You can plan out a month-at-a-glance or a year-at-a-glance. Write out your must-do’s and fill in around them with dedicated writing time. Let your goal be a certain number of minutes, a specific word count, or a manuscript you want to finish. Whatever it is, you need to set a concrete goal so you have something to shoot for. Think about any sport there is, the athletes have a specific end goal that they are focused on. This shapes everything they do and keeps them on track for success.
And make sure your goal stretches you without being unattainable. If you know that your writing time is limited, don’t decide you’re going to write three full-length novels before summer. However, if you know that you are a fast writer with extra time this year, maybe add one additional novella or short story into the mix. Also, set at least one of your goals in an area that is brand new to you. Research into a genre you’ve always thought of trying. A new marketing strategy that you’ve wanted to employ. Reading a craft book to strengthen one of your weaknesses. Or attending a conference.
Whatever it is, take a few minutes to set up your path for the year. If your ultimate goal is to publish a book some day, you’ll need to set little ones to meet along the way. What better time than the beginning of a new year full of new possibilities?
Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.
