Goals - Love them!!!!
It’s one of my favorite times of year. Not because Santa brought me my wish list… Not because I love driving on sleet and freezing rain. Not even because I’m a snow skier.
It’s GOAL setting time.
Wait, did I hear a collective groan? Everyone doesn’t love setting and meeting a goal?
I’ve never met a goal I didn’t like. I’m the girl who given the requirements for an “A” in a college course, completed all the steps with two weeks to spare. (And caused the professor to not lower the expectations for the rest of the class.)
At my day job, I’ve passed all twelve of the educational courses (with a mini bump in pay each time - total carrot!) and even took a grueling ten-course class in truck engines, bodies, and mechanics. (Believe me, passing the course didn’t come easy. More like reading a foreign language.)
Why am I telling you all this? It’s not to brag. I know the New Kids Readers could care less than I can figure the maximum weight a cab over truck can carry (depending on the tires). It’s because I jump. Feet first without looking. Without checking the depth of the water below or evaluate if I’ll be successful. And that’s what you have to do when you’re setting your goals.
Dream big or go home. Stretch your comfort level. Imagine what could be if you tried.
That being said -- don’t be stupid. Keep your goals on things you CAN control. I’ve read so many goals this last week from writers that focus on things they can’t control. Like “Get an agent.” Or “Publish two manuscripts.” I guess the last one is within my control IF I want to self-publish, but it’s a stretch even then.
Now, I can submit my manuscripts to every publishing house in the country this year. That’s a lofty, but achievable goal. But it’s not my goal.
Now that we’ve talked about what a goal should look like, here are a few of mine for 2011.
Goal #1: Attend conferences to network, learn craft, and pitch projects.
Goal #2: Enter four contests with new material
Goal #3: Submit rejected manuscripts to new markets within a month of rejection
Goal #4: Write and finish full-length manuscripts (I have five planned. Crazy, I know.)
I think all four of these are controllable. And may lead me to the result I want. To be published in full-length format in 2011. Or have a contract to be published. If not 2011, maybe 2012.
So what goal have you set for 2011? Are they within your control?
Lynn
8 comments:
I've set some goals,and already achieved one. :) I signed up for a masters level class. It's time to move past the basic and intermediate courses. Oh, and I had to 'apply' for entrance, but I got in. So, woot! I'm excited and scared. Good luck on your goals, Lynn!
Yay Ciara!
I love that you took a chance and applied to get in to the Master's class.
Keep us in the loop on how it goes!
I'm working on my WIP 500 words at a time. (trying to do 90 day goal)
I like the 500 words at a time thing. That's a great goal. Or, as they say, it's a "SMART" goal.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-sensitive
That's how I was taught to goal-set. State your goal, ask "is it SMART", and then commit to it. Changed the way I do goal-setting. And I find that I achieve many more of my goals now.
Great post, Lynn. Thanks!
Love that you're a goal setter. To each his own, and I do know that goals are more attainable when you break them down. It seems like it works well for you. I take one day at a time. Never look too far ahead, make sure you know where you've been...
I love that you set goals instead of resolutions given the time of year. Resolutions are often forgotten, but goals are something we strive toward...thus, more attainable when done right.
As for me, one goal is to finish a manuscript that's been dogging me. I haven't written enough on it, but my goal is to complete the rough draft by the end of February.
I love the one about submitting contests with new material. This is just what I was debating with myself about the Marlene.
Great goals, Lynn!
Goals are set and posted in my office. Now I just need to meet them!
Rebecca - I do SMART goals at work. Part of my review is setting new annual goals that stretch me and my comfort level.
Julia - I hear your uncomfort level with setting goals, but trying to juggle job, home, and writing - I've learned to depend on goal setting.
Jess - I don't do good with resolutions. Still no workout habit set, no weight lost. But give me a goal I can reach, I'm a happy camper.
Abigail - Someone said you can be almost to the top of a mountain climb and find out you're on the wrong mountain. Writing a new story teaches me new things.
Valerie - I have no doubt you'll meet your goals. You're determined.
Thanks for stopping by guys!
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