MONDAY'S MUSINGS: TAKE THE NEXT SMALL STEP

When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer, just take the next small step. 

This begs the question, what's the next small step? And really, only you can decide what that step should or will be. 

This is where determination comes into play. Of course, life has no guarantees, does it?

With our writing, if it’s something we enjoy, if it gives us a sense of accomplishment or makes us feel good to create, why stop? If our goal is to be published then we can’t let rejections or fear slow us down or stop us.

I think setting goals are important, but it only works if we have realistic (do-able) goals. You have to think smart and have the skills, resources, and support needed to accomplish the goal. For me, setting a series of goals helps.  Yes, I want to be published. That is my big goal. Realistically, what I write today probably won’t get published tomorrow. To get there I have to break that large goal into small steps. I need to know the craft of writing (skills), have the resources (the time), and I need support (knowledgeable people) willing to cheer me on. Or give me a swift kick when I need it. 

Set a goal and a time frame to achieve it. Setting a time frame 
helps keep you focused on your target goal .

  

Personally, I need to accomplish something so I feel I’m making steps towards the main goal I've set. Isn’t that true with any set of goals we set? When we achieve a step towards that goal, doesn’t it make you feel good? Encourages you to go on?  Gives you the needed excitement to reach for the next step on your goals plan?

One thing I’ve noticed from those who have been successful. They have set personal writing goals.  Possibly setting word count. Maybe we need research to make the next step successful. Or having someone read what we’ve written and give us some constructive critiques. When I give something I’ve written to someone, I read it with fresh eyes because I start to see it as another would. That helps too.

The point is there has to be a next step to fulfill our goals.

When in doubt, just take the next small step…


If you're a writer what sort of goals have you set for yourself?

• If you're not published: what goals are you setting to become published?

• If you are published, what are some successful goals you've set for yourself?