Writers make a lot of resolutions. I like to take two kicks at the can, making resolutions in September (when I get my peace and quiet and writing time back), and in January (when I’m a little more reflective). In those quiet first days of the new year, when it’s sub-zero outside and Christmas has been re-boxed and stored in the attic, I take some time to assess the writing corner of my life (after I’ve cleaned out my desk, sharpened some pencils and checked my email three times). Really, it’s a three-step process and you are welcome to give it a try:
REFLECT Take a look back at 2014. What did you accomplish? What made 2014 a great year? Read through the work that you did and take some satisfaction in it. You may even want to jot down the writing highlights of your year.
ASPIRE Now look to the year ahead. What would you like to achieve in 2015? Maybe you want to finish that novel you’ve been working on for the past three years, submit your manuscript to publishers, join a writer’s group or set up your website. I like writing these goals down in a journal. It’s fun to go back at the end of the year (or two years later) to seen what I completed and what needs to go on the list again.
STRATEGIZE Plan how to get there. Those larger goals can be daunting and vague. I start off full of enthusiasm and dedication, but by February (or sooner) I’m distracted by other writing projects, hockey practice, or home renovations. The key is to stay focussed and break your goal down into tasks you can accomplish in the time you (hope you’ll) have.
- WEEKLY GOALS Back when I wrote (sort of) full time, weekly goals were essential to keeping me on track — plus my memory fails me regularly, so it’s best to write things down. Small changes lead to bigger accomplishments, so take 5 minutes at the start of each week to consider what you’d like to accomplish in the coming days. Keep these goals very specific: draft a query, find 3 new markets, plot your next story.
- MONTHLY GOALS It may be more realistic to set monthly goals, particularly if you don’t write full time. Be easy on yourself – you want to see some success here, so be careful not to let these goals become too large. Rather than ‘write first draft of manuscript’ try ‘start first draft ‘. Be specific. Rather than ‘blog more often’ try ‘blog once each week’ or even ‘blog every Monday.’ Write those dates down – Monday, January 5, 12, 19, 26 – and check them off as you progress.
As I achieve my weekly or monthly goals, I check them off. It sounds simple, but it’s tangible proof to myself that I am moving forward. If something remains unfinished, I move it to the next month. Some tasks, like filing, can stay on the list for months – even the queen of procrastination will buckle down and write before doing the filing.
To really prompt myself along on my goals, I’ll let someone know what I’m doing. I just hate admitting that I didn’t follow through on something. It’s probably become apparent what my writing goals are for 2015, but if you would like to share yours, leave a comment or tweet about it #writing goals.
