As we end one year and start another, it’s the perfect opportunity to set goals for the upcoming twelve months.
How many of us say “this is the year I am going to get my book written”?
We often work out how many words we need to write a day to get it done.
I want to share with you some tips that will help you write more in 2023 without making it all about the word count.
1: Work out what a successful writing year would be for you. Would it be finding more time to write? Would it be developing a good writing habit or being braver and sharing your work? Perhaps you want 2023 to be the year you publish your writing. It’s hard to set goals unless you know what it is you want to achieve. Once you’ve settled on that, I would suggest writing a statement of intention. Here’s mine –
2: I like to make my intentions, targets and goals SMART. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. I find that a SMART goal framework helps increase my likelihood of success.
3: Once you have decided on what it is you want to do, it’s crucial to develop a plan for how you are going to make it happen. This might look like breaking down large goals into more manageable tasks or mapping out when specific steps need to occur, so that your goal can be met. For example, I plan to write before work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as on Monday and Friday afternoons. Those times are in my diary for next year and they are an appointment with my dreams and I will make sure that they happen.
4: Create an environment that works for you. Do you prefer a desk, pen and paper, or is it a laptop on a lap that sees you at your most productive? We are all different, so think about your preferences. Like me, it may depend on what you are writing. If I’m journalling, working on a children’s book or writing poetry, I prefer a pen and paper. Yet for my novel and blogs, I usually work on my laptop. Flowers, candles, music – whatever works for you. My current favourite is an essential oil in my diffuser, I find it helps me maintain focus.
5: Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support your writing goals. This might mean developing relationships with mentors or joining a writing group. Finding people who can provide helpful advice and feedback is so useful, as is sharing your work with your nearest and dearest.
6: One of the most important steps towards achieving your writing goals is actually taking action.
Don’t let procrastination or fear of failure hold you back – just write; don’t let yourself get distracted or discouraged.
Pick up that pen, open that laptop and write, write, write!
7: Celebrate your writing wins, no matter how small. It took me a long time to be comfortable to call myself Claire Walsh – Author | Facebook, but I now realise it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate each milestone that you reach. A little treat, a pat on the back or an attention-grabbing social media post; I’ve done them all and of course, I love treating myself with some new stationery!
8: Keep learning, there are so many books, workshops and groups to help you. As you work towards your goals and truly see yourself as a writer, stay open to new ideas and learning opportunities that can help you grow and improve. I’d love you to Join my Facebook Group, The Write Life With Claire, https://www.facebook.com/groups/116400990378874/ where you will find support and inspiration, whatever stage of your writing journey you are at.
9: Write what you know and love! Don’t make it hard work for yourself. I write because it makes me happy – simple. It’s a bonus if people read what I write but primarily I write for me.
10: Be Kind to yourself; yes, try to stay focused, motivated, and determined, but if life gets in the way and that dreaded word count doesn’t grow as you were hoping it would, don’t beat yourself up. Remember that small steps each day can lead to big success and that you can write your own story!
Claire Walsh Author and Writing Coach 