This is the time of year that we take time out to enjoy gathering with family and friends. We also pause to reflect on the year that is coming to an end, and remember the good and not-so-good things that happened along the way.
Part of ending one year and starting a new one has to do with making resolutions. I used to do this faithfully, but now I make a point of not making New Year’s resolutions. The ones I used to make were either too vague (I will be a better person in the New Year) or just plain unrealistic (“I will stop eating chocolate”).
I realize now that when I was making resolutions, I was making wishes, not setting goals. If you are going to reach the ones you set for yourself, whether it is to land a particular type of writing gig or to reach a certain income level, you need to have a plan.
You will have much greater success in building the kind of freelance writing business you want if you take the time to set goals for yourself. Map out a plan of action, specific steps and dates when you will complete each one.
If you want to be busier in the New Year, make a plan for how you are going to generate some new business. It doesn’t hurt to have a multi-pronged approach to your job search. For example, you can set a goal for answer a set number of ads and writing a certain number of pitches each week or month. Whatever you choose, make sure you hold yourself accountable for following through.
One more thing: you don’t have to wait for New Year’s to make your resolutions or set goals. I like to think of each new day as a fresh start. This strategy seems especially effective if I’ve had one of “those” days. Think of how wonderful it is to have 365 new opportunities to reach the goals that you have set for yourself.
Whatever winter festival you celebrate at this time of year, I hope it’s a warm and wonderful one. Enjoy!
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