Last year I set a few very specific goals for myself in terms of my writing. I wanted to increase my blog following to over 200, find an agent, finish the illustrations for a children's book I'm working on, and see PLAY IT AGAIN, the prequel to my first book AND THE BEAT GOES ON, published. I'm happy to say that I achieved each and every one of these goals.
As 2012 stretches out before me I feel somewhat hesitant about setting new goals for this year and upon analysis, I think I know why ...
About five years ago I remember setting a goal for myself. It was, specifically, to get a publishing contract and see one of my books published by the time I reached a 'certain age'. (Okay, I'll just say it - 50. There. Now are you satisfied?!)
Low and behold, I reached my goal ahead of schedule. I signed my first contract in 2008, and to date I have three novels and one play in print, with another novel in the hands of an agent, and a signed contract for a second stage play. Awesome, right? Here is the rub. When I signed that first deal, I immediately changed my goal to, "Write full time by the age of 50." Silly, silly me. At that time I didn't realize how difficult (and potentially unrealistic) that goal might be. I was naive enough to think that once my first book released the rest would be a piece of cake.
By now you know exactly where I'm heading with this. 2012 represents THE YEAR ... I will celebrate the half century mark later this year and quitting my day job to write full time doesn't look like an option right now. Granted, my birthday isn't until October, so I have a few months, but still... Is this year destined to be the death of my dream?
Maybe. Only time will tell. Perhaps it was that dream that spurred me on. I'm grateful to be where I'm at in my writing career and rather than feel disillusioned I intend to move forward with purpose.
This brings me around to my New Year's resolution. As seems to be the trend right now, rather than a list of of goals, this year I'm choosing a word that I hope will exemplify my writing for the year. That word is PURPOSE. In everything I do this year, be it writing or otherwise, I want to infuse a sense of purpose. Now that I'm approaching that half century mark I understand that life is too short to waste your time on things that don't matter or that don't yield results. So whether its blogging, writing, working my day job, or volunteering at my church, I want everything I do to have this meaning.
I'll be expanding on what PURPOSE means to me in future posts. For now, may I wish everyone a happy and blessed New year. May all your dreams come true.
10 comments:
I pray God will bless your efforts this year, with the result that you will meet HIS goals for you, whether they are the same as yours or not.
You are a blessing to others. I'm sure that's part of God's goal for you this year.
Thanks Ginny. that is truly what it is all about in the end, isn't it? Not my will but thine ...
That's awesome you accomplished all of your goals last year. I haven't made resolutions or set goals in years. There are always things that I want to accomplish, but I've never really given myself a timeline (or made a plan) for doing it. Right now, I'm just hoping to survive this next semester of school! :)
Every year is different that's for sure
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could make a good living from writing and have it consistent! Just like actors, you're only as good as your last book. So just write best sellers LOL!
You've got a great start. Continued good tidings!
What a wonderful post. I really enjoyed it. I quite doing resolutions for the new year a long time ago - about the time I divorced my ex and he alienated my daughters from me. My only goal was and has been to re-establish my relationship with them. So many things changed at that point for me that getting through a year is resolution enough. I do look forward to reading about your purpose though. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog. Donna
I hope you'll be surprised to have the goal of your dreams granted by the end of this year.
I have a desire to write full time, but I know it'll be with the help of my husband bringing in the hefty paycheck each month. Who knows how long this will take, patience is something I'll have to gain.
Congrats on the 200 followers! Glad to see the accomplishment!
Purpose. Such a powerful word.
I cannot agree with you more, Tracy. Having a purpose behind all our motives and actions actually begins to shape and change those motives and actions.
Terrific goal for this year.
Happy New Year, Tracy, and all the best as you pursue a life of PURPOSE this year! It's amazing that you accomplished all the goals you previously set for yourself, and you can do ALL things through Christ who is our strength. Of course, His plans for you are the best ones, so we will see where He leads in 2012.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your comments; they are an encouragement to me :)
(((Hugs)))
I love your chosen word for the year. I want that one too, and I'll add another "P" word: POWER. I want my words to be powerful this year--with Holy Spirit power. Got that idea from Networked Blogs. And, yes, I just finished my "plans" for the new year and posted them to my blog. Now all I have to do is go down the list and do them. Sigh.
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