Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Strive toward realistic, attainable goals

Creative types seem to push themselves to do more, more, more.

I know. I've done that. Unfortunately, the results of my efforts were not up to my usual standards. 

So, if your novel writing takes a bit longer than other authors', then that's just the way it is. Be more concerned with outcome over process.

I recently ran across an article that I found quite encouraging, The Daily Word Counts of 39 Famous Authors.

Turns out I'm pretty normal. I write more than some famous authors and less than others.

Personally, I've been a lot happier when I don't push myself to create goals that my writer friends have for themselves. I've stepped off that treadmill of comparing myself to others, and I'm a better person for it.

Still, it's important to set a schedule. You need to find time to churn out words. One of my tricks when I seem to be slowing down is to set a timer for 15 minutes with the goal of writing 500 words. I've always met that goal.

I've come to a time in my life when I'm more deliberate and thoughtful of my efforts. Setting realistic goals is just one area that I work on.

Keep moving forward, friends. Slow and steady still finishes the race.

4 comments:

Fabulous Colorado Homes said...

A repetitive theme for me these days. Great to hear you are plugging away!

Megan DiMaria said...

Write on, JanQ

Unknown said...

I l've your blog and I have read a lot of your post, thery are great and motivating works. Please keep it up. I promise I will come back again to your page , because there is a lot to learn. The below is my blog link. Please advise me on how to improve my page to be attractive like yours. Have a great Day!

Keep blogging - Emmanuel.

Megan DiMaria said...

Thank you for your encouraging comments, Emmanuel. Good luck with your blog. The more you blog, the better you become. Keep it up!