The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past 12 months and set goals and priorities for the year ahead. We all start with good intentions, often involving gym memberships, diets and projects to complete. But as the year progresses, even the most realistic goals can run up against, well, life. How can you make sure you meet your writing goals this year?
Last year I had three goals. Going to the gym became impossible—thank you COVID, I can legitimately blame you for that one! But my writing goal—to finish another novel—I achieved. The reason was because I paid money to enter a competition that relied on my submitting a completed novel. In the end, my motivation was not to achieve the goal, but the fear of wasting my money! Interesting priority, huh? I knew that would be what it took for me to grit my teeth and push through the procrastination and lack of motivation.
In years past, I might have relied on my superior levels of motivation and determination—I’m sure that I’m not alone here?! But knowing that was unrealistic—that self-awareness I talked about in a previous blog post—was the key to successfully setting goals and priorities that withstood even COVID levels of procrastination.
If you’re a serial procrastinator like me, don’t rely on your superior level of will power—find the best motivator for you and integrate it. Give yourself the best chance for success!
For more tips on setting writing goals and finding motivation, check out these articles: