How Not to Write Off Those New Year’s Writing Resolutions

Perhaps you made a few New Year’s resolutions centered on your writing life.

In 2010, you want to move forward in some way and grow. Who doesn’t want that?

But we all know how notoriously difficult keeping promises are — especially those made to yourself.

That pinpoints the reason most resolutions fail.

They are just promises to yourself. You need more than that to keep those commitments.

So if you’re struggling to stick to your goals, here’s how to increase your chances of success:

Let Others Know What Your Goals Are

• If a few family members and/or friends know what your goals are, it will become harder to neglect them.
• Pick two people who know how important writing is to you and let them in on your goals for the year. Make them promise to ask you about your progress. This forms a great support network.

Know How You’re Motivated

• People are motivated in two basic ways: positively and negatively. Think about a runner trying to set a new personal best. He or she either responds to “Is that all you have? That last lap could have been way better,” or “You’re knocking on the door to a new level. Keep pushing!”
• Discover which approach works for you and ask your support network to use it.

These two simple steps will help add some credibility to your goals. The writing life is a lonely one, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Don’t forget those you want and are able to support you, and they’ll help you reach your writing goals.