Fidji Simo, a Vice President of Product for Facebook, recently said in an interview: "Focus is doing things with a clear intention and making sure that all your decisions match your intention."
That fits right in with the rhythm of ROW80's goal-setting and checking in to share progress. In the last month, though, I've felt inundated with commitments and goals. I often couldn't SEE what my priorities were, yet deadlines loomed. So I spent this morning revamping my tracking system. Instead of a 'daily diary' coupled to a chart for the week, I now begin my Daily Work file with this simple chart:
DECEMBER GOALS
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BIG PICTURE GOALS
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ACTION STEPS
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WRITING: Work on projects that nurture my writing and poetry. Read
articles about writing strategies.
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1.
Proof final PB Rivers
of Stone.
2.
Write 2-4 poems each week.
3.
Read/revise Mothers
Don’t Die for Kindle.
4.
Draft scenes (1K words/week) for Island Wife.
5.
Read 1 writing mag/week.
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BLOGGING: Post blogs so they realistically reflect my writing &
readers’ interests. Connect with online writing community by reading other
bloggers.
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1.
Post ROW80 Weds and Sun.
2.
Post IWSG x1/month (Dec 6).
3.
Post Writing blog 2x/month. Part 3: Deep Revision.
4.
Read other blogs x6/week.
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MARKETING: Carry out action steps that build writing visibility. Read
marketing research (declutter where possible).
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1.
Send newsletter in Dec.
2.
Setup GoodReads giveaway for ROS.
3.
Take notes on useful market research.
4.
Send out review requests ROS.
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SASP: Support Spokane Authors with publicity and 1 special event each
quarter.
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1.
Confirm readers for Feb 23 Auntie’s read.
2.
Pre-write articles xJan/xFeb.
3.
Post FB update re Launch Party and meeting Dec7.
4.
Update Anthology description Amazon.
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READING: Track books I read and review 2x/month.
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Read 2/6 books in December.
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HOME-TENDING: Identify specific actions that support healthy diet, more exercise, and a harmonious family.
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1.
Plan 2 veggie meals this week.
2.
Swim x3.
3.
Birthday dinner w/family.
4.
Declutter home and e-mail.
5.
Kitchen focus: 2 hours this week.
6.
Comfort quilt: finish border.
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So far, I've found a few lost action steps along the way and am again reminded by Adrienne Rich's very famous quote, particularly for women writers, but this first bit always inspires me as she calls us anew to "Re-vision -- the act of looking back, of seeing with fresh eyes . . . "
As we enter this chaotic month of December, may you be blessed with a sense of peace and energy, a renewed commitment to writing, and all that makes your life and creativity bloom.
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| "Reflections" by Camil Tulcan (Flickr) |
I think that quote is so true!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goals. :)
Thank you for visiting! Actually, before I rearranged my'work chart,' I was losing 'sight' of some of those important action steps!
DeleteI like the revised goals chart - very concise but thorough. I've been thinking about switching up my goals and how I track them for the new year. Maybe something like this would work for me - but way, way shorter!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on accomplishing much this week!
Thank you, Chris. The end of the year always seems so busy, this year more so than usual. At least I can see the top priorities now . . . I will hope for another good year for you!
DeleteOoh, I love this table format! I'm going to try to use it too!
ReplyDelete