The millions of blogs I read (or skim) have been all abuzz over creating new writing goals this week. With the new year, it's expected that everyone is creating resolutions. They want to make the new year a better year than the one before. They want to accomplish something.
So do I, but I don't make resolutions. But I do make goals.
I am still working on sorting out this years goals in writing, crafting, and life itself. Last year was crazy busy and the NaNoWriMo season pretty much burned me out on everything. So this year, I'm taking extra time to par down what I want to and what I think I can accomplish without going insane. Can I really make six quilts before xmas when I've never quilted before? Can I really write two novel drafts and a chapbook in a year?
The writing goals I'm floating around are:
- Finishing my unfinished NaNoWriMo novel at least to first draft status
- Rewriting last years novel to first draft status (It was handwritten and I've decided to change the story around)
- Prepping and getting ready for NaNoWriMo 2012 in addition to the other two
- Skipping NaNoWriMo and focusing on getting a novel to a second draft status
- Having enough polished poems to create a chapbook
- Submitting a piece of writing every month
- Write a piece, submit a piece
- Filling up a journal each month
- Going to an Iowa Writers Workshop Summer program
- Get the Ames C.art newsletter done on time every month
- Redesign the blog, blog content, and mission
With as many different directions that I have in my life, there's no way I can make all of them my goals. What I can do, however, is pick a couple I feel comfortable with and believe I can reach. Then maybe pick one or two more that would be a 'dream' goal that I could aim for once I meet the other goals. But I'm not looking for so many goals they are unreachable, I need solid goals that I am sure I can reach with a little stretching.
Do you have any goals or resolutions this year?
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Write: Slowly Towards Camp
Camp NaNo started on Monday and I've only written a thousand words. Last night I should have written over three thousand words. This weekend I’m not going to have time to write which will put me even farther behind. Does it bother me to be so far behind at the beginning? Not really. My main goal is just to be working on my novel.
Last November, I wrote every morning on the van to work in my notebook – longhand, in pen. When I got home, I continued writing. But my story got lost and I could never find what I was looking for.
This year, I’m typing and saving myself the trouble of counting out the words myself. As I can’t take my laptop on the van (or can I?), I’m going to be saving the mornings for working on other projects. I’m hoping that dividing it out this way will help me find a pattern of writing time outside the hectic rush of NaNo.
Because of these changes, I’m not too worried about my word count. I didn’t write more than fifty words Monday, so I wrote a thousand words last night in an hour. And I think they are pretty good words too. Do I still need to go back and add in some stuff? Probably. But I have the first scene done and I’m happy I realized how to break to the next scene.
I’m hoping to write Thursdays through Tuesdays since I have meetings every Wednesday. Plus one Monday meeting. That gives me twenty three days of writing this month. Yikes. To reach the goal of 50,000 words, my personal daily goal is 2330 words a day. Do I think I can manage this? Probably. I’m sure I’ll get some writing in on those marked off days to ease the burden a bit.
Do you have a daily word goal in your writing? Maybe you have a daily goal in your art or music? How do you structure your time for your goals?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Extra! Extra! Noumenia Goals
Wow, I can't believe how fast this month has passed. That is the reason why I feel having goals is important. Without them, I would constantly be in the "I will do it some time soon" phase rather than working on getting things done.
Of course, that doesn't mean I always accomplish them. :)
Last month I made myself the goals of having an exercise and devotional plan. I did make one, planning out the hours of my day to make sure I fit them in. Did I follow it? Not really.
But I have been exercising a bit the past two weeks. And I have started lighting a candle and praying in the morning and when I get home. So I am working on it. I've also started reading and following Flylady which has helped in other ways.
So my goal for this month is pretty simple, but oh so hard to follow. My goal this month is just to keep up with my previous goals and to make sure I have a plan in place to accomplish everything I want to. So that means that I will exercise, devote time to my religion, finish my year strategy planner, and finish my to-do lists every day. (Tonight I am only missing one thing! Of course, that's a fairly important one, but if I look through my notes, I may have accomplished it already.)
Do you set yourself goals every month? How do you get things done?
