Help and Seek

Last year, I wrote a book, and I learned that I needed help to get it out into the world. My caretaker, Ruben, even asked me if I had ever written a book before, and my answer was a simple “No.” I know that I don’t know everything, so I did what anyone should do—I sought help!

Imagine a crying baby; you pick it up, console it, and figure out what’s wrong. Similarly, I recognized the weight of having a book on my mind and sought assistance. With the guidance of my book coach, I fulfilled one of my dreams—getting my book into the market. Yet, the real challenge lies in promoting the book amidst a sea of millions released each year. A Google search reveals an overwhelming 4 million new books annually. While I’m among the top 1-3% of U.S. authors, the struggle to promote is proving more daunting than writing.

Left on my own, with my book coach busy with her next client, I find myself starting from scratch, navigating what feels like the wild wild west of book promotion. I lack an email list and clients, relying solely on word of mouth through friends.

Disappointingly, some close friends who knew of my efforts didn’t respond to my invitations for the book launch party. No congratulatory texts or calls. It stings. It only takes a few seconds to send a text, yet silence prevailed.

These experiences led me to term them “crabs” in my book, and my inner circle inevitably shrank. Climbing to the top can be lonely, and as I embark on a new Everest this year, I brace myself for the solitary journey.

The D.R.E.A.M.S. framework from my book now becomes a beacon of hope, and I’m honored to share it with the world.

D – Do It

Initially enticed by various promises, I resisted shiny objects, focusing my major purchase on Publisher Rocket for keyword research. Although ads on Amazon, Google, and Facebook yielded just one sale, I shifted to organic reach through short TikTok videos.

R – Read

Brian Luebben’s “From Passive To Passionate” emphasized seeking mentorship, like Sherpas guiding Everest climbers. I reached out to a Score mentor, aligning with my budget and background.

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage, and grow. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops.

E – Emotions

Launching a book a month ago, coupled with the New Year, stirs high emotions.

A – Affirmations

Daily affirmations reinforce my belief in success, including “You Khanh Do It” and “All I Do is Nguyen no matter what.”

M – Meditation

Daily meditation during nap time fosters quiet reflection, a practice I cherish for finding solutions within.

S – Scripting

Affirmations find their place in a journey app, sometimes accompanied by envisioning a life with everything.

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude for life’s blessings, from a large bank account to the simple joy of breathing, keeps me grounded. I am grateful for survival after the stroke; I cherish life.

Blessed with an opportunity from my Miracle team, weekly events are on the horizon. My book topped the online book club of my close friends who voted for me, and with Score assistance, my mentor in branding and marketing aligns with my needs.

Assuming bestseller status, I pair it with inspired action, treating reality like a video game where leveling up is essential. As I navigate toward the top of this new Everest, I recognize that only a select few can join the journey.