Lecture Welcome to a Brand New Year!

[Sunny Irene Roth]

A Brand New Year, Brand New Intentions for Success

© Irene S. Roth

For Year-Long Mentoring Group 2022

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Now that we’re into the first few days of 2022, it’s time to set our writing intentions and goals for the coming year.

There’s nothing like a brand new year! I just love it! It gives me the opportunity to reassess my old goals and set new ones. But more importantly, I get a chance to take stock of how I did in 2018 and to celebrate each of my victories, regardless of how small.

In the first part of this year, more specifically this month, I will be encouraging you to reflect on your goals for this year, assess and reassess their priorities, and set new goals for this coming year.

I will also be encouraging you to dream a little. Where would you like to be in your writing career in 1, 2 and 5 years? However, before I set you out on the course to dream of your goals, I need to state a caveat. When you dream, try to be realistic. For instance, don’t dream of being a New York Bestseller in 5 years before that is out of your control. But instead, try to dream of things that you would like to do that are within your reach if you work towards it a bit.

I will share my dream with you as an illustration. A few years ago, I dreamt of becoming a picture book writer. And I wanted to publish 20 to 30 titles within ten years-- a goal that I believed is very realistic. To date, I have drafted 30 picture book manuscripts, sent out 5 picture book manuscripts to potential publishers, and took a few courses on how to write the best picture books.

So, as you can see, my dream is well within my reach. It is possible to complete the big, long-term goal with a bit of dedication and patience.

So, now your turn! What are your goals for 2022 and what are your dreams for the next 1, 2, and 5 years? Be specific and as clear as possible. The clearer and specific you are, the more liable it is you will complete your goals.

If you need help to derive your long-term and short-term goals for the year, please drop me an email at [email protected].

Take some time to think about this, and I will have a lesson very soon on how to set realistic goals.

When you have your answer, please post it under the thread entitled long-term goals for 2022 in our forum.

Good luck, and have fun!

Irene S. Roth