To get what you want, you need to know what you want. That's truly the first step in setting effective goals and, as a result, setting yourself up for success.
So, what do you want? To get your book published? Have a syndicated column? Be a very busy - and financially stable - writer? Whatever your goal, think a little bigger.
Do you want to be a best-selling author? Be the go-to expert on a certain subject that your column is known around the world? Write novels that get turned into films and, every time a sequel comes out, your books find a brand new audience?
What is your Goaltopia? GoalTopia is your ideal destination. It's that magical place where you are achieving your goals and living the life you want.
Can you see it? Excellent!
Now that you know what you want, let's solidify those plans. Gather a few items to keep at your desk/in your workspace that will keep you focused as you work toward that ideal life.
Call it a vision board, motivator, or compass, here are five things that will help you keep an eye on the GoalTopia.
1. Visual Representation. You know what you want, but what does that look like? Create some form of visualization to keep on or near your desk. For instance, want to be an award-winning screenwriter? Get an award statue or certificate, and add your name and screenplay title. Working on becoming a bestselling author? Print out a copy of the New York Times Bestseller List, and write your name and title at number 1.
3. Your Mission. Your mission statement encompasses who you are - your background and what makes you unique, as well as what you want and how you help others. Help can take the form of informing, educating, and entertaining those around you or who can learn from your expertise. The point is this: when you are working toward your goals, and helping others in the process, there is fuel behind you ... pushing you to succeed.
4. Your Motto. Once you know your mission, shorten it into a catchy three- to five-word that encompasses the spirit of who you are, what you are doing, and why. "Inspire and inform." "Just write." "Go for it." Whatever your mission and motto, refer to them whenever new opportunities come your way. This will help you make informed decisions, so that all your activities are in alignment with you and your goals.
5. Your Goals. Keep your top five goals in your line of sight whenever possible in order to keep you focused.
As you strive toward achieving your goals, you want to keep an eye on the prize. When you know what you want - and surround yourself with reminders - you will stay motivated, inspired, and constantly in motion!
Read more about where to keep your goals... and where not to!
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So, where do you keep your items of inspiration? Please share your thoughts and experience in the comments.
Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals. A writer, editor, and project catalyst, as well as founder of the D*E*B METHOD and Write On Online, Deb works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online support. She is also the author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages, host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat and #GoalChatLive on Facebook, and a speaker/moderator on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.
So, where do you keep your items of inspiration? Please share your thoughts and experience in the comments.
12 comments:
Debra,
I love the opening statement in this article. Every writer needs to do some thinking about where they are going before they march off in the wrong direction. You have a lot of great insights in this piece and I appreciate it. Happy New Year,
Terry
Thank you so much, Terry. As you know, I am all about helping people define, plan, and achieve their goals - http://YourGoalGuideBook.com - and the biggest challenge people face is figuring out that all-important destination. Take care and Happy New Year!
Future bio! Great idea. Thank you for this article.
Thanks for your comment. You definitely need to know where you are going in order to get there!
I love the idea of planning ahead, but I also think there is something to be said for paying attention to unexpected opportunities when tocome along and sit in your lap. Call it planning with flexibility. 😊
Carolyn, I agree! That's why having a mission and motto is so important ... you can use it as a compass to decide which opportunities are worth exploring and which may take you off track! Thanks for your comment!
Debra, great tips on how to get what you want into the universe. I've done the vision board - actually have to create a new one. And, I love the future bio! Will have to try that one.
And, love Carolyn's advice: plan with flexibility!
Your post is a great launching pad for figuring out our platform. I've saved it to help me finalize what I plan to do. Since my writing time is so limited, I've been concentrating on getting more books written. My plan is to launch my platform and marketing plan once this is accomplished. So for me, the goals are there, they're just taking some time to put them in action. I do write every day. When those multiple books land, which will be soon, then part of that time will be split into what all of you are doing: marketing!
Thank you, Karen! Have fun with your #GoalTopia tasks. And Happy New Year!
Lastpg, best of luck with your goals. Keep your eye on the prize - the whole point of #GoalTopia. You will get there!
Debra thanks for this post. I love how you are right to the point: To get what you want, you need to know what you want. That's truly the first step in setting effective goals.
You walk through this process in detail in your book: Your Goal Guide, and it is a fantastic process. I've used your process, and highly recommend it. It works! Thanks very much!
Thank you, Deborah! So thrilled Your Goal guide and The D*E*B Method work for you. To your success! - Deb
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