by Heather Horrocks
Christmas day was very nice for me and my family. I've been thankful for the abundance with which we are blessed -- gifts, warm home (it is really cold outside, about 12 degrees), good food.
One of my favorite gifts this year is a wonderful framed saying which I think ... something about life not being about praying that the storm will pass, but about learning to dance in the rain. I love that mental picture ... I'm picturing Gene Kelly in my mind, singing in the rain with style and flair and fancy footwork.
This last few weeks I've been pondering goals. What do I want to accomplish in 2008? What changes do I want to make to my life? If The Secret is correct and the law of attraction is the key to success, what do I want to attract into my life?
Well, to begin with, I'm going to make more choices based on how they'll lead me to better health. Like getting 8 hours of sleep each night (hahaha -- that's a good one ... but I do intend to work at it). Walking/working out an hour a day. Getting 3 hours of writing in each day. Taking a day off every month to just play: no housework, no worries, not even any writing.
I've read in several places lately that only a small percentage of people make goals -- and only 3% actually write down their goals -- and that's the same percentage of people who succeed fabulously. So I'd like to challenge you today to make some goals, and write them down. Intend to succeed fabulously this coming year. : ) I do.
My goals? Dare I state them here? That would make them so ... official. (Gasp.) Okay, I'm going to be brave and announce them here: Finish the current book for Deseret Book and the next one they've asked for, write the first book in the wonderful new mystery series I'm very excited about, write the next edition of Women Who Knew (the Pre-Mortal Messiah - Old Testament), and get at least the first draft written of the next book. I don't even know what the next book will be yet, but I've decided that it will be whatever book publishers are buying : ) If they're buying LDS romantic comedies, I'll write a romantic comedy; if the national market is buying mysteries, I'll write a mystery.
So now that I've put it out here like this, I guess I'll have to actually meet my goals so I can hold my head up next year.
It feels great to set some goals and know I actually have a foundation of writing habits that can allow me to achieve these lofty goals. So go ahead, if you haven't already -- what will you be writing in 2008?
Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And many pages written in 2008 : )
Heather Horrocks
What interesting statistics, that the percentage of people who write goals is the same as those who succeed. Okay, I'll write my goals, before or on January 1. I might make it my next blog.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I fully agree with the idea that it isn't what life dishes out, but how you choose to 'dance with it' that makes or breaks you. I remember the great lift to my spirits that day I walked through the library door into a full downpour, without an umbrella. I paused to consider, then determined not to let even a heavy rain dictate how I'd walk to my car. My books were safely in a plastic bag, so I strolled with head up as in sunshine, watching others scurry with hunched shoulders and hands trying to protect their hair. I thought of Socrates, and felt gloriously in control. Of course I was dripping wet, but felt ten feet high. No, I didn't dance, but it felt as good.
Good idea. I'll take the plunge with you. I'll finish the YA fantasy series I've started since like you I'm into whatever the market wants (within reason of course), it gets from me.
ReplyDeleteWow, Heather, you must write at the speed of light to have that many book-length projects lined up for 2008! I don't think I've ever finished a first draft of anything in less than a year. I've always wanted to be a "fast" writer, but after all this time, I think I'm resigned to just writing the way I write. The important thing, after all, isn't how fast we write, but that we simply write...right?
ReplyDeleteHeather, thank you for the reminder that a goal unwritten is merely a wish. I find that I do a lot of wishing...and that I choose to write down goals this year...and plan activities that will help me reach those goals. I set a goal to write down my list of "to do's" each night before bed when I record my blessings of the day. Then I can pray about my list at bedtime and again in the morning when I get up to ask if those are the things the Lord would have me do that day.
ReplyDeleteI admire your writing goals and wish you the very best. I don't know how you do it!
I wrote my goals today! Thanks for the reminder, Heather. They aren't nearly as ambitious as yours--I get tired just thinking of all that writing. But I'll cheer you on!
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