August goals/fitting writing into busy schedules.

What a month! August is more than halfway over, and I still haven't drafted up my goals. I swear that they've been in my head, but I just haven't put them up yet. So, without further ado, here they are.

August Goals
1. Finish 35,000+ words of current project by writing 8,000 words a week.
2. Read (at least) five new novels.
3. Reread summer favorites (entire Harry Potter series (halfway done!), To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) before Labor Day.
4. Submit personal essays for publication.
5. Launch website by the end of August.
6. Finish editing project by the end of August (if possible).
7. Try and use some of the group fitness deals before they expire!

In addition to my goals, I also wanted to write on fitting writing into busy schedules. My job started back up again on August 5, and it's definitely been a balancing act to accomplish everything that I want to get done. I don't want to sacrifice the job that I'm passionate about or the writing that I'm passionate about, and I really do believe that both can be done. It all comes down to planning. Here's my advice for getting it done!

Set a schedule and stick to it.
Figure out how many words, pages, chapters, etc. that you want to accomplish in a day or week and get it done. You may need to wake up early to write or you may need to set aside some time after you get home. Pencil it in your day planner or set an alarm on your phone. Make it a priority!

Don't wait for inspiration. Just write.
If you're going to be a professional writer, then you must give up this fantasy of writing only when the magic strikes. You must write consistently to get better. It's a fact of the business.

Get your friends and family on board.
It can be hard for friends and family to understand that writing is just as valuable to you as your day job. When you get home, they may want to do dinner, see a movie, etc. But it is very important that you set boundaries for your writing and protect those boundaries. If you have writing scheduled, let them know of another time when you would be able to hang out. Don't give up writing time if possible. If you don't see your writing as a priority, no one else will.

Outline!
A well-structured outline can save you a lot of time. Pick a point in the outline to write to, and you'll have a clear path to follow. Obviously, deviate from it as necessary, but use it to guide your writing as needed.

Carry a notebook.
Bring a notebook at all times. Use it to jot down ideas while waiting for copies or during your lunch break. Be ready for inspiration throughout the day!

Stay healthy.
Eat well, exercise, meditate, or do whatever else to keep your mind and body healthy. Being a writer will be a much easier task if the rest of your life is balanced.

Read.
You must read as a writer. This is the other necessary part of your practice, and it cannot be sacrificed. A steady flow of reading material will elevate your writing and keep you informed. I suggest bringing a book or Kindle in your bag or car to help with this.

Thanks everyone! I'm running off to follow my own advice and grab a cup of green tea and a book on my lunch break. Happy Monday!