When
it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for
an answer, just take the next small step.
This begs the question, what's the next small step? And really, only you can decide what that step should or will be.
This is where determination comes into play. Of course, life has
no guarantees, does it?
With our writing, if it’s something we enjoy, if it gives us a
sense of accomplishment or makes us feel good to create, why stop? If our goal
is to be published then we can’t let rejections or fear slow us down or stop us.
Set a goal and a time frame to achieve it. Setting a time frame
helps keep you focused on your target goal .
helps keep you focused on your target goal .
Personally, I need to accomplish something so I feel I’m making
steps towards the main goal I've set. Isn’t that true with any set of goals we
set? When we achieve a step towards that goal, doesn’t it make you feel good?
Encourages you to go on? Gives you the
needed excitement to reach for the next step on your goals plan?
One thing I’ve noticed from those who have been successful. They have set personal writing goals.
Possibly setting word count. Maybe we need research to make the next
step successful. Or having someone read what we’ve written and give us some
constructive critiques. When I give something I’ve written to someone, I read
it with fresh eyes because I start to see it as another would. That helps too.
The point is there has to be a next step to fulfill our
goals.
If you're a writer what sort of goals have you set for yourself?
- If you're not published: what goals are you setting to become published?
- If you are published, what are some successful goals you've set for yourself?
21 comments:
Well I am back....just.
I will certainly take the small steps to achieve my goals.
Most enjoyable read.
Yvonne.
Actually getting published is an achievement, hope you make it. Then I hope you can stay there.
I always set small goals for myself. Something I know I can meet. If not, I get so discouraged. Awesome post.
Love the quotes and I think small steps are so important in order to meet our goals. Something I'm finally learning! I'm not published and that is definitely my goal, I'm working on taking steps to get there. Great post, Sia!
I've recently set a few goals in regards to my writing and personal struggles. Hopefully I can stick to them. I've decided to self-pub the manuscript I'm working on and trying to push myself to finish it before I get stuck in edit mode.
I'm a total goal setter. When writing it's 2000 words a day and when editing first edit it's 2 chapters. Second edit it's 5 chapters.
@Yvonne--glad you're back and I hope you had a good time away. :-) Small steps are good.
@JO, That's my plan.
@Clarissa--That's thinking smart. It doesn't do a blasted bit of good to set a goal, that might sound good, but you can't meet. Your little step is something do-able and leads to the final step. Each step you successfully meet encourages you for the next step.
@Julie, thank you. The green text is mine (from seminars I've given) but it's something that helps me be encouraged and focuses on what and why. :-)
It's little steps for me, too, Julie. Yay on meeting your small goals!
@Chelle. When you throw health issues in the mix it makes setting reasonable goals harder, doesn't it? I know this from personal experience. It's a learning process for me, right now, because I have to dovetail my goals to my resources-energy levels and time. A learning curve for the NOW and it Sucks.
Isn't it great there are choices in so far as publishing goes? Let me know how it goes Chelle!
Writing novels can take a long time, especially if you're doing it while working full-time. I agree that getting published won't happen unless you have goals and continue making progress toward them. This way, small steps can produce big results.
@Johanna--I knew that, lol! But you still set reasonable goals based on time available and juggling life and family.
Good goals, especially like your editing goals!
I learned I do well will writing goals, especially word count - found that out during NaNo 2010. Working on chapter goals now as I work on my third and final book.
Alex, I couldn't have gotten as far as I did with NaNo without goals.
NaNo was an excellent proving ground for writing techniques and accomplishing goals. I've done goals and set up the steps all my working life, but not necessarily with writing.
I've asked before and will again: Final as in Cassa?
@James
I think setting small goals, toward the end result of being published, is especially important when a writer also works full time.
@Sia...I know, right?! I hate that you know and understand what I deal with...but it's almost a relief when someone does. The hard part is when we do feel up to it, we have so many things that need to get done that it's hard to throw writing into the mix. I've found that it's best to write in the mornings after a couple of cups of coffee. Haha. Just about when the caffeine kicks in. ;) My heroine probably sounds like she's hyper.
@Chelle And your aren't alone with health issues and writing, believe me. There are several out here in the same boat.
Seriously, the hardest part is not to OVERDO when we feel good and have the energy. Pacing myself has been the hardest lesson. One I haven't conquered completely, although it is getting easier. :-)
Hang in there Chelle!
I set big goals, then start put on my journey one step at a time. I don;t mind taking small steps because at the end of the week, I've covered some serious ground. Nothing wrong with small steps at all.
I got sooooo distracted by the naked torso, designer stubble, awesome 6 pack, tattoo-clad rough 'n ready man on your right side bar. Oohhh Happy Day!
Great motivational post, Sia. I'm a goal setter. I set small goals and larger ones, daily ones I'm pretty sure I can meet and others that challenge me.
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