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| Poinsettia - synonymous with a Jamaican Xmas. |
As usual, I
can’t believe how time is slipping by and there are lots of things to accomplish between now and year end.
Yet, in the face of tragedy, such as
that which took place in Connecticut this past week, rushing around is
pointless. Things will never be the same
for those families and it does make me stop and think about what’s important. Tears
came to my eyes when I read the report wherein one teacher had locked her class
of four year olds in a bathroom. All they wanted was to live to experience the joy of Christmas - and so do I.
Something high
on my agenda is spending time with my family and putting my household in order
for the coming season. I would love to make some radical changes to my life
next year. I’d like more time to write and to demolish the dozen or so books
that I haven’t looked at in a while. Some need editing, others need to be
completed.
I’m going to complete
the business plan I started ages ago, which will include a schedule on which I’ll
be releasing my books. Since I went down the self-publishing road, I’ve now
received two cheques from Amazon. The second was for a similar amount as the
first and cemented in my mind the fact that I can capitalize on my God-given
talent in a big way. I did an editing gig, along with writing a few articles a
month or so ago and a nice slice of cash will come from that activity.
I’m not getting
any younger, so it’s way past time that I put some thought into spending more
energy on improving the quality of my life. Work-related stress is sometimes too
much for the return at the end of the month. That, if nothing else, will help
motivate me to walk on the path that will make me happy. I don’t know if this
is part of my natural thought pattern or if someone said it to me in the past, but
sometimes a 9-5 is the worst thing that can happen to one’s creativity.
The security blanket of that cheque at the end of each month pretty much stifles a lot of creative effort aka the need to do something different. I came across another good article from the newsletter - Daring to Live Fully. It's about the Elasticity of Time: Four Ways to Stretch Your Time. Make the time and have a read.
The security blanket of that cheque at the end of each month pretty much stifles a lot of creative effort aka the need to do something different. I came across another good article from the newsletter - Daring to Live Fully. It's about the Elasticity of Time: Four Ways to Stretch Your Time. Make the time and have a read.
Where are you
on your journey? Have you accomplished what you set out to do in 2012 and have
you made a plan for 2013?
Those are some excellent goals for the new year. Best of luck with them. :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Misha. I think outlining everything and sticking with my goals will make all the difference.
DeleteNot everything I wanted to do was accomplished this year but I think I have a better plan for 2013. You set some great goals and the tragedy last week does make you think.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your plan, Sheena.
DeleteGreat article. I'm totally reevaluating my writing goals for 2013. This year wasn't wasted however. Most of the goals of 2013 come from failed attempts or learned attempts in 2012. The only way to give shape to the dream is try a few things and learn from them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you did get some things done this year. I agree that 'doing' stuff is the way to achieve those goals.
DeleteI think I did okay with my 2012 goals. I'm more concerned that I will accomplish nothing in 2013.
ReplyDeleteMike, don't you have book 3 to be going on with? :)
DeleteMy only recurring goal each year is to be better, more than what I was the year prior. There are many ways to measure and many ways to improve. I wish you success in your goals for next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff. I hope you met your goals this year and that you do better in 2013.
DeleteI can really relate to your comment about a regular 9-5 stifling creativity. I'm so grateful to have a steady paycheck, but I can't deny the stress that goes along with it can sometimes wreck havoc with my best laid plans and goals.
ReplyDeleteIt's inspiring to read that the payments from Amazon made you feel so positive about your ability to make it as a writer and possibly walk away from that security blanket. That's awesome!! Best of luck on your journey! :)
Julie, like you, I'm grateful for the paycheck each month. Though I want to crash and watch NCIS and such each evening, I have to push myself because I have an aim in view. Yup, those cheques are also helping me to get one foot in front of the other or should I say my fingers moving over the keyboard? :)
DeleteYou're diversified - that's good. It's a rare few that can live off royalties, but fortunately there are so many other things writers can do to supplement their income.
ReplyDeleteFebruary is my big month next year.
So true, Diane. Opportunities are out there. We just have to make use of them. Will keep an eye on what you're doing in 2013.
