Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Setting Realistic Goals

How can setting goals help your writing?

What are your goals?

I will be the first to admit that I don't always set goals.  I try, but then I get overwhelmed and frustrated when I don't meet them. Do I think they are necessary?  You bet! All writers need goals.  We know what we want--to sell a book.  We know that only happens if we actually write the book.  Sadly, not many writers can quit their day jobs to write full-time. I have to get in as much writing as I can between coming home from work, shuttling kids, cooking dinner, grading papers, cleaning, laundry, paying bills... you get the idea.  There is hardly any time left for writing.  About the only thing that makes me feel better is the fact that I know I'm not alone in this struggle.  I bet it's safe to say there are a lot of writers who feel the same way.

Now that we've established we're all stressed, short on time, and lack motivation after a long day at work, there needs to be a simple solution.  Or at least it needs to sound simple. So, here's my plan.  I've decided to start small.  Really, really small. I'm going to do something that pertains to my writing every single day.  Whether that's writing this blog, editing something I've already written, doing research for a new book, or working on a new submission, I'm going to "write" every day.  I'm going to write my goals down every day so that I can reflect on them.  Every.  Single.  Day.  Yep, I already feel stressed out.  

Don't give up!

What if I get sick?  Have a headache?  Company drops in?  I don't want my goals to feel like burdens.  I have enough stress in my life as it is.  You with me so far?  Okay. Here's my solution. I'm going to allow myself to have days where I actually write down "nothing" as my goal.  And I'm not going to stress out about it.  (You have to say that last part ten times or it won't work!)

Another piece of advice I would give new writers is to join a writing group.  Nothing helps you stay motivated more than fellow writers.  My group has a Finish the Book loop that helps keep me motivated to achieve my daily goals.  They aren't there to bash me if I don't meet a daily goal, but to encourage me to try again tomorrow.  It's what I need when life gets in the way of the writing,which it often does.  Having someone who understands the journey I'm on,  makes all the difference in the world. 

I encourage you to set a few small goals. Nothing big.  Just something that you already know you can achieve.  Take them one day at a time and watch how quickly your bigger goals are met.  Good luck to you and may God Bless your writing!

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9 ESV