The New Year is the perfect time to make plans, set goals, or solidify existing ones. If like me, you have a lot you want to achieve, then it’s a good idea to break down those big goals to make the journey less intimidating.
I am sure you are familiar with this quote by Bill Gates;
Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.’
So dream big! And if you need some help in breaking down those goals, then there are some tips below:
To use a well-known metaphor: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Although, I, for one, will never eat a poor elephant!
Looking at the Big Picture with Lifetime Goals
What is it that drives your desire to write? Is it to support your business? Or have you a lifelong dream of penning that one great novel? Maybe you’re thinking bigger and want to turn writing into a full-time career?
All of this is possible, so bat away any negative thoughts of ‘I cannot do this’ or ‘Who am I kidding?’ It’s time to think big and plan your dreams.
Then you can start breaking it down.
Specific Project Goals
A specific project goal is probably something you would like to accomplish within a year.
This might be something like completing the first draft, writing a certain number of books, dusting off a project that needs finishing and editing or just aiming to write a certain number of words by the end of the year.
Weekly Goals
To achieve the yearly project goal, it helps to break it down into weekly goals. Commitment and consistency are crucial to staying on track.
Some examples might be:
Write a chapter every week.·
Write a blog post every day or once a week
Write one letter/email that helps promote your book
Contact a literary agent or publisher
Send a newsletter to your audience
Daily Goals
You can also set your daily goals, and this can help when writing a book. A typical daily goal is a word count – 1000 words a day, for example.
Or do one thing every day, no matter how small, that moves you forward, like an email or phone call.
If you like tech, then there are many planning and project management tools available to help you.
Or if you are a stationery lover, then invest in a journal or planner you use specifically for your writing goals.