Of course, that doesn't mean I always accomplish them. :)
Last month I made myself the goals of having an exercise and devotional plan. I did make one, planning out the hours of my day to make sure I fit them in. Did I follow it? Not really.
But I have been exercising a bit the past two weeks. And I have started lighting a candle and praying in the morning and when I get home. So I am working on it. I've also started reading and following Flylady which has helped in other ways.
So my goal for this month is pretty simple, but oh so hard to follow. My goal this month is just to keep up with my previous goals and to make sure I have a plan in place to accomplish everything I want to. So that means that I will exercise, devote time to my religion, finish my year strategy planner, and finish my to-do lists every day. (Tonight I am only missing one thing! Of course, that's a fairly important one, but if I look through my notes, I may have accomplished it already.)
Do you set yourself goals every month? How do you get things done?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Muse: A New Beginning
The first post of a new year! And almost my 200th post as well. I'm excited!
The new year is typically a time for people to make resolutions and 'start over.' I've never been a person to make resolutions, partly because they seem made to be broken. I'm not sure I've ever met someone who has followed their resolution all the way through. It also seems like resolutions are made on the spur of the moment.
But I do believe this can be a time to take stock of where you are and where you want to go.
Now, I'm not saying that resolutions are bad things. In fact, at Imbolc I will be pledging something to myself, my community, and my world as I have the past two years. This year they are going to be a bit more specific than before, but they are things to focus on. This year I also think I am going to be making an oath to the gods at Anthesteria, a Hellenic festival at the end of February.
For all that I'm making plans and pledges and oaths, I want to follow them not just because I said I would, but because I want to. I want my life to go that way. I want to grasp the threads that have been flowing through my head for the past year and actually put them into action.
Someone at the UU recently posted their plan for the new year, and I found a reference to a similar practice on a blog lately, and so I think I will join them. Instead of making resolutions at the new year, they choose a focus word. This word they take with them through the year and refer back to.
My word this year is Action.
And so I will go forward into a new beginning reminding myself to take action for the things that matter to me.
What are your goals, resolutions, or focuses for the new year?
The new year is typically a time for people to make resolutions and 'start over.' I've never been a person to make resolutions, partly because they seem made to be broken. I'm not sure I've ever met someone who has followed their resolution all the way through. It also seems like resolutions are made on the spur of the moment.
But I do believe this can be a time to take stock of where you are and where you want to go.
Now, I'm not saying that resolutions are bad things. In fact, at Imbolc I will be pledging something to myself, my community, and my world as I have the past two years. This year they are going to be a bit more specific than before, but they are things to focus on. This year I also think I am going to be making an oath to the gods at Anthesteria, a Hellenic festival at the end of February.
For all that I'm making plans and pledges and oaths, I want to follow them not just because I said I would, but because I want to. I want my life to go that way. I want to grasp the threads that have been flowing through my head for the past year and actually put them into action.
Someone at the UU recently posted their plan for the new year, and I found a reference to a similar practice on a blog lately, and so I think I will join them. Instead of making resolutions at the new year, they choose a focus word. This word they take with them through the year and refer back to.
My word this year is Action.
And so I will go forward into a new beginning reminding myself to take action for the things that matter to me.
What are your goals, resolutions, or focuses for the new year?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Extra! Noumenia: A New Beginning
It's that time again, dear readers, for a new month. At least this month I have remembered it before it was over. I need to perform my rituals and give honor tonight. Last month I completely spaced it and I don't want to have that happen again.
In looking back, this will be my eleventh month posting about Noumenia. But I have yet to get the practice down. Hopefully as this year wraps up, I will be able to make a more devoted effort to this.
In fact, that is my goal for this month like many months. I want to take a step back from my busy life and reflect on my spirituality. I need to deepen my devotion and once again feel connected to those I choose to honor.
My second goal is to make a plan and follow through with it. I need to work worship and exercise into my daily routine and stick to it.
I hope your new month is full of joy this holiday season.
Noumenia: http://sites.google.com/site/hellenionstemenos/festivals/noumenia
In looking back, this will be my eleventh month posting about Noumenia. But I have yet to get the practice down. Hopefully as this year wraps up, I will be able to make a more devoted effort to this.
