The Writer's Success Triad

 by Suzanne Lieurance

Whether you want to be a novelist, a content creator, or a freelance business writer, you'll need a plan for success.

Your plan should consist of the following three parts (which I call the Writer’s Success Triad):

Part #1: Your Mission Statement: Defining Your Purpose

A mission statement is a concise declaration of your purpose, values, and the impact you hope to make through your work. For a writer, a mission statement serves several vital roles:

1.  Clarity of Purpose: It provides clarity about why you write, what themes or topics you're passionate about, and what message you want to convey to your audience. This clarity is essential in staying motivated and focused.

 

2.  Identity and Branding: A well-crafted mission statement can help define your writer identity and brand. It communicates to your readers what they can expect from your work, fostering a sense of trust and connection.

 

3.  Decision-Making Tool: When faced with choices about which projects to pursue or which direction to take your writing career, your mission statement serves as a compass, guiding you toward decisions that align with your core values and goals.

 

4.  Inspiration: It can be a source of inspiration during challenging times. Knowing that your writing serves a higher purpose can help you overcome writer's block or setbacks.

Part #2. Your Goals: Setting the Course

Once you have a mission statement in place, it's time to set specific goals that align with that mission. 

Goals act as the milestones and benchmarks of your writing journey. 

They should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). 

Here's how goals play a significant role in your life as a writer:

1.  Direction and Focus: Goals provide you with a sense of direction. They break down the broader mission into manageable steps, helping you stay focused on what needs to be accomplished.

 

2.   Motivation: Setting and achieving goals can be incredibly motivating. Whether it's finishing a novel, publishing a certain number of articles, or building a specific readership, reaching these milestones can be immensely satisfying.

 

3.  Progress Tracking: Goals are measurable, which means you can track your progress over time. This helps in identifying what's working and what needs improvement, allowing for adjustments along the way.

 

4.  Accountability: Goals create a sense of accountability. When you commit to achieving specific objectives, you're more likely to stay on track and avoid procrastination.

Part #3: Your Action Plan: The Roadmap to Success

With a mission statement to guide your purpose and goals to shape your destination, the next crucial step is creating an action plan. 

An action plan is a detailed roadmap that outlines the specific actions and tasks needed to achieve your goals. 

Here's how it plays a pivotal role in your writer's journey:

1.  Structure and Organization: An action plan brings structure and organization to your writing process. It breaks down your goals into actionable steps, making them less overwhelming.

 

2.  Time Management: It helps you allocate your writing time effectively. With a clear plan in place, you can allocate time to different writing tasks, editing, research, and marketing efforts.

 

3.  Resource Allocation: An action plan also allows you to allocate resources wisely. Whether it's budgeting for writing software, hiring an editor, or investing in marketing tools, having a plan helps you make informed decisions.

 

4.  Adaptation: From time to time, you may encounter unexpected challenges or opportunities. An action plan can be adjusted and adapted to accommodate these changes while keeping you aligned with your goals and mission.

In the world of writing, a mission statement, goals, and an action plan form a powerful triad that can lead to success. 

Your mission statement defines your purpose and sets the tone for your work. 

Goals provide the direction and motivation needed to achieve your mission. 

An action plan breaks down those goals into actionable steps, helping you navigate the intricate path of a writer's life.

Remember that while these tools are essential, the writing life is also about creativity, exploration, and self-discovery. 

Stay true to your mission, adapt your goals as needed, and use your action plan as a flexible guide on your path to becoming a successful writer. 

With this triad in place, you’ll build your writing career with confidence and purpose.

Try it!

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Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books and Law of Attraction coach for writers.