pursue it with everything we have. Life’s choices are like a great “Buffet”. There are dozens of good foods to eat. But, no matter how much you want too, you cant eat them all. We have to choose!

  • Mark Sarpa

    I think this is my favorite of all your posts, Paul. Thanks so much for sharing and I love the candor but I urge you to never grow up. I am older than you and I plan on acting like a child until I am well into my 90s.

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Truth be told, it felt really weird for me to write that part about growing up.

    I felt like Tommy Boy when he sang “Fat guy in a little coat”

    Thanks Mark . . . I really appreciate it!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    “True satisfaction comes when we really decide what is important and pursue it with everything we have.” Brilliant Alan!
    That satisfaction even hovers something called “peace”

    Its wonderful, its liberating and most of all . . . its on our terms!

    Thank you Alan!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Randy . . . I never get tired of hearing what this blog means to the people who read it.

    I think the world of my readers and appreciate each one of you!

    Thank you!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thank God Edward because it would be a lonely journey without the company of my readers.

    Please know you are appreciated!

    Thank you Sir!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thank you Kristine . . . I am humbled!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thank you Brian and what you’ve written, quite frankly is non negotiable. I’m going into ALL CAPs Mode to make your point more dramatic . . . LIFE SHOULD BE ABOUT PASSION!

    Much appreciation Brian!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I feel the same way Matt. I also think it lends more credibility to my writing when people can see that I live this stuff and grew my own business doing so.

    Thanks!

  • Ron Masi

    Paul,

    Aweosme post! Thank you for being so open. In a world where we are asked to give all we have to our jobs it is so important to remember that what really matters is ourselves, our families, and the people and things that we love. You get that and I think that is part of why people like myself read your blog daily and follow your teachings because you are real just like us! Thanks Paul, Really enjoued this post.

  • Beth Schecher

    Paul, it is this kind of authentic and heartfelt writing that has me recommending your blog to my business acquaintances.   You are a great role model for others.  Proof that you can be yourself, express yourself, be different from the norm, and still be wildly successful.
    I am sitting in Tucson, open to inspiration from the desert, and the inspiration came through my computer, from Long Island.  A great reminder that there is Truth and heartfelt authenticity back on the island, awaiting my return.
    Thanks for sharing with us every day.
    Beth

  • Holly

    Hi Paul,

    Joined this group and a few others a couple weeks ago.. this one is by far my favorite! I appreciate your transparency and self reflection. I resonate to the Life is Good company..  Do what you love. Love what you do. 
    Best,
    Holly

  • Nancy

    Thank you Paul for this great and honest post.  Your post are such a pleasure and so uplifting.  I work from home and make alot of cold calls which gets pretty tuff.  So your post are something I read everyday and helps to uplift me and set me in the right direction.  Thank you.

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