Do you have resolutions for the New Year? I’m still working on mine. I don’t feel any need to rush this process along. Otherwise, I might end up with goals that are unrealistic (“Write five novels this year”), out of my control (“Win apple pie baking contest”) or just not that important to me (“Knit a pair of socks every month”).
In the meantime–while I’m thinking this through–here are some thought-provoking links on the topic of goal-setting:
Holly Lisle talks about figuring out the theme for your life, realizing what your philosophy, needs, wants and interests are, and fitting your goals to match those.
Here’s Juliette Wade on breaking down your goals into smaller, achievable targets. Figure out the logistics of reaching a goal. Thinking of writing a novel this year? How many words a day will you have to write? Where will you find the time to do so? What will you give up? What kind of planning do you need to do before you write? Research Beijing? Create a language? Write character dossiers? Sit down and come up with a strategy, or else you’ll be struggling pretty soon.
J. A. Konrath has a comprehensive list of resolutions for writers written over a number of years. Worth checking out for inspiration.
Thanks for that, Rabia. Thought-provoking. The thoughts which are with me right now are about Balance.
Balance between being compassionate with oneself and being professional (sitting down with that timer to write even if I don’t want to!); between getting lost in my dreams about being published and working so hard that I forget what my dreams are; between working hard and making the most of opportunities to see/speak to friends. There are lots more….
What is it important for you to get the right balance between?
For me: balancing personal me-time with family time. Balancing my many interests: homeschooling, writing, playing piano. Balancing being there for my children and letting them figure things out on their own. Balancing the need for some downtime with doing things that ultimately feed me more.