Writing like a Boss

From the desk of Samantha R. Uhrig

Why it’s Important for Writers to Make New Year’s Resolutions

I feel like everyone has a set of core goals they make every year.

Start exercising. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Eat less sugar. Save money. Trim down social media time. Cut the drama, start afresh.

All those resolutions are absolutely fabulous, especially if you manage to keep them: those are tough goals!

Yet, I see very few writers making resolutions related to their work.

Honestly, goal-setting is super important for anyone. But especially for writers.

Why? That’s what we’re talking about today!

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR WRITERS TO SET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

A small note: this list doesn’t necessarily apply only to new year’s resolutions. Goal-setting is important for any time of the year!

  1. keep from getting writer’s block
  2. stay focused & motivated
  3. visualize your dreams
  4. bonus: how to set good goals
  5. bonus: 20 examples of writing goals

1. TO KEEP YOURSELF MOVING

Let’s face it: writers get stuck.

We get stuck so often, in fact, that someone had to invent a whole new term for when writers get stuck in their projects. Hence, writer’s block. And we all know how much writer’s block sucks.

Setting goals can help prevent this. Try breaking your goal down into baby steps, so you’re always one step ahead of yourself.

2. TO STAY FOCUSED & MOTIVATED

Write down your goals. Put it on a Post-It Note. Make it your wallpaper. Tape it to your bathroom mirror.

Motivation is key to making your resolutions reality. And you can be your own biggest cheerleader!

Make sure your goals inspire you every single day, because that inspiration can propel you a long way.

3. TO VISUALIZE YOUR DREAMS

I don’t know about you, but I have a set of daydreams that keep me motivated.

  1. receiving the first print copy of my book in the mail
  2. my dream publisher messaging me that they love my book
  3. having a fantastic book launch party
  4. my family talking over Thanksgiving about how much they enjoyed my book
  5. meeting a fan of my work in a bookshop

Whatever that list looks like for you, seize it!

Jot down those wild, “this could never happen” dreams. Then backtrack. Ask yourself, how can I make this reality?

Make an action plan. Start there.

BUT HOW DO I SET GOOD GOALS?

It depends on you.

Do you handle challenges well? Try setting some hefty goals, something you really have to work hard for.

Are you less motivated as a writer, or prone to getting overwhelmed? Maybe start small: set a collection of little goals, those you can check off a list and feel inspired.

Do some trial and error. Figure out what type of resolution best fits you as a writer.

20 EXAMPLES OF GOOD NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR WRITERS

1. Write X number of words per day/week.

2. Start your book.

3. Finish your book.

4. Work on improving your craft.

5. Rewrite your book.

6. Start, or finish, editing.

7. Query agents.

8. Query publishers.

9. Self-publish your work.

10. Build an author platform.

11. Work on improving your author platform.

12. Start a blog, or improve your blog.

14. Get organized with your writing.

15. Outline a project you’ve been thinking about for years.

16. Find a critique partner.

17. Seek beta readers.

18. Reach out to the writing community.

19. Reach out to the reading community.

20. Train yourself to write faster.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, OR CURRENT GOALS?

Comment below! As always, happy writing.


Comments

2 responses to “Why it’s Important for Writers to Make New Year’s Resolutions”

  1. My writing goal is listening to and writing 20 new stories for my book. And I do love the idea of writing things down and posting them in a place I will see daily for constant reminders and encouragement. I also continue to blog each week. Thanks for this encouraging blog today.

    1. Those are great goals!! Happy new year!