Even if you think that resolutions or affirmations are for chumps, I say why not?!
If you don't try, you don't succeed!
I'm one of those people who like resolutions, goals, affirmations, etc. I go for the whole kit and caboodle. I do it because I like to achieve. I also like having my sight set on something to work towards. I think that it keeps me focused and growing.I however, do believe in being realistic. I'm ambitious, but I don't set myself up for failure. I set goals that are achievable and I give myself wiggle room.
If I don't get there, I don't beat myself up. Instead, I recognize that I'm a few steps closer to where I want to be, and I keep working at it. Sometimes I need to adjust my process or the goal, but I never give up.Why am I telling you all this? Because I would love to see more people set realistic, attainable goals for themselves, no matter how small, or how long it takes them, as long as they get to feel that sense of accomplishment, pride and satisfaction when they get there.
If you're a writer, your goals may be to write something new, something in a new genre, a certain number of words per day, to finish your novel, to get an agent, to get your work published, to hit the bestseller's list, or even to get your growing behind off your favorite writing chair and get some exercise. I think that these are all legitimate and attainable goals. So set your sites on something you want and get started!
Be realistic, be kind to yourself, and never ever give up! I promise you will get there.
Happy achieving!
~Marisa
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Comforting and realistic advice. Especially the part about the "growing behind"! :)
ReplyDeleteWriting every day, posting daily on my Author's page with a lighthearted, laugh-at-itself adventure fantasy serial, reworking the YA SciFi manuscript. I'm working on my goals, and you'll hear from me again!
May you meet your goals, too, Marisa!
Imperfect in my humanity, I meant to post that SueStarlight comment as my Author page self, Space, Time, and Raspberries. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Sue! Glad you caught that subtle 'get your butt up and do something' message. I wasn't sure anyone would read that far down to see it ;)
ReplyDeleteAlways read all the way to the end unless the story is: a) so badly written it makes you crazy, or b) so boring you fall asleep. :)
DeleteI like how you put this situation! Instead of a resolution, set an attainable goal for yourself. Besides what I said on Facebook, I want to try and interact more with other authors and my readers. Maybe start posting more on other blogs. Get that idea for a science-fiction down on paper (my first) and get back to a steady writing schedule.
ReplyDeleteOne way or another, I'll get an agent. Like a friend, who pitched in the minor leagues until he made it to the Red Sox, I have to keep asking why things are not working better and what I have to do to accomplish my goals. Unfortunately, in the writing business, plenty of people say that what you've done is not good enough, but it's always up to you to figure out what to do to be good enough. Example: I have a ms. out, and it suddenly dawned on me how vital the title is. I came up with two attention-getting possible titles, either of which "rings the bell" and makes the reader view the ms. in a more clear view. Maybe too late for that agent, but what's more important is the fact that, in all my research and reading, I never heard of such a thing and had to discover it on my own. Well, it's discovered, so now I have to figure out what I can do to minimize damage and maximize the chance of getting an agent. This is one reason why you absolutely positively never quit until you've taken your last breath.
ReplyDeleteI'm not only going to get an agent, I'm going to prove to said agent that I'm the kind of roll-up-the-sleeves low-maintenance client they hope for but not get often enough. It won't be good enough just to get an agent; I need to show I'm a net plus and a valuable signing. A friend pitched in the minor leagues for years, and he constantly looked for that extra edge and worked to figure out exactly what to do to get better... until he pitched a major league game for the Red Sox. The writing business, however, is loaded with people who tell you that your work is not good enough, but nobody tells you everything you need to know to break out. No secret "pitching grip" in this creative industry. I recently discovered how vital a strong title is, and how it "rings the bell" and makes the reader view the ms. in a particular way. In all my reading and research, I'd never heard that. Now that it's discovered, I have to figure out what to do with my ms. that's already in the hands of one of the few agents willing to read it. And then nail a good title to future submissions. Years of dogged persistence wear on the weak; it only angers the tough and prods them to keep hammering. Why quit before you take your last mortal breath?
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