A Malkuth of Me,  life,  the writing life,  thoughts

The Art of Goal Setting

If there is an exact science to getting anything done, I suppose it comes down to goal setting. Once a week I make a list and then  I try to hold myself accountable to the list so that crap gets done. This isn’t just on the writing front. It carries over to other aspects in my life as well. Have an appointment to set up? It goes on the weekly goal list. It works simply by providing positive reinforcement through a sense of accomplishment. The more things I cross off my list, the better I feel about how I spent my time that week.

Some weeks I get swept away (like this week) and the goal list seemingly goes out the window even though I have accomplished several key things on the list. Sometimes completing the goals simply requires one to sit down, concentrate, and finish one task at a time, no matter how daunting. It’s also easier to chop big projects into little projects. So if I look at the big picture I can see how much I’ve actually gotten done this week (and how much was on my goal list) despite the fact that it feels like nothing is getting done (certainly not at the speed at which I’d like). Each step, no matter how small, is an accomplishment toward getting the other stuff done.

The reality is that some weeks the goal list does fall to the wayside, but like with anything, tomorrow is a new day. A new week always comes and you can always start over and try again. That’s the beauty of it and why I call it an Art. You have to hone your skills of goal setting (and accomplishing).

Steph is an award winning and bestselling author of thrilling steamy and paranormal romances, dark urban fantasy, occult horror-thrillers, cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, sword and sorcery fantasy, and books about the esoteric and Daemonolatry. A Daemonolatress and forever a resident of Smelt Isle, she is happily married and cat-mom to three pampered house cats. Her muse is a demanding sadistic Dom who often keeps her up into the wee hours of the morning. You can contact her at swordarkeereon@gmail.com

2 Comments

  • Laura

    Goal lists are one of those things that I think sound a great idea but never actually get round to doing it. Maybe I’m scared of being intimidated by how big it could get or maybe I’m just a little lazy :O)

  • Steph

    I think goal lists can be intimidating. And I think we’re all a little lazy. I’d much rather go sit on the back deck or the front patio and watch the world go by a few hours every night. Some nights I do that, but I always feel like I have something to work toward. Like I have a purpose. And the goal list insures I’m never bored. LOL!

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