In fact, that is my goal for this month like many months. I want to take a step back from my busy life and reflect on my spirituality. I need to deepen my devotion and once again feel connected to those I choose to honor.
My second goal is to make a plan and follow through with it. I need to work worship and exercise into my daily routine and stick to it.
I hope your new month is full of joy this holiday season.
Noumenia: http://sites.google.com/site/hellenionstemenos/festivals/noumenia
Friday, August 13, 2010
Extra! Noumenia, A New Month
This post is late, but I have been stuck at home without internet for the past two days. Ames, as some of you may know from national news, has been struck with an abundance of water... and none to drink. This is a link to our local newspaper and more information. Suffice to say, I'm very happy the rain and river waters went down, but I really hope the water main leaks get fixed soon.
Welcome the new month! A lot of people in my town are starting over this month after the flooding. I'm going to be trying even harder this month to get my schedule back in order.
Daily goals: I have slightly failed at following this this month. I'm still not officially unpacked and I have gotten stuck in the 'when I get unpacked, I'll do this' mentality. This past week I have been better. I worked on writing on Tuesday. Thursday I worked on craft stuff around the house I have put off. I'm getting better, just need a little more work.
No Plastic: I think I've done well this month. I found syrup in a glass container that didn't come from too far away. I also spent triple the amount of a plastic 2 liter on four glass 12oz bottles of ginger ale. It was good though, so I think I'll do it again. (Although I found a recipe to make my own. Squee!!!!) Unfortunately, I failed in that I have six gallons of drinking water and a 24 pack of 12oz bottles. I know I shouldn't have, but it's easier for my son. And in the rush of the store, I grabbed it just in case. I was taking the bus and thought it would be easier to carry.
Meatless Monday: Yeah. I haven't followed this one very well. I did the first two weeks, but then I realized that I was making myself miserable by limiting it and I had a talk with a friend. She suggested that such rigid goals should be put aside for just a goal. I believe that I will try to do one day a week of meatless-ness, but if I am really really craving meat on a Monday, I probably may eat meat.
New Goal!
On the Neokoroi yahoo group, they have started working through the Maxims from Long for Wisdom: The Message of the Maxims by Allyson Szabo. There is a different chapter/maxim each week to work on. So I will be ordering the book tonight (if I get to a computer) or this weekend and working off the list. It should be interesting.
Have a great month!
Welcome the new month! A lot of people in my town are starting over this month after the flooding. I'm going to be trying even harder this month to get my schedule back in order.
Daily goals: I have slightly failed at following this this month. I'm still not officially unpacked and I have gotten stuck in the 'when I get unpacked, I'll do this' mentality. This past week I have been better. I worked on writing on Tuesday. Thursday I worked on craft stuff around the house I have put off. I'm getting better, just need a little more work.
No Plastic: I think I've done well this month. I found syrup in a glass container that didn't come from too far away. I also spent triple the amount of a plastic 2 liter on four glass 12oz bottles of ginger ale. It was good though, so I think I'll do it again. (Although I found a recipe to make my own. Squee!!!!) Unfortunately, I failed in that I have six gallons of drinking water and a 24 pack of 12oz bottles. I know I shouldn't have, but it's easier for my son. And in the rush of the store, I grabbed it just in case. I was taking the bus and thought it would be easier to carry.
Meatless Monday: Yeah. I haven't followed this one very well. I did the first two weeks, but then I realized that I was making myself miserable by limiting it and I had a talk with a friend. She suggested that such rigid goals should be put aside for just a goal. I believe that I will try to do one day a week of meatless-ness, but if I am really really craving meat on a Monday, I probably may eat meat.
New Goal!
On the Neokoroi yahoo group, they have started working through the Maxims from Long for Wisdom: The Message of the Maxims by Allyson Szabo. There is a different chapter/maxim each week to work on. So I will be ordering the book tonight (if I get to a computer) or this weekend and working off the list. It should be interesting.
Have a great month!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Extra! Noumenia, A New Month
Welcome back, Moon!
Noumenia marks the day where the first sliver of the waxing crescent moon can be seen after the new moon. To Hellenists, this is the day to honor the household gods and spirits of the house. To this blog, it is a day to reflect on the previous month and make goals for the next.
