Many folks make resolutions for the new year, and for a few weeks they may even try to fulfill those resolutions. I see the results at the gym in January, when the parking lot is filled with automobiles driven by people who have resolved to work out more, for example. By the end of February, the lot is back to its usual status of only half full.
I watch while the TV features ads in January aimed at all those folks who resolve to lose weight and quit smoking, too. Those ads wean down to only a few, once February arrives.
Years ago I resolved to have no New Year’s resolutions. I don’t write intentions, either. I know what works for me. Instead of resolutions or intentions, I get to the nitty-gritty and write goals. Once I have written a goal, I give it a deadline and break it into smaller deadlines. Goals and deadlines motivate me much more than resolutions or other methods.
My goal for 2015 is to re-release my award-winning book on creative writing titled Write In Style. People have been begging for me to get that book back on the market, and a business acquaintance has promised to work with me to get it printed and ready for sale in the summer. Because I wrote the original book near the turn of the century, though, I have to update and expand much of the information, which requires a great deal of rewriting. I broke the process down by dates by which I will get each portion complete, so that I can get the completed manuscript to the printer in time for a summer release. Now that I have written goals, I know I will get the project done, barring unforeseen circumstances.
I have declared my goal for 2015 and made it known to the multitudes, now, which is also a great motivator. Watch for the release date for the second edition of Write In Style! I know I will meet my goal.