Sunday, January 5, 2014

In with the new . . . not really

Welcome to a new Round and that’s all that’s new. I am going to go with pretty much the same goals as last time. I took out the daily goals, because my life just gets too much in the way to dedicate time every day to do something. I also accepted the fact that I am not going to finish both my novel and my second devotional in any sort of structured timeframe. I will finish what I can.  Overall it looks like a pretty wimpy list.

Actually, yesterday morning, I vented for a page about how I was going to quit writing all together. I was going to post that here today and be done with this blog and my other one. I felt it was time to get out of this stinking office of mine and just watch TV for the next year, like normal people. Even maybe learn to play video games.

When I told my husband, he gave me this puppy-dog-at-the-vet look. As if I told him he had to wear the cone-of-shame. “No, honey,” I explained, “I am the one who should wear the cone-of-shame, because I am the one who is a loser.”

Well, I kind of got over that attitude. Kind of. I’m still a loser, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t write about it. So here are my goals for the Round.  

I. READING –
A. Weekly goal
1. Read five other blog posts a week.           
2. Read ten hours a week in one of the books I am reading.        
B. Goals for the Round                           
1. Have finished reading five books.    

II. WRITING
A. Weekly goal
1. Work on something five times a week.     
a. Work on “The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days”, the second book in the Bible Stories in 40 Days series.
b. Write on my novel.     
c. Write my blog posts.  
B. Goals for the Round.  
1. Have finished the first draft of “The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days”.
2. Have written half of my novel.  

III. REACHING
A.      Weekly goal.
1. Have promoted either one of my books on one other site or in person.
2. Comment on two other blog posts.   
3. Research markets for an hour.  
4. Keep up on social media, responding to all messages.  
5. Have contacted one organization about a speaking engagement.  
B. Goals for the Round
1. Have submitted three pieces somewhere.  
2. Have booked three speaking engagements or book signings.

IV. PERSONAL
A. Exercise - Continue exercising four times a week, including running on the treadmill.  
B. Nonprofit - Continue working on Tumaini Volunteers, Inc., applying for tax exempt status by the end of the Round.
C. Sewing - Finish two projects this Round.  


I’ve seen people write lists of 100 things to do this year. I came up with 34 things. Again, I just want to be realistic. Crossed item number 1 off of that list. Cleaned my office. See, I’m all inspired already. 
I really should have taken a before picture. It looked like a goat had exploded in here. Not conducive to writing at all. 

7 comments:

  1. Your goals sound good and reasonable and I wish you good luck with them all.

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  2. Chris,

    You are not a loser. It sounds like maybe you're in need of playtime, at least once in a while. Maybe there's room for one more, just-for-fun goal?

    I love your bright and cheery office. My study is far, far from done...I'm not sure, but I think the cats may have chased an entire flock of exploding goats in there.

    You are inspiring me, and I'm glad you decided to keep writing! =D

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Shan, for the support. Some days, I just end up spending on the pity pot.

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  3. Chris,

    I couldn't post my first comment, so trying again.

    When I feel tapped out, it's a sign I need to step away for a bit and play. Cleaning that pretty little office sounds like it was a good answer.

    I think a flock of exploding goats got chased into my study. Progress is slow, but feels great.

    Your goals seem manageable and relevant. I'm glad you decided to keep writing!

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