This month I'm starting something a little different. This blog was started as a way to keep myself organized with my ideas and creativity. So I am going to try to use the Noumenia post as a way to keep myself organized with different life habits.
I come across so many different things I think I should do, so many groups to join, so many different causes to champion and take part in. I get confused and forget about half of them. I get frustrated that I goofed up or forgot the date for something.
So join me on my journey to change. Feel free to send me things I haven't seen or information on what you are doing.
Meatless Monday: This past month I have decided to try the Meatless Mondays as I have already been trying to do one meatless meal a week. I mostly succeeded in the two weeks I've been doing this. I decided I didn't want to blog every Monday about what I was cooking as my dinner plans can change as soon as I get home so it's hard to know in the morning what the plan is.
6/28/10 - Cereal and Nutella Toast, Egg salad bagel and salad/mac 'n cheese for the kiddo, and Grilled cheese and fries.
07/05/10->07/06/10 - Switched to Tuesday because Sunday plans became Monday plans. Almonds and a muffin, Chinese restaurant for lunch (some meat but I felt bad so I stuck with veggies the rest of the time), black bean burritos with roasted veggies and salad.
07/12/10 - Bagel with honey cream cheese, veggie burrito (that turned into a salad), cheese pizza which I added fresh veggies too.
No Plastic: Inspired by The Chestnut House, the Save My Oceans challenge and videos, and my own sense of using too much plastic, I have decided to try seriously to cut back on my plastic habit. I already try. For instance, I try to use reusable bags, I use tupperware and cloth napkins, and I wash and reuse the ziploc bags I have. But yet I put my trash in a plastic bag. I buy condiments in plastic containers. So while I don't think I can live without plastic just yet, I'm trying to make an effort to cut down my consumption.
My son helped me with this already. He's excited about the challenge and depressed that so much plastic does get used. (He's really upset about the oil spill and that plastic comes from oil.) I was looking for a new salad dressing, trying to be adventurous and branch out from my norm. I picked up one and then he said something about there being glass jars of dressing. So we got one of those.
On another shopping trip I had decided on a peanut butter, was getting ready to put it in my cart, and noticed that there was a glass jar for a dollar more. I immediately switched out the peanut butter in my hand for the glass one. I think a dollar more isn't too bad a price for the jar. Plus, it's more useful to me later when it's empty.
Day Tasks: I went through and listed the things I wanted to accomplish each week and then assigned them to a day. I have done this in the past and it's worked pretty well to be able to focus on one thing and know that I will work on something else another day. It gives me time to be able to focus on multiple things without them getting in each other's way. I only make up this new list at the end of last week, so I haven't really been working on it yet. It starts yesterday!
There are a couple more things that I think I might work on or add to this month post, like being active in the Neokoroi, joining Hellenion or a local group, the Compact, or even working on getting writing sent out to publications. But I think I rambled on enough in this post!
What are your goals for the coming month?
Oh. And today is my birthday!
Noumenia marks the day where the first sliver of the waxing crescent moon can be seen after the new moon. To Hellenists, this is the day to honor the household gods and spirits of the house. To this blog, it is a day to reflect on the previous month and make goals for the next.
This month I'm starting something a little different. This blog was started as a way to keep myself organized with my ideas and creativity. So I am going to try to use the Noumenia post as a way to keep myself organized with different life habits.
I come across so many different things I think I should do, so many groups to join, so many different causes to champion and take part in. I get confused and forget about half of them. I get frustrated that I goofed up or forgot the date for something.
So join me on my journey to change. Feel free to send me things I haven't seen or information on what you are doing.
Meatless Monday: This past month I have decided to try the Meatless Mondays as I have already been trying to do one meatless meal a week. I mostly succeeded in the two weeks I've been doing this. I decided I didn't want to blog every Monday about what I was cooking as my dinner plans can change as soon as I get home so it's hard to know in the morning what the plan is.
6/28/10 - Cereal and Nutella Toast, Egg salad bagel and salad/mac 'n cheese for the kiddo, and Grilled cheese and fries.
