As we approach the start of a new year, you may be brainstorming goals to set for 2019. You may also be looking back at what you did—or didn’t—accomplish in 2018. If you’re like me, you probably didn’t check everything off your 2018 list. You may be thinking, “I need to work even harder next year” or “I can’t believe I wasted a whole 12 months.”
But goals aren’t the only measure of success. They need flexibility, room to change over time. Some of the goals I set in 2018 fell off my radar because my priorities changed. For instance, I got only 10 queries into my goal of 50 because I decided to let go of my last WIP and start a new one. Then I wrote an outline, first draft, and second draft on a new novel, things that weren’t on my goal list to begin with.
As 2018 draws to a close, think about what you accomplished this year—not only in your writing career, but in your personal life, your day job, and your hobbies. Measure your year in happiness, not box-checking.
What great things you did achieve this year? Share in the comments!
The RMFW blog will be on hiatus the next two weeks, returning January 7th. Happy holidays from RMFW!
I actually stopped procrastinating long enough to finish a new novel in 2018. It’s hard for writers to stop and pat themselves on the back, isn’t it? Hopefully, other readers of the RMFW blog will stop in and mention at least one 2018 accomplishment. Here’s hoping you have a fantastic 2019, Rachel. We appreciate all you and the other RMFW board members and volunteers do for the organization.
What examples you both are! Thank you for the reminder of changing priorities, Rachel! Happy for you Pat!
In 2018 I finished the rough draft of my sixth novel in the Coin Forest Gypsy series. After an undulating learning curve that lasted way too long, I also completed my first audiobook. 2019 will find me marketing it and applying what I’ve learned during each of those projects. Thanks for reminding me to appreciate my accomplishments, Rachel, and Happy New Year!
Thanks for this reminder to check. I won the Best Short Mystery in the OKRWA contest, published a novel, two novellas, and a boxed set of previously published works in 2018. For 2019, I intend to release my three Mapleton Mystery Novellas as a box set, in ebook, print, and audio, and release my 9th Blackthorne, Inc. novel. And … I’m taking time to travel. Two major trips planned for 2019.