I don’t know about you, but I start each new calendar year resolved to be more focused, organized, healthier, and/or financially stable. I set lofty goals that I stop reaching for around mid-February. Then, I slip on the coat of guilt, shame, and embarrassment as penance for my lack of resolve and determination.
This past New Year’s Eve I decided that 2016 is my year of Pro-Action. I’m resolved to take action steps towards my goals (professional and personal) and to be proactive about reaching them. Waiting won’t get me anywhere but stuck, so today I take my first step by stating my goal:
In 2016, I will earn a living as a writer!
Writing goals to include any of the following:
A) Publish my YA Fantasy and/or New Adult novels
B) Submit articles to magazines, newspapers, and other publications
C) Write about the film, television, and theatre industries
D) Write for the film, television, or theatre industries
E) Teach workshops, seminars, or online courses as a writing mentor
F) ALL OF THE ABOVE
How will I achieve such a goal? I honestly don’t know, but that’s where the Pro-Action part of the goal declaration comes in. You see, in years prior I wouldn’t move forward because I couldn’t answer the question of “What do you really want?” My answer consistently changed because I considered what it should be and not what’s true.
A jumble of interests and talents (as you can see in the above list), I couldn’t sort out which one to focus on as a career path. I thought I had to pick one and stick with it, ultimately causing me to not choose and wait for a sign. What a ridiculous idea!
- I am a talented writer.
- I create beautiful pieces of jewelry.
- I pen poems that lift people up instead of knocking them down.
- I am a writer, a singer, a mentor, a nurturer of children, and a spiritual being.
I am an artistic spirit moving forward toward my goals one day at a time.
*What are your 2016 goals and what steps are you taking to reach them?*
Kelly Deeny 
Great post! Remember to shoot for the moon even if you don’t reach your goals you’ll fall among the stars….or something like that! Good luck to you in the new year!
Thank you, Lisa! Good luck to you too.
That is a bold, brave goal, Kelly, and I have faith that you will accomplish it this year. Funny, my resolution this year is to stop asking why, and yours is to stop asking how.
Thank you, Eve! Writers are always asking the questions; we don’t always listen for the answers.