Current Project: Promotion of A VALENTINE'S ANTHOLOGY
Status: Gaining momentum!
For whatever reasons, our group seems to be moving confidently into a wonderful year--some with written goals and and others with simply a dream in their heads.
As we move through the days and weeks and months of 2010, how do we stay motivated to reach these dreams and goals? There are as many different ways as there are writing styles. Here are a few ways I've seen:
--Some people are motivated by external forces. Elisabeth has mentioned there's nothing like a deadline to keep her at the keyboard.
--Others have a driving internal need to keep these promises to themselves. Paty is one of the most highly self-motivated writers I've seen. She sets goals and then just goes. Life "stuff" may come up, but she seems to deal with it and then refocuses back on her goals until they are reached.
--Bethany sets weekly mini-goals and amazes me at how much she accomplishes, in spite of teaching, a toddler, and a very nauseous and exhausting first trimester of pregnancy.
--Still others reward themselves for reaching a goal. Our new chapter officers have dangled the carrot of prizes and surprises at the end of the year to all who reach their stated annual goals.
At the February chapter meeting, Paty and I will co-lead a session on using storybards as a tool to stay focused on your dreams and goals.
In the meantime, please share your ways of keeping on track with your goals and pursuing your dreams. How do you keep these promises to yourself?
14 comments:
Thanks for the nice words, Genene- and there is something about 2010 that feels like it's "the year".
What keeps me on track- having at a very young age been instilled with you always follow through with what you start no matter what, the harder you work the greater the reward, and my tried and true if someone says I can't, I'll darn sure prove them wrong.
Those are my motivators.
What keeps me motivated? I like having written. A lot. It's an important feeling, like knowing I've taken care of something essential. Like nurturing a beloved child. Is the day to day grind of that always rewarding? I don't think so. But my, what a triumph the successes are.
I think that's why I write.
Hi, Paty!
Follow-through is a great trait, and when you add the determination to do something, you've got a dynamite combination!
Cheers to making that combination pay off in 2010!
Hi, Alice!
"I like having written...like knowing I've taken care of something essential." This is a "duh" motivator that should have been on my list.
Barb Cool Lee said something similar at our last meeting along the lines of finishing your first manuscript (or your second or thirtieth!). This is a feeling of satisfaction--and something more--that no one can take away from you.
Something shifted inside me when I realized I could finish a story, sell a manuscript, hold my published book in my hands. Each step is indeed a triumph!
And another motivator that should have been on the list: the wisdom and support of fellow writers.
Alice, you have such a wise and wonderful way of putting thoughts and emotions into words. That motivates me keep working at the craft of writing--knowing I can always improve and hoping my words will touch the lives of others in a positive way. Thank you for that!
Well, thank you, Genene, them is nice words!
I also wanted to add my two bits about Eli's external motivation (deadlines) which wouldn't exist if she weren't internally driven to put together proposals and books in the first place.
And I also wanted to add my admiration of Paty's determination and belief (and proof) that hard work is rewarded -- talk about strong like the best of heroines. Very, very awe inspiring!
I'm usually pretty good about getting things done once I plan them into my life... but I have "senoritis" (LOL!) so things have been dragging lately. It won't last, though. Once I get through this hard pull of finals, I can get back in control of my life and be productive. I just hate having so much "other" work to do. Ugh. It slogs me down, because my heart isn't in it!. (Whoa, 'slog' is a real word? I expected it to be slang and therefore not have a definition, but it does! Wow! Sorry, that was random.)
I plan and set goals by writing out lists. I like to scratch things off as I go, and I always have a clear path to follow to accomplish everything on the list. It's almost like it's more real if it's written down. Unavoidable. Gonna happen no matter what. It's good for me. ^_^
Agreed, Alice, about external deadlines not existing if you don't also have the internal discipline/ determination/ belief in yourself to actually do the writing and sell. I still remember Eli talking about her "Believe" sign and Paty talking about her sexy cowboy photo.
That could be another motivator: a visible, tangible symbol of some sort to remind yourself of your goals and dreams. I've also heard of some writers who put together a faux book with a cover to keep themselves focused on their goals.
By the way, Eli, if you happen to read this before you dash off to your presentation at Willamette Writers, if something unexpected doesn't come up in the next hour or so, I plan to be at their meeting--to support, not to heckle. :)
Alice, I like your "having written" comment. And I agree with Genene about your wisdom!
Katie, It's almost like it's more real if it's written down. That's why you write down your goals and dreams- they will come true if you keep them ingrained in everything you do.
Hi, Katie!
I like lists too. I feel a great sense of accomplishment if everything is crossed off my list at the end of the day/ week/ month--or whatever timeline I've set for myself.
However, I've also learned that I need to be flexible. Sometimes wonderful opportunities and "life stuff" comes up that needs to take priority. The key for me is getting back on track with my goals as quickly as possible and not let those interruptions sidetrack me indefinitely.
Sounds like you've already developed a great sense of focus and determination about what you want to do!
Great post, Genene! I've been keeping track of my goals with this planner I got a few months ago. Lots of blank boxes where I personalize it for to-do lists and goals. I love it!
Hey, Lisa! I'd love to look at your planner.
I'm continually refining "to do" lists on my computer and am always looking for new ideas. But I haven't gone all digital yet. I still print them out so I have a paper list.
Must be the same split personality that's fascinated with e-books and looking forward to the new interactive readers, but loves printed books too. :)
Oh Genene, you made me all weepy. Thank you for an awesome post. I keep myself on track on coming back here.
Lisa,
What's this planner? I have a tiny one for this year, but I love office supplies. . .
Hey, Wavy! Handing you a cyber-hankie. :)
Just give yourself permission to breathe sometimes too!
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