07/05/10->07/06/10 - Switched to Tuesday because Sunday plans became Monday plans. Almonds and a muffin, Chinese restaurant for lunch (some meat but I felt bad so I stuck with veggies the rest of the time), black bean burritos with roasted veggies and salad.
07/12/10 - Bagel with honey cream cheese, veggie burrito (that turned into a salad), cheese pizza which I added fresh veggies too.
No Plastic: Inspired by The Chestnut House, the Save My Oceans challenge and videos, and my own sense of using too much plastic, I have decided to try seriously to cut back on my plastic habit. I already try. For instance, I try to use reusable bags, I use tupperware and cloth napkins, and I wash and reuse the ziploc bags I have. But yet I put my trash in a plastic bag. I buy condiments in plastic containers. So while I don't think I can live without plastic just yet, I'm trying to make an effort to cut down my consumption.
My son helped me with this already. He's excited about the challenge and depressed that so much plastic does get used. (He's really upset about the oil spill and that plastic comes from oil.) I was looking for a new salad dressing, trying to be adventurous and branch out from my norm. I picked up one and then he said something about there being glass jars of dressing. So we got one of those.
On another shopping trip I had decided on a peanut butter, was getting ready to put it in my cart, and noticed that there was a glass jar for a dollar more. I immediately switched out the peanut butter in my hand for the glass one. I think a dollar more isn't too bad a price for the jar. Plus, it's more useful to me later when it's empty.
Day Tasks: I went through and listed the things I wanted to accomplish each week and then assigned them to a day. I have done this in the past and it's worked pretty well to be able to focus on one thing and know that I will work on something else another day. It gives me time to be able to focus on multiple things without them getting in each other's way. I only make up this new list at the end of last week, so I haven't really been working on it yet. It starts yesterday!
There are a couple more things that I think I might work on or add to this month post, like being active in the Neokoroi, joining Hellenion or a local group, the Compact, or even working on getting writing sent out to publications. But I think I rambled on enough in this post!
What are your goals for the coming month?
Oh. And today is my birthday!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Extra! Noumenia and Goals
It's the first sliver of new moon again, peeking out from behind clouds and shedding It's light again on us.
Last month, I said I would work on my daily practice and follow the calender of rituals. I pretty much met those goals this month. I asked for help in finding a place to live in my hometown, ten miles away from where I currently live, since my car went to crap again. I asked for the transition to be easy on my pocketbook since I was moving a lot earlier than expected. I pledged that I would make an offering for the help I received.
I found a fantastic duplex from my current rental company that will transfer deposit and split June's rent. So I am moving on Saturday. I had given up my search for a duplex when I decided that I should probably start trying to save money for a better car and such. But this duplex is a straight shot down and two miles away from where I pick up my rideshare van, a mile away from an elementary school, comes with a garage and washer/dryer hookups, and is right next to a cyride (city bus system) stop. It's just about perfect for us. And I can afford it.
So I made sure that once the lease was signed and everything was finalized that I made my offering. I also managed to remember to light a candle for Hekate's Deipnon yesterday, although I forgot the libation to Zeus Saturday.
This month I am going to make my goal to establish myself and my gods in my new home. I have a couple ideas for how to do so that would be better than what I currently do, but we will see.
Last month, I said I would work on my daily practice and follow the calender of rituals. I pretty much met those goals this month. I asked for help in finding a place to live in my hometown, ten miles away from where I currently live, since my car went to crap again. I asked for the transition to be easy on my pocketbook since I was moving a lot earlier than expected. I pledged that I would make an offering for the help I received.
I found a fantastic duplex from my current rental company that will transfer deposit and split June's rent. So I am moving on Saturday. I had given up my search for a duplex when I decided that I should probably start trying to save money for a better car and such. But this duplex is a straight shot down and two miles away from where I pick up my rideshare van, a mile away from an elementary school, comes with a garage and washer/dryer hookups, and is right next to a cyride (city bus system) stop. It's just about perfect for us. And I can afford it.
So I made sure that once the lease was signed and everything was finalized that I made my offering. I also managed to remember to light a candle for Hekate's Deipnon yesterday, although I forgot the libation to Zeus Saturday.
