Goal Planning
Everyone’s talking about goal planning, and I had to get on board when I was invited to post my goals on Writing-Goals. I dashed off a set of 4-5 for that posting, but I’ve been thinking much deeper, and came up with a more comprehensive list for 2008.
My advice is to have a sounding board. My husband, of course, has a personal stake in seeing my writing business thrive. Luckily, he has a head for business, a business degree, and works in finance. However, a fellow writer or independent business person will do just as well.
Secondly, I feel that just listing abstract goals isn’t enough. I’ve broken my goals into ways to achieve them- step by step.
I also wonder about having date ranges for these goals. This will keep you on track in general. However, for me personally, I’m worried about my Masters program starting in the Fall of 2008. I’ve taken some of the classes in the past and I know how they can suck you dry. I’ll want to have the majority of my goals done before August.
Last, I feel that you have to be willing to bend. Let’s say, for example, that you suddenly sell your first novel. There’s a lot of work involved in getting that draft onto the shelves. I assume it will change your entire life and direction. There would be no shame involved in letting some of your goals go in order to focus on The Great American Novel. ;}
Feel free to post your goals or your tips for creating goals in the comments.
December 14th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
[…] Allena gives her suggestions for how to go about setting your goals at Writers Unbound. […]
December 15th, 2007 at 1:48 am
Love your ideas on setting goals! I also LOVE your blog! I followed over from Freelance Parent.
December 16th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Thanks, I read Writing the Cyber Highway a lot, too!
February 25th, 2008 at 8:55 am
[…] I think my success with elance is due to these 3 guidelines. I have noticed that little by little, as my company grew, I needed elance less and less. I generally use elance for some quick turnaround projects that I need to meet my monthly income goals. […]