Before Setting Goals…Plant Seeds of Joy

As the year comes to a close, many people begin setting goals for the New Year.  If you are a goal setter, I challenge you to delay creating your writing goals until you engage in what I call “Planting Seeds of Joy”.   In a writer’s life, there are many facets to the writing process.  Some parts are easier and then there are the aspects that we’d rather avoid.  If you really want to nurture your writing life, try the following exercise.

First, take some time to contemplate what part of writing brings you joy.  I love generating new ideas, finishing that first draft, sharing my work, seeing it published.  I’m not too fond of revision number 75, but I’m thrilled when I am happy with a final draft.  You get the idea.  The things that you enjoy about writing are your “Seeds of Joy”.  Now plant these seeds by jotting them down and posting them where you write.

Later when you are feeling frustrated with your progress, act on one of your “Seeds”.
Since I know that for me working on the 20th revision can at times be tiresome, I intersperse my revisions with a writing activity that makes my fingers dance on the keyboard.  For example, when I’m really feeling bogged down, I’ll take ten minutes and generate some new picture books ideas.  This revives my enthusiasm and helps me get back on task and work on one of my goals.

If you “plant seeds of joy” in your writing life, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to watch your writing goals grow.   You might even consider “planting seeds of joy” in other areas of your life.
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Mary Jo Guglielmo is an intuitive life strategist that helps clients push through their blocks, envision their path and take the necessary action to live their true north.  If you are interested in an Artist Breakthrough session or a Personal Mentoring Program go to http://donorth.biz/personal_sessions.htm

For more information check out  www.donorth.biz
or folllow her at:
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8 comments:

Nancy Famolari said...

Excellent idea. You have to love what you're doing! Writing is particularly that way!

Donna McDine said...

Terrific article! Love it.

Margaret Fieland said...

What a nice idea. Thanks for sharing.

D. Jean Quarles said...

Great thoughts! Enjoyed you article.

Magdalena Ball said...

I just love this idea Mary Jo. I've just been finalising my 2012 writer goals, and am absolutely going to take your advice. Little seeds of joy (rewards) between the intense painful work will really help as I move into the toughest part of a new novel. For me, that's poetry, so will put in a poem 'seed' at each key milestone as a reward (with the future reward of then being able to submit it for publication).

Magdalena

T. Forehand said...

I love this,inspiration for planning 2012 with a better attitude and better chances to be productive.

NancyCL said...

Great article!

Anne Duguid Knol said...

Lovely thought. I shall be applying it from now on.

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