As Goes January, So Goes Your Writing Goal

Yes, You Have Time to Write

As we edge toward the end of January, it seems the freshness of a new year starts to become stale. The once vibrant energy of making change and setting goals seems to be replaced by the status quo and same ol’, same ol’. But this does not have to be so.

A Wall Street adage states, “as goes January, so goes the rest of the year.” This quote refers to the stock market, but I believe it applies to any area of life, and specifically, writing a book. The good news? It is still January, and you have a great opportunity to set writing habits in January that will continue throughout the rest of 2013.

Buy Back Your Time

One surefire way to commit to writing your book is to set a writing time. Time like money has a price. You spend it on what has high priority in your life. Of course, you have families, friends, volunteering, careers, exercise, sleeping, etc., but for a season and a time, commit to giving undisturbed, focused writing time to your book. You may have to shuffle your schedule–perhaps for a while you will need to be morning person or burn an extra candle when others go to sleep.

Or you could “steal” time. Observe how you use your “free” time. Are you on social media? Are you watching TV? Are you playing a game on your iPad? Personally, I love to unwind, but when working toward my ultimate vision goal to publish a book, I have to grab those minutes and use them for writing.

Tie a Ribbon on Your Clock

After you determine your daily writing time, create reminders for yourself. I use my smartphone and the calendar app. Also, I have a husband who asks me, “Honey, have you worked on your book today?” Having accountability reduces the “I forgot” or “I got too busy” excuses. As a writing coach, I check in with my clients on their writing time and offer support to keep them on track toward their goals.

Commit to a writing time in January, and watch the rest of your year go up in stock toward publishing your book!

Yours in book writing,

LaToya

Exclamation Publishing
Say it right, WRITE now!