Ready, set, GOALS!
Yep. It’s about that time. Last year I fully intended to revisit my goals in July to see how I was doing, but July is so warm and pretty, and I didn’t want to be chained to my computer. Not to mention that I forgot. I’ve come to realize, however, that goals only work if you review them, so I’m going to start with my 2014 standard before setting a new one for 2015. In 2014 I wanted to:
The things I can control:
1. Revise Callie’s Story – CHECK!
2. Finish and Submit Ashley’s Story – CHECK!
3. Bid – CHECK!
4. Book Speaking Engagements – CHECK!
And the things I can’t control:
1. Sign with an agent. – CHECK!
2. Sign a contract for Callie’s or Ashley’s stories. – Working on it…
3. Edit more novels. – CHECK!
4. Sell more articles. – CHECK!
Wow…until this very moment I had no idea how productive I’d been during the year. Go me! Now to look ahead to what I can and can’t control. This year I’d like to be more specific.
Things I can control:
1. Finish rough drafts of WIP.
2. Critique and edit said rough draft.
3. Contact at least four local groups to discuss speaking engagements.
4. Pitch Callie’s story to my agent. (Believe it or, it’s not a given that he’ll just represent and try to sell every novel I write. I need to start the proposal process all over again. Ugh.)
5. Query more magazine.
6. Name this business and update the website already!
Things I can’t control:
1. That book contract…
2. More novel editing contracts…
3. More articles accepted…
I won’t lie – some of those goals scare me. I think I may have overreached a bit, but I want to push myself. I’ve been feeling lethargic this holiday season and now I’m ready to get the lead out and get moving! So there they are – my professional goals for 2015. Now I’m going to write myself a note to check my progress mid-year.
What are your goals for this year? How do you hope to achieve them?
Karin, I had no goals last year, so I didn’t accomplish much. I do have regular writing and editing work that keeps me busy for a week or two every other month. You have a great set of goals outlined above. At least you have something to shoot for. You have motivated me to set some goals myself. Thanks.
Glad to know I could help! Have a great 2015 Emily 🙂