What I’m reading: The Rebel Angels by Robertson Davies
What’s on the iPod: Stolen Dance by Milky Chance
The week has been good so far: my first published poem is now out. Please check it out here. Also, I got word that another poem has been accepted. My master plan to dominate the world one poem at a time is off to a decent start.
Those of you who have been with this blog and my rantings for long enough know how much I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I do resolutions, but I make them at various times throughout the year and I back them up with plans. In fact, they are plans. Resolutions are dreams (just my interpretation). Not all dreams come true.
However, if you want to make resolutions, go for it. And if you want to make them work, do the work needed to plan for them. A year ago, I got a notion to start writing and selling poetry. I put the plan in place, which included heavier study of poetic form, of poets, and of how to edit my own stuff.
If I can do it, so can you.
Here are a few tweaks to your resolutions that may help:
Commit to one aspect. Don’t just say “I’m going to publish my novel!” Instead, try committing time every day to writing that novel. Schedule it. Do it. Soon, it will be finished and you can look for an editor, then a publisher. If you’re hoping to make $100K next year, go for it. But plan it out. How will you do it? What will change? Would it be better if you simply resolved to increase your income and then put a plan around that? Don’t be afraid to scale down the resolution to a more manageable size.
Don’t get lost in arbitrary rules. “I’m going to write 1,000 words every day.” And if you don’t? How long will you stick with it the minute the writing gets tough? You know I’m not a fan of word counts. If the words aren’t coming and you can’t push through, you’re going to give up entirely. Instead, give yourself an hour a day to just writing whatever comes. Some of my best stuff has come 400 words at a time. If you can’t do 1K words a day, do something. The same goes for outlines — I tend to get overwhelmed by outlining, and my stories die at the planning stages. Instead, I now jot down brief directional notes, character notes, and I let them tell me where they’re going.
Attract clients through your skills. Don’t resolve to increase business –instead, figure out how to use your talents to make that happen. It’s shocking how many writers can’t write their own website content. Resolve to revamp your content even if it means pretending you’re writing it for a client. Also, attract clients through what you know — and what you’re about to do to learn more. For example, I’m learning all I can about various aspects of risk management and insurance as they pertain to the clients I’m trying to attract. No matter what field you’re in, you can do the same thing.
Be accountable for your resolutions. Don’t just stand there at midnight tonight making silent resolutions of how it’s all going to change now that another year is upon you. Share those resolutions with a friend, family member, or a group of writers. Brainstorm ways to check in with these people to see how you’re doing and what more you can do to reach that goal. If you want to make $100K a year, why not set a monthly goal to check your progress with those around you? Accountability is a powerful tool. The minute you have to report to someone, even if it’s your friend, you’re going to want to do better.
Follow the resolution. It’s great to say what you’re going to do in January, but what about in May? Does that resolution still fit? Have you done anything to make it happen? People change, as do their needs. If the resolution no longer fits, how are you going to adjust it? Don’t just forget your goal — find ways to make your goals fit your needs. And keep doing that long after January is a distant memory.
Writers, how do you stick with your resolutions/plans/goals? How have you revamped your own resolution-making?
Congrats on your poem Lori, it's stunning.
I've just made a resolution. Next year I'm not going to take on so much work that I'm working all day New Year's Eve!
I worked very little over Christmas, but didn't plan my schedule well enough so I'm spending the day writing a number of blog posts about accounting. Not the most exiting way to spend a day when there are bottles of fizz in the fridge, but at least I have a background in it so it's not too taxing. Plus a valued client contacted me last night with a (genuine!) rush job, so I've agreed to do that today as well (first time I've ever had to use a rush fee in fact). Sigh.
Maybe my resolution should be to be more organised in general. I'll let you know next year how that works out ;o)
Congrats, Lori! So proud. We can say we knew you when.
When I think of goals, I always remember this favorite quote ~
"Goals that are not written down are just wishes." Anonymous
Congrats, Lori! Wow, what a beautiful, moving poem.
I don't usually do New Year's resolutions, either. I've been having a tough time with depression lately, so my resolution right now is to go easy and not put so much pressure on myself 🙂
Wow, Lori. That poem is powerful – it's also both universal and personal. Nice job. Congratulations.
I've never been big on resolutions, but I do love the idea of a fresh slate. I love wondering what the blank calendar pages will be filled with by this time next year. (One reason I like paper calendars? I save them with my business records and later look through them, amazed at how many projects I fit into a given week or month.)
One thing I try to do each new year is get organized. It's never actually happened, but making the effort is important. This afternoon I intend to clean my office. Or at least tidy it up.
Here's to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2015 for us all!
Emily, rush fees make all the difference. 🙂 You'll still have time to celebrate!
Cathy, great quote! And those that are written down and not acted on are just another form of pipe dream. 🙂
Keri, I hope you're able to get over the depression. Tough time of year for it. Is it seasonal or ongoing?
Paula, I'm with you on trying to get organized. I want to get this office in order. It's still kind of out of sync with me since we had the floors done in May. Now may be the time, too. We're painting baseboards and putting trim back today (and probably tomorrow). Second year in a row for a Christmas project. Next year, NONE of that! LOL
Well, you know, Lori…the old saying is: Whatever you're doing on New Year's Day you'll be doing all year, so make it count!
I just wanted to drop in and offer a quick congratulations on the poem Lori. Great job! 🙂