Sunday, November 25, 2012

Week 28: Clarification

If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here. 

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*So you're talented too, and ... wait ...
What was I talking about?*
The purpose of this blog is to show that if I can do it, YOU can do it.  I am no more talented than any other steno writer.  I was NOT a steno prodigy at school.  It took me seven attempts to pass the RPR, three attempts to pass the RMR, NINE attempts to pass the CRR, and the fourth time I took the National speed contest I finally passed the Q&A. I have never placed overall in ANY speed contest, state or national.  I'm busy with work and don't have a lot of time, just like you.  I am NOT a member of the X-Men.

If I can click the bar to speed up the dictation to 450 wpm, SO CAN YOU.  If I can review briefs and phrases for a couple minutes a day (not a lot of time at all), SO CAN YOU.

You can do it!! PRACTICING at 450 wpm by no means equals GETTING 450 wpm.  You try it, and you try your darndest, and you drop and slop and lose focus.  But hang in there, eventually it'll pay off in getting you closer to your target speed.

It ain't talent but PRACTICE.  My goal of this blog, again, is to inspire YOU to (a) practice, period; and (b) practice at much faster speeds than you are currently; and (c) shorten your writing so you don't have to stroke so dang much.  You're every bit as (OR MORE) talented as I am.

YOU are in charge.  Click that button and speed it up.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Week 25: Progress is Progress

If you're wondering what The Impossible Goal is, you can read about it here. 

I first heard the phrase "progress is progress" when I did powerlifting back in the day. Yep, I used to do powerlifting.  Once we get a few more debts paid down and more room between our income and expenses, I'll get back into the gym and lift again, hopefully sooner rather than later.  But I digress.

This is me as the Eleventh Doctor for Halloween. No reason.
If your maximum bench press has been stuck at 100 pounds for one year, and you finally complete one rep at 101 pounds, that is progress! And it should be celebrated.  Even if you are stuck at 101 pounds for another year.

Again I say:  Completing school or attaining the next-level certification is NOT a race.  You don't get extra points or a gold star on your CSR because you passed it before Sally,* who passed every stinkin' class before you.  And attorneys and CART consumers don't give two schnikeys how many times it took you to pass the RPR or CRR.

My 315 wpm is officially Not Shabby.  Progress.

*No offense to anyone named Sally. I just needed a name.