In the inspirational little book 212 Degrees, The Extra Degree, bestselling authors Sam Parker and Mac Anderson explain: “At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive.”

I love this simple metaphor because it reminds me of what’s possible, if I’m willing to consistently apply just one extra degree of effort beyond my normal routine.

It’s related to what Carl Holmes calls the “And-then-some-syndrome.” It’s all about doing what’s expected, and then some.

I’ll be honest. I don’t always want to do what’s expected (or at least what I expect of myself writing-wise), let alone “and-then-some.” Some days I’m lucky to put finger to keyboard. Funny thing is, I’ll go out of my way for my family and friends or my boss and coworkers, but I’ll feel guilty carving writing time for myself. I truly believe we need to put others first, but does that mean I have to put my dreams second–or 999th? Shucks. Course not.

This week I’m challenging myself to pour on the steam with my writing time–by one sensible, do-able degree–guilt-free. I’m going to write four pages–and then some–this weekend (and the next, etc.). What can you do to turn the knob one degree to the right to crank up some heat?

Not sure?

Let me entice you.

If you go to my contact page by Friday, April 19, and tell me how you’re going to turn up the heat on your writing life by one degree this week, you’ll be entered to win a FREE copy of “212 Degrees.” I’ll be delighted to send it to you with my compliments. It’s a quick read that could have a lasting impact on your attitude toward your writing pursuits.

Ready to get steamy?

Many of life’s failures are [people] who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~ Thomas Edison