After coming to the realization that I had accomplished very little last year, I decided to make some changes.  Any time you want to do anything, you have to be ready for the change.  You have to commit.  Going in all willy-nilly only leads to failure and subsequent disappointment.

I wanted to be…better, in all aspects of my life.  So, I decided to mix things up and create for myself a new schedule that would lead me to the things I wanted.  I wanted to get fit, so I’ve made it a goal to work out every other day.  So far, I’ve been pretty good about it, and I do feel better.  I wanted to read more, since last year I didn’t read a single book, and I’m close to finishing no#5.  I wanted to write more, and I’m on a third rewrite of my tv pilot, I’ve written more fanfic, and I’ve taken on more Writing Prompt Challenges.

Additionally, I’m working on the show bible and making headway into the many writing books I’ve had on my shelf for years to determine which are truly useful.  The only “new thing” I wanted by now was a different job.  I’m still working on it.  Of course there are plenty of other things I’d like to do this year, but you know, one step at a time.

I’m not sure where I found this three step system, but I thought I would share it with you in the hopes that you can achieve your goals, writing or otherwise.

1. Identify your big picture – brainstorm all the things you’d like to see yourself accomplishing and then streamline them into one overall phrase: “I want to…“
2. Outline the steps you need to take to accomplish the goal.
3. Set benchmarks – create accountability and assess forward movement.  Set dates.

Because of the job situation, which has lead to monetary issues, I am unable to enter any writing contests this year, which is disappointing.  Instead of looking at it as a negative, I’m trying to think of it as a gift – I have a year to get my writing “show” ready.

I printed out monthly calendars in order to set those benchmarks, dates when I want to have certain projects completed.  I’m working with only three months at a time, so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming.  I’ve tacked the calendars to the wall next to my computer to use as motivation.  I’m a big advocate for visually identifying deadlines.  Just holding on to the idea of a deadline somehow makes it feel less relevant.  Seeing that April 15th (let’s just say) date circled, highlighted, marked in red, or what-have-you gives it more weight, makes it feel more real and impending, and sometimes we need that pressure to get things done.

Life gets busy.  It’s easy to get sidetracked.  Sometimes it’s comforting to get lost in TV and gaming, I should know, but in order to reach our goals and follow our dreams, we have to be relentless in that pursuit.

Not every step toward our goal needs to be a big one, even the small ones get us a little closer each day!

As you know, I love a good quote, so here are a few to keep you motivated:

And remember, it only takes a couple of weeks to create a new habit. 😉

Wishing you all the very best!