I’m a person who sets goals. Each year at the end of December, I pause so I can think about what I want to accomplish in the new year. Then, I actually write my goals down. I won’t lie. I don’t accomplish all of the goals I set out to do, but some of them I actually complete. Others I make progress and then there are some that just fall off the radar never to be seen again. I’m not sure where they go; they just disappear. As 2016 is ending and 2017 beginning, I want to share with you a vulnerable part of who I am and a goal I’ve yet to accomplish.
True Story Ahead
Every December for many years I’ve written this same goal down:
• Write Book!
My head just fell forward in discouragement.
This goal plagues me every year because I haven’t been able to see it to completion, but I know I’m supposed to get it done!
Admitting this truly makes my heart sad. I feel I’ve let myself down so many times. Numerous times I’ve wondered if this dream is only going to stay a dream, never come to fruition.
I have so many cool ideas for books. Yet, something always gets in my way of writing them.
Last year at the end of 2015, I was determined 2016 was going to be different. Sometimes I think “perseverance” is my middle name. I don’t give up easily.
I realized writing a book was going to take some effort. I just didn’t know how much. As I read books, I noticed most of the authors mentioned they went on a writing retreat. Meaning, they went away somewhere to get some peace and quiet with no disruptions.
So, in February, I arranged a writing retreat for the first time ever. I wrote a couple of chapters of what I hope will be a part of one of my books. I felt some satisfaction. I had actually made progress on my book-writing goal.
Then, nothing happened for months. I didn’t write another word for my book for months.
But…
The non-stop prompting inside of me motivated me to pursue learning more how to complete this goal.
I truly didn’t know what I was supposed to do next, so I prayed…a lot. I even fasted about this. I sought direction from God because I had no idea how to go about writing a book or getting one published.
“What’s the point of writing a book if it doesn’t get published?” I asked myself.
At times, I’ve felt completely discouraged and would think my writing a book idea was never going to happen. “It’s just a dream I have,” I’d think.
Then one day last spring while scanning through Facebook, I saw an advertisement for “The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild.” Instantly, I was intrigued. So I did that thing I do. I researched this writers’ guild.
I was still intrigued, so I prayed about joining. After about a week, I believed this was the next step for me as a writer. There’s a monthly fee involved, so I knew I needed agreement from my husband. Guess what? He gave me a thumbs-up! 🙂
Then in early June, my boss and I celebrated my work anniversary by visiting Open Book in Minneapolis, which is where I discovered the writers’ studios at The Loft Literary Center. I got another thumbs-up from my husband to rent a writers’ studio for the month of July to see if I’d like it. 🙂
Becoming an Author
I’ve learned a good deal in 2016 about being a writer and becoming an author, but there are three significant things I’ve implemented in the last six months to help me accomplish my goal:
- I write.
- I schedule quiet, uninterrupted time to write every week.
- I’m building my online platform.
[shareable]Writers write. – Jerry Jenkins[/shareable]
Jenkins says, “If you want to call yourself a writer, you have to write.”
http://www.jerryjenkins.com/know-youre-really-writer/
He also believes strongly in saying these words out loud to others and claiming them for yourself, “I am a writer!”
So, to all my readers (and myself):
[shareable]I am a writer! – Michelle Barringer[/shareable]
Scheduled Writing Time
All writers need to schedule time to write. Then, we need to honor our scheduled time like we would any other meeting. Put it on the calendar and keep your commitment to yourself.
This has probably been one of the hardest parts for me to do. I’ve allowed other things to bump my writing time from my schedule. No more! I now honor the time I schedule, and I’m firm about it. I treat this time as a top priority in my life.
For me, I also learned I needed a writing space where I would not be interrupted or distracted. I love how God has answered my prayers about this with the writers’ studio rental. One prayer I have for 2017 is that I can continue to afford to pay the rent for the writers’ studio. I have a book to write after all!
Building my Platform
Because of “The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild,” I learned I needed to build my online platform. I can’t become an author without one. I didn’t know how much the publishing world has changed. Then again, I didn’t know much about the publishing world, but I know more now than I did one year ago.
Jenkins instructs, “Publishers and editors look for three things: great writing, a great idea, and a great platform.”
I believe God has blessed me with writing talent. I have some great ideas. I didn’t have a great platform. In fact, I didn’t have one at all.
I’ve always been one who’s willing to learn from others and take their advice, so if that’s what I needed to do to get noticed by a publisher, then I knew I needed to focus my attention on learning how to build my online platform. If Jenkins, who has successfully written and published almost 190 books recommends building an online platform, then I knew I needed to do this step. He actually recommended Michael Hyatt’s book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World. So I purchased it and have been following his strategy.
Hence, my blog!
2017 Goals
Once again, it’s time to write my goals down. I won’t share all of them with you, but here are three that will support the one that is always on my list:
Write Book
- Step One: Write book proposal
- Step Two: Enhance blog
- Step Three: Write and submit articles to magazines
This time, writing a book is not falling off the radar. This time, I not only have a plan, but I have some mentors to help guide me. In 2017, I’m going to make major progress.
My prayer for each of you is that you take some time to pause over the the next few days. Think about what you want to accomplish in 2017. Then actually write your goals down and post them somewhere you can see them every day. Tell others who like to see you accomplish your goals. They will encourage you.
Whatever you do, don’t give up on your dreams. Keep pursuing them. Turn your dreams into goals. Create a plan. Find a mentor. Schedule time on your calendar to work on your goals. Pray continuously.
Perseverance is required; encouragement too.
If you need some encouragement, please reach out to me. I’d love to cheer you on in 2017. Leave me a comment below so that I can pray for you and touch base with you throughout the year. I really love helping others grow and develop.
Finally, may the Lord bless you in 2017. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord help you find your purpose, pursue your goals, and persevere no matter what!
Ready or not, 2017, here we come!
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