Goal-strategist, Debra Eckerling, joins us today, sharing her experiences with helping people achieve their goals, her thoughts on writing, and news about her new book, 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.
You’ve been coaching people for many years now. Did you, when you were younger, imagine that you would be working in the field?
(DE): I always believed that whatever I did in life, I wanted to have an impact.
It amuses me that I ended up in the world of nonfiction: I write business/inspirational books, host podcasts, and offer workshops and consulting for individuals, teams, and organizations on goal-setting simplified, networking, and book proposal development.
Growing up, I was very into creative writing. I even took a screenwriting class when I still lived in the Chicago suburbs. I have also done NaNoWriMo – National Novel-Writing Month – a few times.
I got my freelance writing break less than a week after I wrote that first screenplay. Nonfiction/interviews/slice-of-life writing just came naturally to me, so I went with it. I ended up in the right place.
What is something unexpected you learned as you began to coach people?
(DE): More than anything people need cheerleaders – a community of supporters. I actually learned this when I began running writing groups, focused on setting and achieving goals. People would come in and be like, “No one in my family understands my desire to be a writer. You get me.” Can you imagine not getting encouragement to pursue what you are passionate about?
My business background is communications and project management. As I led these groups, people would come up to me and say, “You’re good at this, can you help me write my book. I have been trying to get it done for years.” We did it in three months. Or “You’re good at this, will you speak at my event?” That’s how my career evolved from creating this group that I loved to developing a system to help people set the foundation for their goals.
A little encouragement – along with practical advice – can go a long way!
Sometimes all people need is a little encouragement and support, someone who tells them that if they focus and set aside time to work on the things they love, they can do it!
What is one common question you get during your sessions and what is your answer?
(DE): A very common question is: “How do I find the time to work toward my goals?” It’s more about prioritizing your goals and gifting yourself the time. This is especially important with writing projects, where there is usually not an immediate benefit.
The whole point is to set goals that set you up for success.
Look at your schedule, find pockets of time where you are available, and put those in as appointments in your calendar. One week you may have an hour total goal-time, another week you may have three. Little bits of time add up.
Treat those appointments with yourself with the same respect as you would a meeting with someone else. Now, if something comes up and you have to move an appointment, that’s fine. Just don’t delete them. After goal-time, make a note about what you accomplished. That way, when you feel things are taking forever, you have a reminder of your progress to keep you motivated and moving forward.
You also write in the Jewish Journal and run a podcast on cooking in your spare time. What is one of your favorite topics that you’ve written about?
(DE): I am a former non-cook, so the fact that I am a food writer and podcaster amuses me. I have met some amazing chefs, but I also love when I get to interview non-chefs on my food podcast, “Taste Buds with Deb.” I have interviewed authors, actors, executives, philanthropists, and community leaders. It’s a lot of fun! And many of these awesome people – chefs and others – ended up also being interviewed for 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.
In your About Me section on your website, it mentions that you initially were an event planner at Barnes and Noble, before you shifted more into coaching and helping people with goal planning. Your most recent book event was also at another Barnes and Noble. How does it feel to have your career circle back to the same place where it started?
(DE): It’s really cool to have gone from arranging events for other people to being the featured author. It’s a beautiful, satisfying callback.
Whereas back in the day, I definitely imagined my own book signings, I probably thought it would be for novel-writing, rather than non-fiction. Things do work out the way they are supposed to.
I was interviewed the other day and one of the co-hosts remarked that, even though I talk about goals a lot, I am still very enthusiastic. I say, when you love what you do, it shows. And, conversely, when you do not love what you do, it really shows. Why not love what you do?
Can you tell us a little more about your new book?
(DE): The secret to success is there is no one secret. For 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, I interviewed achievers in business, tech, food, entertainment, and creative realms, including WNBASF president Brenda Knight, to get their best tip, along with an example and/or anecdote. The result: a menu of inspiration and advice designed to help busy professionals create the life they desire.
While the book can be read straight through, it’s organized so people can go to a specific section and get help/direction, whether it’s focus, well-being, action, networking, communication, productivity, or leadership and teamwork. They can also read through the contents, find a “secret” that resonates with them, and try it out.
The idea is to try out these secrets, see how they fit into your life, and do more of the things that help you achieve your goals.
What is the most unexpected response you have had to your book?
(DE): I think it came from me. As I wrote the book – I did 60 interviews, maybe 10 via email, the rest via Zoom – I pieced it together by section. I then wrote the intro, section openers, appendices, etc. The first time I read it cover to cover is when I received the galley for my review. I was surprised and delighted at how well everything flowed together.
I have gotten that response from others, as well. This review says it all:
“While I totally think 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting is a book that can be picked up and put down, I couldn’t put it down! I kept wanting to know one more nugget, one more idea! The fascinating thing about Deb Eckerling’s new book is that not only is it a guidebook that provides concrete, actionable steps for achieving one’s goals, but it also provides these actionable steps from a diverse set of accomplished individuals. And it is in this diversity of talent that you have an opportunity to find what clicks for you! Deb’s ability to bring together this wide variety of thought leaders across so many different disciplines makes for a truly informative and engaging read.”
—Beth Ricanati, MD, award-winning author of Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs
I am very proud and blessed to be able to bring so many awesome people together – Did I mention they are all 1st degree connections? people I know or intros from friends? – and share their advice with those who need a helping hand to create the life/business/career they want.
Learn more at 52SecretsBook.com and learn more about me at TheDEBMethod.com/bookswithdeb!
Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist speaker, corporate consultant, and workshop leader who works tirelessly to help people achieve their goals. She has spoken on TEDx, VON3, DWEN, Innovation Women, Engaging Virtual Meetings Conference, and more, and is the host of #GoalChat, #GoalChatLive show, and The DEB Show podcast.
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