I'm all about setting goals. I really believe that the ideas of intention and putting something out into the universe are powerful ones. So at the beginning of each year I try to set goals--some practical some stretch goals. And part of that process means that at the end of the year, you have to look back and see if you did it or not. So in the spirit of accountability, here's my post from the beginning of the year with updates on my successes and epic failures. :)
I will write 1000 words/day five days a week when I am in the rough draft phase and edit at least 10 pages a day when in editing phase.
Update: I wrote a lot, but I did not stick to this. Just like with Nano (also a fail), my muse is fussy. But I am getting better, thanks to Nano, at putting my butt in the chair anyway and trying.
I will continue to blog five days a week as long as you guys don't up and bail on me. :)
Update: I did this until I got an agent, then moved to three days a week. I don't see this as a fail. I'm still happy that I've stuck to a schedule and hopefully provided some decent posts over the year. :)
I will complete and edit one category length novel and will at least write a rough draft of a full length.
Update: I ended up tackling the full length first because that's where my muse led me. So I completed, revised and submitted a 90k novel. And am 30k into a rough draft of a new one.
I have joined the 100+ Reading Challenge. I think I'm around the 85 mark for this year now, so I don't think is totally out there.
Update: Pfft! Epic fail. Last year I read 79 books, this year I'm sitting at 37. Kidlet gave up naps and this put a serious cramp in my schedule. But I also spent more of my reading time, writing instead. So not a total loss. :)
Eat healthier and buy organic and local when I can afford it
Update: Did well for first half of the year, then slid off the wagon. As of last week, I'm back on Weight Watchers and planning to do better this coming year.
Do some form of exercise that involves more than fingers flying over keys and chasing my two year old when he gets a hold of the toilet paper roll.. I just ordered a Wii Fit, so I'm hoping that actually is exercise and not just an excuse to play video games. If anyone has one, let me know what you think.
Update: Ha! The Wii Fit has not moved in months. The Wii gets a lot of use...but only for Guitar Hero and Rock Band. (At least it relieves stress! Which is sort of a health benefit, right? o.0 Okay, okay, I'll try to do better.)
I will not let every towel in the house get dirty before I do a load of laundry.
Update: I actually did get better at this, though not 100%.
Potty-train my son (fun times ahead)
Update: Epic fail as well. We're still working on this. Slow-going.
I will figure out a way to attend the National Romance Writers of America conference in Nashville.
Update: Win! Although it turned out to be in Orlando and not Nashville. But it was amazing and so worth it and I can't wait to go to NYC this summer for the next one.
I will sell Wanderlust to a publisher.
Update: Undetermined. Harlequin is still considering my book. I hope to know something in the next month or two. :) *fingers crossed*
And now the totally epic, unexpected, not-listed-because-I-didn't-think-it-was-possible-this-year long-term goals that got accomplished:
1. Won multiple writing contests!
2. Landed dream agent Sara Megibow!!
3. SOLD TWO BOOKS to Berkley Heat!!!
And so, in conclusion, I DON'T CARE that I didn't meet some of the ones above. :D These last two developments totally trump it all! And proves that it's okay to do stretch goals, to dream big. No, I didn't reach every single one, but look what happened while I was striving to get there. :)
So what goals did you reach this year? Any unexpected ones that surprised you? Which ones are you still going to work on next year? What new goals are you setting for 2011? Go ahead, be bold, put it out there!
