Using Goals
I've been thinking about goals more and more as I get closer to NaNoWriMo (National November Writing Month). Which goals are best and how can I incorporate more into my life so that I can reach my desired, long-term objectives. Should goals be set as a challenge to meet every day--stretch goals--or should they be realistic--minimum goals?
On the one hand, the only way to improve and grow is to push through your comfort levels. That's why stretch goals are helpful. On the other hand, every day is not going to be a perfect day, where everything falls into place. That'[s why minimum goals are important.
I've finally realized, by exploring both types of goals, that I need stretch goals AND minimum goals in my life. Why? Well that's easy if you look at it from both sides.
If all I am focused on are stretch goals, it can take the wind out of my sail when I have a day, or two, or ten, where I just can't seem to push through and accomplish those goals. Talk about a motivation killer!
However, when I'm on top of things, when I have a plan and I'm really working it, I'm eating right and I fit in some exercise, I know I can do so much more than my minimum. If I didn't have the stretch goals to keep me focused, I'd veer off course and use that amazing motivation on things that aren't necessarily important to my overall growth and success.
How do I balance it? I have both the minimum and stretch goals set in all important areas of my life. When I hit my minimums, I ask myself "Hey, isn't that stretch goal now much closer and easier to get to? Shouldn't you go for it? Give it a try."
If my minimums were a struggle that day, I ask myself "Did you do your best today? It's okay to take a breath and see if your plan for tomorrow can be tweaked a bit to make success easier."
By implementing both minimum and stretch goals, I've decreased self-judgment. There is less self-bullying. I can still feel good about my day and keep the motivation for tomorrow nurtured and strong.
On the one hand, the only way to improve and grow is to push through your comfort levels. That's why stretch goals are helpful. On the other hand, every day is not going to be a perfect day, where everything falls into place. That'[s why minimum goals are important.
I've finally realized, by exploring both types of goals, that I need stretch goals AND minimum goals in my life. Why? Well that's easy if you look at it from both sides.
If all I am focused on are stretch goals, it can take the wind out of my sail when I have a day, or two, or ten, where I just can't seem to push through and accomplish those goals. Talk about a motivation killer!
However, when I'm on top of things, when I have a plan and I'm really working it, I'm eating right and I fit in some exercise, I know I can do so much more than my minimum. If I didn't have the stretch goals to keep me focused, I'd veer off course and use that amazing motivation on things that aren't necessarily important to my overall growth and success.
How do I balance it? I have both the minimum and stretch goals set in all important areas of my life. When I hit my minimums, I ask myself "Hey, isn't that stretch goal now much closer and easier to get to? Shouldn't you go for it? Give it a try."
If my minimums were a struggle that day, I ask myself "Did you do your best today? It's okay to take a breath and see if your plan for tomorrow can be tweaked a bit to make success easier."
By implementing both minimum and stretch goals, I've decreased self-judgment. There is less self-bullying. I can still feel good about my day and keep the motivation for tomorrow nurtured and strong.
Using a Storyboard
While working on my current nonfiction book, with a working title of "Renewed Spirit", I have found it helpful to use a technique new to me--a storyboard. It's popular in screenplays but I thought I would use it as a way to help me brainstorm chapter topics and I'm loving it.
I've used half-sized, colored index cards as my "boards" with a card for each chapter. I list the main topic or theme of the chapter first and any thoughts or notes I have for each as a bullet underneath. I've color coded them as follows:
Green: Static Chapters--these cards have set (static) locations in the book;
Pink: Dynamic Chapters--these cards can be moved around until I find their perfect spot in the "meat" of the book;
Yellow: Interviews--these are the interviews I need to schedule;
Blue: Mandatory Content--I have only one blue card and it lists the key "ingredients" that must be included in EVERY chapter; and
Purple: Administrative Tasks--cards I'll use to jot down editor, book cover designer, and deadline details.
The main reason I'm using this type of "outlining" method is that it forces me to think differently. It's very textile, dynamic, and creative. Plus it's a whole lot of fun!
The two pictures below show the working board as I progress, with the first shot as my initial brainstorming session and the second shot as the work in progress outline. My how it grows!
If you haven't tried this technique yet, it's worth the initial extra effort to get you off your laptop screen and transition into your work. Plus, at least for me, it brings back the nostalgia of school days...just in time ; D
I've used half-sized, colored index cards as my "boards" with a card for each chapter. I list the main topic or theme of the chapter first and any thoughts or notes I have for each as a bullet underneath. I've color coded them as follows:
Green: Static Chapters--these cards have set (static) locations in the book;
Pink: Dynamic Chapters--these cards can be moved around until I find their perfect spot in the "meat" of the book;
Yellow: Interviews--these are the interviews I need to schedule;
Blue: Mandatory Content--I have only one blue card and it lists the key "ingredients" that must be included in EVERY chapter; and
Purple: Administrative Tasks--cards I'll use to jot down editor, book cover designer, and deadline details.
The main reason I'm using this type of "outlining" method is that it forces me to think differently. It's very textile, dynamic, and creative. Plus it's a whole lot of fun!
The two pictures below show the working board as I progress, with the first shot as my initial brainstorming session and the second shot as the work in progress outline. My how it grows!
If you haven't tried this technique yet, it's worth the initial extra effort to get you off your laptop screen and transition into your work. Plus, at least for me, it brings back the nostalgia of school days...just in time ; D