Words (and Goals) for the New Year

Goals make the world go round, or at least let us know where we’re going. I’ve spent most of my career setting goals for myself, but there are two main problems with my goal setting:

1. I never remember to review them, so I never know whether or not I’m meeting them.
2. Many of the goals are outside of my control (i.e. I can’t make anyone hire me).

Last year, I discovered the idea of “words.” Not words in general (I would hope by now that I have established a decent enough understanding of words and their usage), but motivational words. Inspirational words. An idea to encourage me through the year.

What a difference a word can make!

But what a challenge – how do you pick one word to represent all that you hope to achieve throughout a year? Is it even possible? Maybe not. I know several people who pick multiple words for the year, but I prefer to follow Colonel Sanders’ approach – do one thing, and do it well.

Picking one word for the year hasn’t been easy. I think working from home has made it more difficult, as my home and work life often intermingle. I’ve found myself searching for a word that can pull double duty at home and in my office.

Thankfully, I found it.

One word to keep my business moving forward at a reasonable pace. One word to provide me with the time needed to both improve upon and share my writing and editing skills. One word to encourage growth professionally, personally, and spiritually.

For 2018, I have chosen balance.

I will still, of course, set certain measurable goals for myself (meeting deadlines, treating all clients with honesty and compassion, etc.), but in all things I will strive to achieve balance:

• Editing others’ novels while working on my own
• Networking with both copywriting and fiction writing clients
• Making time for work and play
• Reading for pleasure as well as education

Balance.

That is my word – my goal, I suppose – for 2018.

What’s your word (or plan or goal) for the New Year? How do you plan to achieve it?

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