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This week: New Years Writing Resolutions Edited by: Sara♥Jean  
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New Years Writing Resolutions
Even people who say they don't make resolutions really do. But how can you make one that is achievable?
Everyone makes resolutions. Even people who say that their resolution is to not make a resolution... well, they just made one! They just don't want to make any promises to themselves that they know they can't keep.
And that's the thing, isn't it? Gym memberships rise, "diets" are started, ... all sorts of things start just because it is the beginning of the new year, and then two weeks later, all is forgotten, and people go straight back to their everyday lives.
I think there are some key things that are necessary to making goals that don't fade away in 2 weeks. Resolutions that will actually last, rather than resolutions that change your life for 2 weeks, and then are forgotten.
I am going to aim this toward writers, for today, but also try to write it in such a way that it can apply to other things, as well.
1. Don't make the resolution something your friends want, make it something you really want.
Who cares what your friends want? I mean, well, you might... but like larger goals, you have to want to change in order for the change to happen. Don't make a goal you don't want to, just because other people want you to.
2. Take baby steps.
Just as you can't just start running 5 miles a day if you've never run before, you can't suddenly start writing 5,000 words per day without some kind of build up. There need to be baby steps built in. Condition yourself slowly, gradually.
3. Prepare yourself for failure.
You're going to not make it sometimes. The key is not giving up with the first failure - keep on going. Take the failure, shrug, and move on with your life. Promise yourself not to do it again, knowing that you probably will, and keep on trucking.
4. Build in some rest time.
Don't forget that people get ill. Or they have overtime at work. Or there are vacations, or family and friend visits, all sorts of things that might slow you down. By building some rest or break time into your goals, it helps you better avoid failure, which only sets one backward.
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So, now that all of that has been said, let me give an example of a reasonable set of goals for writing. Each is set in 2 week intervals, so each number stands for 2 weeks. Remember that this particular set is for BEGINNING writers, or at least, writers who are trying to begin writing every day. More experienced writers could start much later in the list.
Also remember that exceeding the goals is not a bad thing. One doesn't have to limit themselves to the goals, the goals are a minimum of what should be accomplished that week.
1: Write 15 minutes per day, 4 days a week
2: Write 25 minutes per day, 4 days a week
3: Write 35 minutes per day, 4 days a week
4. Write 45 minutes per day, 4 days a week
5. Write one hour per day, 4 days a week
6. Write one hour per day, 5 days a week
... and so on, increasing the time as you need to get to the goals you might have.
Happy New Year!!! |
In the spirit of the New Year, here are some resolutions! New Year's, or not.
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| |  | Dear Me... (E)
My first attempt at a Writing.com official contest! This is my resolution for 2003.
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Here are some of the responses to "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (December 4, 2013)" :
Solivagus said, "Thank you for featuring "Invalid Item" . I'm having a lot of fun with it, and have some more ideas in the works I can't wait to show everyone."
You are quite welcome! 
Doug Rainbow said, "At a seminar for trial lawyers one of the most respected lawyers in our state said that the two most important rules for being a good trial attorney are (1) stay in good physical shape, and (2) get your rest. It is probably pretty true for writing, too."
I certainly think so. Wise lawyer.
Jeff  said, "I couldn't agree more. I am far more productive and write better quality material when I'm rested and healthy. The years that I spent getting just a few hours' sleep a night and not really exercising were some of the least productive and disappointing years for my writing. Then, lo and behold, when I started getting regular exercise and adding a few more hours of sleep, my writing improved!  "
Me, too. For the last few years, I have been far from "healthy", so to speak. One thing after the other. I can't use that as the only excuse for not writing, but I am sure it contributes.
Quick-Quill  said, "On another Website a writer asked this question. The monitor said, "Sit your a-- down and write!" The young man took offense and after a number of people weighed on the the right or wrong of the demand, the young man posted what he thought about the demand, the person who said it and how he felt. It was quite wordy but there was no more talk of writers block. If you have a dry spell, read an editorial or Fb post that rubs you wrong or gives you warm fuzzies and write. SIT your BUTT on the chair and write! Dmn It!"
Haha. Great advice.
Zheila said, "Hi,
I love to write but, what frightens me that people who read my writings might laugh, criticize, or, ignore my writings. That is when I put my pen and paper down and can scared of writing.
Sincerely,
Zheila "
I think you are not alone. Not at all. Though, that is one of the wonderful things about this website. If you are not wanting to share with other people, you can! Buti if you want to keep your writing private, you can set your settings as such, and no one else will see it until you are confident enough to show it.
My suggesting is making everything private, and then putting a passcode on it. Then, those who you trust - those who you know won't laugh at you - you can give them the passcode, and then they can see it.
BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful  said, "I plan on writing until my fingers fall off."
Well, better sew them back on! It's hard to write with no fingers. |
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Noticing Newbies: January 01, 2014 Issue [#6082]
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