Are you sick of reading about New Year’s Writing Resolutions and ways to be more productive in 2022? We are too, maybe a little, but we liked this article by Allison Williams on Jane Friedman’s blog. Williams says our resolutions usually don’t work not because of poor willpower, but because we pick vague goals.
Behavioral change is especially difficult, which is why most resolutions fail. Daily writing or exercise require more than just a written goal – you need a new way of thinking.
Instead, Williams picks a few big things she’d like to accomplish in the year: 1-2 writing goals, an income goal, and a personal goal. Each week, she plans to take a small, immediate – and doable – action that can help her reach her big goal. “Instead of a big change, a shiny new habit, think of one small thing to do to support your writing in the new year,” Williams says. Instead of striving to write every day, set a goal to open your WIP once a week and consider working on it. That might sound like a ridiculously small goal, but it’s achievable. Importantly, you’re likely to exceed it. “Think how much better it feels to discover you’ve written for an hour twice this week after sitting down, rather than feeling shitty you skipped five days because life,” Williams adds. “A small, low-commitment habit helps us feel like a ‘real writer’ even on the days when no words appear on the page.”
Next, Williams sets a specific time to complete her small task. If she can’t find the time, the task goes on hold. Importantly, she also makes her goals specific and action-oriented. For example, instead of setting a vague goal to “do research,” you might set a task of finding a certain book or researching a specific topic or detail you need for your story. Use verbs: write, read, edit, buy, find, make. If needed, set quantities: 500 words, six paragraphs, 1 library visit.
Choosing the right time and place are also important. Leave the house if you can, even if you only sit in your car for an hour with a notebook. Set aside time when you won’t be interrupted, or when your creativity is at its highest. Prepare whatever tools you need in advance.
Finally, keep track of your successes. Celebrate writing 300 words instead of beating yourself up for not writing 1,000. Use an app or a physical calendar. (This editor is a fan of calendars and stickers. As any kindergartner will tell you, stickers are motivating.) Once you get a streak going, you might find you work extra hard to make sure you don’t break it.
Also, be ready to cut yourself some slack if you don’t hit your goals all the time. Writing is supposed to bring you joy.
Feature image courtesy hkama via Pixabay
