Do you make New Years resolutions? I used to declare some resolutions each year but would usually peter out within a few weeks or months. Without specific parameters and steps, it was hard to know when I would have accomplished a resolution, and I would become overwhelmed or feel defeated before I really got any momentum going.
I’ve since moved away from resolutions to set goals instead. Goals are more achievable because they’re specific and action-oriented. Resolutions are more of a vague, general statement of something you want to change. Resolutions are more about intention, while goals are more about commitment.
We’re more than halfway into January, and I’m still fleshing out my writing goals. To aid in my goal setting, I’ve been reflecting over 2022 and determining what worked well for me and what didn’t. I’m reading a lot about setting goals and how one can boost their success in meeting goals. Some wisdom I’ve garnered includes:
- Set only a handful of your most important goals.
- Break down each goal with small, actionable steps.
- Establish habits and/or stack habits that will help you reach your goals.
- Designate consequences for not meeting goals or habits.
- Determine rewards for when you do.
One of the best ways to establish solid goals that covers much of the above is to use the SMART goal method. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, SMART is an acronym for setting goals that are:
- Specific: Set a goal that is detailed, objective, and specific. State exactly what you want to achieve in clear, succinct language.
- Measurable: You must make your goal quantifiable. There needs to be some unit of measure, like a number or a value of time, attached to your goal.
- Achievable: Is your goal realistic? Not only should the goal itself be realistic based on the resources available to you, but it has to be attainable within the timeframe you’ve given yourself.
- Relevant: Your goals should align with your personal values and your big-picture objectives. You should know why this goal matters to you.
- Time-bound: Your goal should have a deadline. It could be tied to weeks, months, or the year, or it can be a specific date.
While I’m still processing through my objectives and breaking them down into smaller steps and milestones, I have established a few writing goals using the SMART method:
- Have a minimum of two flash fiction stories published during 2023.
- Finish the outline and write the first draft of my island-set romantic suspense project by the end of the year.
- Complete my rewrite of The Wedding Belle by the end of the year.
Each of the three goals above is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They’re SMART goals. Admittedly, they’re a lot to bite off, but with my commitment to writing at least four days a week as I have the past seven months or more, I have faith in my ability to accomplish each goal. As I continue to home in on more specific steps and milestones to get me to get me there, I will establish checkpoints along the way to keep me on track.
I have other ideas for additional goals this year, but I am starting with these because I’m staying focused on the few. Each of these feels the most relevant to me of all my potential goals. Both of these novels have a grip on my heart and will not let go until I get the stories down on the page. The momentum of having shorter works published boosts my confidence in my writing and continues to sharpen my skills.
So now, I just need to be faithful and disciplined. I will take one day at a time, one action at a time. I will put my rear in my chair and pour words out each day and slowly, I will meet my goals.
What about you? Do you set goals or make resolutions? Which method do you employ? What steps do you take to make progress?