Examination and Recalibration

It’s June. We are almost halfway through 2013. Now is the time for examination.

How are you doing with your goals for the year? Which ones have you hit? How many are a partial punch? Do you want to forget the total flub?

I start in December penciling my goals on three-hole punched, blue-lined notebook paper. I don’t craft the wording in ink. There are sure to be changes as December marches to the end and I cross days off the calendar.

In the moments between holiday hoopla, I find quiet moments for contemplation (my sanity requires this kind of downtime) with the hopes of launching the new year with a plan in place. I always use this acronym for each goal:

S M A R T

S = Specific

M = Measureable

A = Attainable

R= Realistic

T= Timely

Here’s an example of one of my goals for 2013:

S = Write book 3 of the Fleur de Lis series – Back to the Bayou

M = 90,000-word manuscript.

A = This can be done by setting a weekly word goal.

R= The goal is in alignment with my overall writing mission.

T= Complete by June 30th.

Examination:

Back to the Bayou

11,146 words into the 90,000-word manuscript.

Weekly goal of 3500 words just didn’t happen on this manuscript.

In the past, this goal would’ve been met without breaking a sweat. However, in the past, I wasn’t published and promoting a book while editing a second with my editor, AND writing a third book. In short, my writing world changed in 2013 and I’m in the process of adapting.

It’s time for Recalibration. What do I specifically want to accomplish in the next six months? What will have I to change in my schedule to reach my writing goals? Am I taking on too much by writing short stories along with novels? How important are conferences and workshops when they take me away from writing?

I’ll be penciling in my recalibrated goals for the rest of 2013. I could eliminate writing short stories. That’s a definite thing to ponder since I must meet my contractual obligations.

Hope you’ll take the time in June for examination and recalibration of what needs to be accomplished in your life, then plan a celebration for all your hard work so far this year. Also, celebrations are important. Please share how your goals are going and give me some tips on celebrating.

Happy Reading!

Linda Joyce

http://www.linda-joyce.com