With the beginning of A Round of Words in 80 Days looming, I figured I should probably pull my thumb out and set myself some goals for the first round.
As I mentioned in my previous post, me setting goals often tends to be a fruitless exercise. Mainly because (I think), I get a bit optimistic about my capabilities, so I set goals that aren't really achievable (this happens not just in writing but in life in general). As soon as I become aware that I'm not going to make it, I start procrastinating for all I'm worth (and you know what they say about procrastination...).
So, for ROW80, I have thought more carefully about my goal-setting than I usually do, because I want it to be something I can actually accomplish. Not only so I will actually have something to show for it, but so I don't end up with that all-too-familiar feeling of failure and worthlessness. Therefore, my goals for ROW80 Round 1 are as follows:
Major Goal
*To complete Part 1 of Dark and Silent Waters, my novella, ie. The first four chapters (not including the prologue, which is already complete).
Minor Goals
*To complete one chapter every fortnight.
*To workshop at least one, hopefully two of these chapters among my writing group.
*To edit/polish Part 1.
To see what goals other ROW80 participants have posted, click here.
Best of luck to you. I have a tendency to do the same thing...state very ambitious goals, and then procrastinate when it becomes apparent the goal(s) can't be reached. Which leads to disappointment and discouragement. Which leads to more procrastination, and it just becomes a vicious cycle. I was very careful about my goals, too. Here's to a successful Round One for both of us (and all the other participants, too)!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about setting ambitious goals. I worry that I've bitten off more than I can chew with ROW80, but I figure Round 1 is a learning experience if nothing else :) If I fall over, I'll just pick myself up and carry on as best I can. Besides, there's always round 2 and later!
ReplyDeleteI'm another one who tends to aim too high and then get discouraged at repeated failure. I think ROW80 will be a big help to all of us whose reach tends to exceed our grasp. And, as Jason says, it's a learning process; in future rounds we'll all have a better idea of what we can accomplish.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for this round.
Yep, I tend to go for the excessive myself, but I love it that way, ya know?
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. I still don't know if these goals are achievable, but they're a lot better than some other goals I've set myself over the years hehe
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to all ROW80ers!
Your goals reflect quality over quantity. I think you'll be pleased with your results. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat, attainable goals! I'm with you on the procrastination-my ROW80 sponsor post is all about it. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteMajor goals and minor goals sounds like a great way to work the ROW80. If nothing else, it gives you a variety of things to work on if something in one of the projects needs some time being mulled over!
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