DeleteI really like your post because it shows that you don't let things happen without reflecting on them. You don't let them happen in vain. I wish you all the best in 2013. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julia. I get bored walking in circles, so I do what takes me in different direction. Of course, I tend to wander off and lose focus. :)
DeleteI didn't write a project plan or anything like that for 2012. I did hope to complete and finish two or three novels. I did finish them, two of them, anyway, but after my Beta readers read them, I decided to do more work on them. That'll be one of next year's goals. However, it's not written in stone. If it doesn't happen, oh well.
ReplyDeleteRichard, for the most part, I haven't followed my plan as if it's laid out in stone, but I usually know what I'm supposed to be working on. I hope that keeping things structured will help me with my focus. Wishing you success with achieving your goals next year.
DeleteI need to figure out how to do more during the day. Great post. I'm off to read how to stretch my time. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteCarol, you and I seem to be rowing in that same boat. When I get really stressed, I tell myself that I won't get more done in a day than I was ordained to do on that given day. That usually helps me poke my anxiety into the tiny space where it should stay. :D
DeleteYour post is the best thing that has happened to me in weeks! What a great link. I so needed to read it, and I stuck around to read some of her other articles. I've been feeling like there's too much on my plate and not enough hours, but I guess tackling it differently is the way to go :) I'm inspired by the way you make things happen for yourself and wish you all the best in 2013!
ReplyDeleteHey, Rula,
DeleteI'm glad to be able to lead you to something that works. Yup, Marelisa does write some useful material. I should read a lot more of the newsletter than I do. :)
I think that's a great plan, Joy. In 2012, I worked really hard to build my business, and it took a lot out of me. My intention was to write a business plan and production schedule. But now I am just going to write. I have taken a blogging hiatus and have decided not to follow a schedule. Now the creativity is flowing again. I guess if I wanted a 9-5 job (which I may have to get soon anyway), I'd go back to finance--a job very much lacking in creativity for me. I want to rediscover the joy of writing again.
ReplyDeleteSusan, sounds like you've had a rough time this past year. Though many of us do need structure to keep us moving, it sounds like being regimented hasn't worked so well for you. I hope things turn around for you.
DeleteAmazing! Its actually awesome post, I have got much clear idea about from this article.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to surf my page ; Instalación geotermia en Toledo
Wow, I find this site inspirational. My writing has taken a nonfiction/humor turn (I was hoping to be a horror or crime thriller novelist). I do have three novels written, but may put try self-publishing myself. I'll have to come back to this site and learn from you!
ReplyDeletemy blog: www.genresofmylife.blogspot.com
recently had a piece published at www.foliateoak.weebly.com called "Language of Love"
Holly Vance
Hi, Holly, I'm glad you found some encouragement here. Keep working, I'm sure you'll get to where you want to be.
DeleteWhat a wonderful post! Like it did for you, the tragedy in the Connecticut elementary school has made me quite thoughtful, reflective, and sad for those who have lost so much.
ReplyDeleteMy plans for 2012 were derailed and rerouted about mid-way through the year, but I've learned to roll with such changes when they can't be avoided.
Happy new year to you!
Cynthia, yes, some things happen that make no sense, but do make you stop and think.
DeleteYou're wise to know that rolling with the changes makes things easier.
Ah, it's that time of year! Time to reflect on what's most important and reevaluate priorities. You have a good jump start on 2013, JL. It's great that you want to devote more time to finishing your manuscripts. I wish you the best of luck in the new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emily. For the next week I'll be thinking about a priority list.
ReplyDeleteJoy, great posts. You always give much to your readers to ponder...
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about the plans I've made for 2013 and I'm prioritizing. A second book, I must finish. I also have another big project that I'll be working on and also building my business.
Get those books you've started out there.
Have a merry Christmas and a great new year. All the best. Don't eat too much cake. (lol)
Great post, Joy. I certainly have a few things planned for 2013 but family time is always going to come first.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi, Kiru,
DeleteThanks for the good wishes, Kiru and same to you. Here's wishing you continued success in 2013.