Every New Year, people sit down and write out their
resolutions on the things they want to happen over the next year. The lists can
be long or short, it doesn’t matter. We all have done it, but how often do you
complete the goals listed? Rarely in my case; so I spent all of January doing
more than just writing my New Year Resolutions, I spent time thinking about
what I really wanted to see happen in 2015 and then took it a step further by
listing ways to make those things happen. I also looked long and hard at the
things I have been working on and doing. I evaluated each of them and the ones
that weren’t taking me where I wanted to be I dropped off my list of things to
work on in the New Year.
Once I was happy with the list I had, I began looking at my
time and seeing if there was enough time in my week and daily to work on each
item. In some cases…I didn’t. I was right back to reworking my list and making
sure I was putting goals in the right priority. A few things at the top of my
list I wish I could remove or move down, but they have proved to be important
in building my reputation over the last few years. However, I was able to
reduce the amount of time spent on those things to make room for others. It’s a
delicate balance and one I’m willing to tweak until just right.
As writers, we have many goals, but we seldom take the time
to outline how to reach those goals. I have many things I want to do as a
writer, blog talk host and writing coach, but I can’t do them all. I also need
to reflect and really think about if the things I want to do are beneficial to
my writing career. I don’t mind doing a few things for fun, but ultimately I
need to keep my focus on what will move my career forward, make me a better
writer and help me reach my goals.
There are lots of writing opportunities out there, but do
you know what your writing priorities are? Do you have an outline in place? Are
you carving out the right amount of time to get things done? If you don’t, I
challenge you to sit down and get your lists refined to help you meet your 2015
writing goals.