Set an Easy Goal and Kill it!
I'll be here to cheer you on
Whether you are into reading or Swedish death cleaning, there is probably something you would like to achieve. I’m here to help, tiny goal by tiny goal.
Your goal could take almost any form.
painting a picture
reading a book (or part of one)
finishing a course module
writing a chapter or story
storyboarding a film
designing a character
interviewing a subject
researching an option
planning a garden
My albatross is editing my second novel. Part of it is self-imposed pressure because the first book earned a Wattpad award. Self-doubt creeps in, and I pressure myself to make the sequel “perfect.”
To avoid finishing, I’ve used every lame (and valid) excuse from deaths in the family, to switching to virtual work (and back), to the distraction of Exciting New Projects!
No more.
From writing 52 short stories in 52 weeks, I’ve learned that regular goals motivate.
From revising Feeding Frenzy as I posted weekly chapters to Wattpad, I’ve learned the magic of reader accountability. Readers commenting “Where’s the next chapter?” forces you to keep weekly deadlines.
Voila! Like the rabbit pulling a magician out of a hat, I have discovered my method. Each week I will report my weekly writing goals and progress here on Substack.
It would be my honor to do the same for you. Let’s build a positive community of creators, readers, and bon-vivants who support each other’s tiny milestones. In my experience, if you take care of the little habits, finishing big things takes care of itself.
Describe your turtle enclosure
For those who like to work from a prompt, this week’s inspiration comes from what bestselling indie author Chris Fox calls your “turtle enclosure.”
Protect some time from social media, work, and social obligations. Find a quiet space for contemplation, perhaps a coffee shop, a library, or a sheltered nook at home.
Entering that space (perhaps by donning headphones or closing a door), sends your brain a signal that it’s time to get to work. Family members and friends should see this signal and know to give you “studio time.”
Prompt of the week: Take one of these images and flesh out the world where it exists. What kind of beings live there? What are their hopes and dreams? If you could live in one of these magical places, what would you do there?
Your goal for the week
I’m taking my advice and starting with a small goal—to reread the novel manuscript and make notes.
You are invited to state your objective for the week, but keep it lowkey. Pressure and creativity don’t mix. I’m all about tiny goals and tiny celebrations.
Check in next Sunday so we can share how it went.
Until next time, best wishes for the week.
I’ll be cheering for you!
Maaja
Awesome stuff...Objective #1 for me....start a Substack. Simple. Clean. A little easy.