Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Making a Goal....Checking it Twice

Am I the only one or are there other people out there who can procrastinate as well as I? It would seem that if I really want to get something done, especially in my writing life, goals are my friends.

My current goal:
Finish the edits I have started (that seem rather stagnant)- which means finishing the end of the manuscript (MS) and complete the reading of Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook all by the 17th of December. A very attainable goal for me. I can see the end in sight.

And yet... old enemy procrastination has to creep up and sink his claws into my well laid plans. Like convincing me that yes, my Facebook page really does need to be checked, someone might have liked my status. And yes, I do need to check blogger dashboard because there might be another blog posting in my scroll bar. Never mind the fact that I don't have time to really do those things.

So how is such an old nemesis put in his place? It would seem to be a battle of mine and one I am determined to throw off. I haven't reached the point of joining a "Procrastination Anonymous" group, but I am just about there!

Some helpful hints I have been kicking around...
  • Make a specific time limit I can be online, doing chores, reading, anything besides working on my writing
  • Make myself accountable to that time limit and turn off the 'net at that exact time
  • Get right down to work, not looking to the right or left, only that shining goal at the end of the dark tunnel
  • Be specific about what time I have to be done. Time constraints are a huge motivation to get everything done- in a timely manner
  • But amidst all of this, to be an understanding to the fact that life can interfere and sometimes daily goals aren't met.
Time limits for me are what I need to keep on track. I have to be mentally strong to be willing to turn off all distractions and just work! And since it seems I have been failing more often then succeeding lately, today marks the beginning of a new determination to meet my goals at all costs! And to feel good about it once I get there.

Any other goal setting ideas?
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6 comments:

  1. MJ @ Creative Madness MamaDecember 8, 2010 at 11:28 AM

    I had too much time on my hands so I started reading, quilting and blogging.. and had a baby. Now I want to know where all that time went!

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  2. CaseyDecember 8, 2010 at 1:03 PM

    LOLOL MJ, I want some of that extra time. Why couldn't God give us 28 hours days or something...

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  3. EdwinaDecember 9, 2010 at 3:59 AM

    A good way to keep track of your time limits is to set a kitchen timer.

    If possible, once you begin work on your WIP, turn off the phone, close the door to your office, and hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door. I realize if you have young children you can't do this!

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  4. CaseyDecember 9, 2010 at 9:16 AM

    Edwina, I do agree that is a good one! I have tried using it myself too. :)

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  5. Julia M. ReffnerDecember 9, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    Good tip, Edwina. Time limit for chores? That sounds good, LOL :)

    Then again today I just spent WAY too much time responding to everyone that commented on my blog. How on earth does Julie do this...and write long comments, too :) And do all else that she does.

    I think that's the trick we all need to get some tips from Julie Lessman :)

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  6. CaseyDecember 10, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    Julia, I completely agree. I don't know how she does it. Which is probably why she only does giveaways at a certain time of the year, but I think it is what has made her so successful in the fiction industry. :)

    ReplyDelete

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