G. Brian Benson 'Habits for Success - Inspired Ideas to Help You Soar' Interview | Respect The Author
Where are you from?
I am originally from Salem, Oregon but currently live in Los Angeles.
Tell us the story of how you got into writing
By accident actually. About 11 years ago I was feeling really out of balance and being a pretty driven person that was always reading, learning, studying and self-analyzing myself, I wanted to figure out why. After some contemplation, I realized I was in a job that no longer fulfilled me…I wasn’t growing their anymore and I was feeling stagnant. And after coming to that realization I wanted to figure out how to find balance in my life. So, what I did was simple…I just sat down and decided to try and come up with a handful of things that I knew kept me in balance and center. I grabbed a piece of paper and pen and I scribbled some notes down and then I put them in my wallet and then every day thereafter that I began to feel out of balance and out of center I would take out my list and read it.
This really helped me out a lot. So much so that I thought, “Hey, why don’t I expand the list and make it into a book to help others in the same way that I helped myself?” So that’s what I did. I wrote my first book “Brian’s List – 26 ½ Easy to Use Ideas on How to Live a Fun, Balanced, Healthy Life!” It just poured through me. I ended up self-publishing it and it won a couple of awards which really shocked me and have just kept on that path ever since of creating positive and empowering content. I also ended up leaving me job shortly thereafter and found myself on a brand-new path. It was a complete surprise.
What was your favorite book growing up?
Wow...great question. Early on I enjoyed adventure books and mysteries like The Hardy Boys or Encyclopedia Brown.
What is your favorite book as an adult?
I love biographies. I love to read how others lived and overcame the tough times that they went through. That inspires me. I recently read a book about the boxer Jack Dempsey called "A Flame of Pure Fire."
What is the name of your new book?
My latest book is called "Habits for Success - Inspired Ideas to Help You Soar."
What inspired you to write the book?
The magical journey that I have been on ever since leaving my family business 11 years before.
Tell us more about your new book
This book is a culmination of me sitting in an "observer's perch" paying attention to my own "hero's journey" and the self-growth/self-awareness that came from it. Really proud of how it turned out. I wanted to share what I learned from stepping out of my comfort zone over and over as I began to step into a world that I had no idea was inside of me when I began. There are so many things that we can do to solidify our foundation and become more self-aware with our decisions and lives. And the more self-aware we become the more proactive we can be which is everything! I wanted it to be an inspiring, entertaining and informative book and I feel like I accomplished that!
There are of course a ton of take-aways from this book, but there are also a lot of stories and examples that lets the reader know that they aren't alone and that will hopefully help them navigate through their own tough times. We all go through them. While writing this book, I wanted to be a living example for others. Sometimes we need someone else to give us permission to step out of our comfort zones or to dream a bit bigger and I am trying to be that person for the reader. We are all in this together.
Where do you go to get into writing mode?
Great question. I am not someone who writes everyday. I write when I feel inspired to write. With that being said...I get a lot of inspiration from hiking in nature. A lot of times I will get an idea while out walking and then just send it as a voice message to myself so I don't lose the thought. And more often than not, it becomes a part of something I use. When I am sitting down to write, I enjoy being at a coffee shop with energy around me. I put in my ear buds and listening to ambient music with no lyrics.
Who needs to read this book?
Anyone who is wanting to become a better, more self-aware version of themself.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by so much. Nature, positive uplifting stories, interesting people, amazing sporting feats, creativity, kindness, travel, people who want to better themselves, the list goes on!
How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?
It is everything! Literacy and creativity work hand in hand. If a child doesn’t learn how to read, and isn’t exposed to a creative variety of characters and stories, how are they supposed to dream and create and share themselves in a positive, healthy manner? It makes it a lot harder…that’s for sure. Literacy has everything to do with growth, empowerment and confidence. I have had the honor of being on the board of directors for RIFSoCal (Reading is Fundamental Southern California) for the last 2 years and have been able to watch first-hand how important it is to get kids to read.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?
I would just say to step into it and let it evolve as you keep moving forward. Try to keep expectations out of the way and live in the present moment and enjoy the creative process and let that be your reward. Everything else is out of our hands. I wish I had been able to implement that advice for myself sooner. AND to never ever forget that you are worthy of accomplishing and receiving that dream!
Where can people find your new book?: http://www.habitsforsuccessbook.com
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