Goals and Determination for the Writer

 

Our photo quote today brings to mind the fable of The Tortoise and the Hare. The outcome of the race they ran together is legendary. The tortoise never stopped, although he moved slowly. He had a destination and the determination to reach it. The flighty little hare thought he was so far ahead that he could stop and rest, and, well--you know the rest of the story. 

Shouldn't we writers be like the tortoise in that we have a destination and should use determination to get there? If we have no goals, we will most likely not drum up the determination needed. 

If you haven't set any goals in your writing life, pause and give some thought as to what it is you hope to accomplish on your writing journey. Do you want to eventually write a book? Is it in your mind to have a collection of many of the poems you've written? Maybe you want to write a memoir or enter X number of writing contests this year. 

One writer can have multiple goals, and they can be widely varied. Some might be as simple as marking off an hour each day to write, or as complicated as the intention to publish two books this year. My personal feeling is that we need to make sure that the goals we set are attainable. Better to move up in steps than to leap from step one to the top tier in a short time. That's an easy way to come tumbling down only to need to start all over again.

How about that determination?? Writing goals can often go the way of New Year's resolutions. We mean well when we make those promises to ourselves, but little by little they slip-slide away. One way to keep your determination strong is to write your goal on a paper or poster board, and place it in your writing area so that you see it on a daily basis. You might begin to feel like it is nagging at you, but just consider it as a fine reminder of where you want to go.

If you haven't already done so, set a few goals (not too many) for this year and perhaps a couple of long term goals, as well. Then pour yourself a cup of determination and start moving. Choose the speed that suits you best. The tortoise did, and look what he achieved!