This month I am going to make my goal to establish myself and my gods in my new home. I have a couple ideas for how to do so that would be better than what I currently do, but we will see.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Extra! Noumenia Goals
It's that time again! When the moon is new and the month is reborn. Hail to Hekate. Hail to all the gods. Hail to the spirit of the house.
Last month I didn't make a list of goals, but I found myself trying to follow the previous months goals. Which is a good thing. I think that by trying to follow these monthly goals, I can try to change habits and make new ones. Unfortunately, I forgot to hold a ritual for Hekate's Deipnon last night although I was thinking of it all day, and I chanted while doing a bit of cleaning. I made sure I paid my bills, except for one I need to go in physically and ask about ( I cancelled my cable and need to return equipment). I am also not going to be able to do the Noumenia ritual tonight either, although I am going to try to do something in the small amount of time I have. I have to go make sure our float is ready for the parade.
So this month I am only going to have one goal, in addition to the informal ones. I've been getting out of touch with my religion lately, and I need to make a change again. So this months goal is:
Keep up with your religion.
Until next time!
Last month I didn't make a list of goals, but I found myself trying to follow the previous months goals. Which is a good thing. I think that by trying to follow these monthly goals, I can try to change habits and make new ones. Unfortunately, I forgot to hold a ritual for Hekate's Deipnon last night although I was thinking of it all day, and I chanted while doing a bit of cleaning. I made sure I paid my bills, except for one I need to go in physically and ask about ( I cancelled my cable and need to return equipment). I am also not going to be able to do the Noumenia ritual tonight either, although I am going to try to do something in the small amount of time I have. I have to go make sure our float is ready for the parade.
So this month I am only going to have one goal, in addition to the informal ones. I've been getting out of touch with my religion lately, and I need to make a change again. So this months goal is:
Keep up with your religion.
Until next time!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Inspire: Stop Dreaming and Do It
I had a talk with a friend recently about being tired of being good at a lot of things but not great at anything after a comment about how I should learn more about crochet. She made a list of all the skills she had, narrowed it down to the top selection, and narrowed it down again to what she wanted to focus on. I realized that that is sort of what has been percolating in my mind. I have a million more techniques and crafts that I want to learn, but I want to become better at what I already know.
One of the things I want to be better at is my writing. I just discovered yesterday that April is National Poetry Month. For someone who wants to write, I feel pretty silly not knowing about this. I probably did, but I tend to hermit and miss important information. I'm slowly coming out of that and realizing what I should know and do to meet my goals rather than just dreaming.
At the same time, I've realized that I tend to try to skip steps, especially with my writing. If you've read through the old blog posts, you might have noticed the 'get out there and do it' state of mind I've been in. It's a great thought, but that doesn't mean I can go from not writing to submitting the next day. I need to slow down and work on my technique, my poems, and just writing itself. I want to have a body of work that I am proud of before I start submitting again. Plus, that should hopefully keep me from writing poems for a specific publication. That wouldn't be me being a poet, it would be me writing to get published. They are completely different animals.
So, as it is April, I will (now) be trying to follow the Poem a Day challenge and devote the month to taking the steps to meeting my goals. I hope to share the best with you.
What do you want to do? How are you meeting your goals and dreams?
One of the things I want to be better at is my writing. I just discovered yesterday that April is National Poetry Month. For someone who wants to write, I feel pretty silly not knowing about this. I probably did, but I tend to hermit and miss important information. I'm slowly coming out of that and realizing what I should know and do to meet my goals rather than just dreaming.
At the same time, I've realized that I tend to try to skip steps, especially with my writing. If you've read through the old blog posts, you might have noticed the 'get out there and do it' state of mind I've been in. It's a great thought, but that doesn't mean I can go from not writing to submitting the next day. I need to slow down and work on my technique, my poems, and just writing itself. I want to have a body of work that I am proud of before I start submitting again. Plus, that should hopefully keep me from writing poems for a specific publication. That wouldn't be me being a poet, it would be me writing to get published. They are completely different animals.
So, as it is April, I will (now) be trying to follow the Poem a Day challenge and devote the month to taking the steps to meeting my goals. I hope to share the best with you.
What do you want to do? How are you meeting your goals and dreams?
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