Sharpening Your Aim
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One definition of success is the “accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the achievement of results wanted or hoped for." How do you define success and what steps are you taking to achieve it? What are you aiming for? What are you wanting or hoping for?
Success may mean achieving goals, setting out to make a difference, or finding happiness. It could be all three rolled into one! When you decide what your aim is (what success will be for you), you'll need to make a plan to determine how you're going to achieve that. There will have to be main goals, a main target, that you will want to set your sights on. However, there may be several smaller targets you need to hit along the way.
Sometimes, we have to create new habits as we are seeking success. You may have to set a micro habit of committing (being persistent and consistent) to write every day or reaching a certain word count each week in order to hit the main goal of getting your book finished by a certain date. Don't give up!
Eliminate distractions around you. Shut your phone off for a designated period of time. If the TV or music is distracting, find a more writing-friendly atmosphere. If it’s too quiet for you, set up a long playlist so that you don’t have to take time to find your favorite songs individually.
Protect your time! This is HUGE! Sometimes people think if you are home all day, that you're available ALL day. Set boundaries with people. Explain what you are trying to achieve. You can tactfully let them know, “If you need to get a hold of me, make sure to leave a message. I'll get back to you as soon as I'm available.” Or give them a specific time that works with your schedule. Talk to those in your household and ask for their support and understanding if you request to be undisturbed for a period of time while you work toward your goal.
You may find, as time goes by, that your definition of success changes. Maybe right now it is to complete a book, the follow-through of that being your success. Afterward, marketing and book sales may be your target to measure success. Later, you might want to try different writing styles and see where that can take you. Your options are limitless!
Keep your mindset positive as you travel your personal journey to success. Stay balanced and don’t burn yourself out. There doesn’t necessarily have to be a deadline. However, if you work better with deadlines then, by all means, set one for yourself. BUT, have daily grace. Be flexible. “Blessed are the flexible for they shall never be bent out of shape,” our friend, Sheila, used to tell us all the time. It really has helped me get through some times when my plans did not go according to what I had laid out for the day. You know you best. You know what areas you need to work on. Stay focused! It will be worth it in the end!
Upcoming Events
Coffee Chats
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Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 a.m. − Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. Grab a drink and if it is nice, we will meet at a picnic table.
Saturday, November 16, at 10 a.m. - Sunrise Café in Caldwell in the side room.
Book Fair
We are excited to be helping with this event. There will be 43 authors in attendance! Make sure to mark your calendars and stop by to say hello! The library is at 7557 West. Ustick Road in Boise. We hope to see you there!
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