You’ve
probably heard that the secret to completing a manuscript is as easy as
BIC—Butt in Chair. But with such busy lives, it can be hard to find the time
and, more importantly, the motivation to stick to the writing goals we set for
ourselves. How can we make writing a top priority day after day, week after
week, month after month—until our manuscript is finally done?
Here are
some tips and tools to stay motivated as you pursue a writing life.
Don’t
think about achieving success or being successful. Don’t compare yourself to
others who you think are more successful. That kind of thinking is toxic. No
one ever thinks they are successful.
It’s better to focus
on motivation. Because:
1. We can control it.
2. It helps us
remember that we’re on a journey.
3. It lets us know
when something is wrong.
Know the
Why: If you aren’t clear on why you’re doing something, it’s easy to give up.
Take the time to figure out why you’re doing what you’re doing and how it
benefits you, your family, and your community.
Motivation has three
main components:
1. Focusing on your
BIG dream.
2. Setting goals.
3. Staying positive.
Here's each step in greater detail:
1. What is your BIG
dream is? Write it down. Create a vision of what you want your life to be. A vision board
can help. Lots of people swear by them.
I use an idea board
instead of a vision board. It works better for me. It’s a place to store and
keep track of ideas for future books and marketing plans. Looking at what’s up
there helps me set priorities quickly.
Want to know more
about my idea board? Watch this
video of my nieces giving a tour of my office.
Be sure to rehearse
your BIG dream. Daydream as you drift off to sleep, while in the shower, while
walking the dog, etc.
2. Set
4-5 goals per year. They should be specific, achievable, and measurable. Write
them down in the following format: By ____ (date), I will ______.
If you
only have one or two goals, it may help to break them into smaller steps.
If you
have so many goals that you feel paralyzed, you have created a to-do list, not
goals. Think bigger picture and try again.
If
addressing writer’s block is one of your goals, try switching to a different
writing project when you feel stuck. Getting stuck is a natural part of the
process, but you can stay productive if you devote your time and energy to a
different project.
If
you’re wondering how to prioritize your goals, listen to your heart. Which goal
are you most passionate about?
I post my goals in
the upper right-hand corner of my idea board and look at them every day. You
can see my goals in the photo above. I usually write them on the back of a
receipt. No reason to waste paper.
Think of your goals as an action plan.
Once you
have a plan, stay the course. Every time someone asks you to do something or
you have an opportunity, ask yourself: Does this serve one of my goals? Does
this serve my BIG dream?
Find a friend to help
you stay accountable. A buddy can:
—Help you set
deadlines
—Act as a sounding
board
—Highlight your blind
spots
—Be a cheerleader
—Celebrate successes
(big and small)
3. To stay positive:
—Surround yourself
with upbeat, constructive people.
—Focus on what you can control.
—Commit to improving your mindset.
Go
forth and contribute. You can
make it happen.
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