It's IWSG Wednesday! Big, big thank you to the founder of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! And thank you to his wonderful co-hosts this month, Bob Milne, River Fairchild, Julie Dao, and Sarah Foster! We really appreciate everyone who helps keep this group going as it grows! You guys rock!So, my insecurity this month? Setting goals. It's the new year, so everyone is setting goals and making resolutions and I'm scared to put down anything because I know I might not reach it.
My husband told me to make my 2014 goal to get an agent. Wouldn't that be lovely? But I don't even have anything ready to query right now and we all know how stinking long it takes for these things to happen. (At least, usually.) You wait forever to get the first yes or no, then (with any luck) you send off your full or your partial and wait even longer.
So what are my chances of this being the year that happens? I have no idea, but I'm not keeping my hopes up. And I realize that if I set a goal and don't reach it by the end of the year, so what? Big deal. On the other hand. . . . I don't know. Maybe I'm afraid of failure, but I don't like to set goals I don't think I can reach.
Anyway, that's my insecurity going into 2014. 2013 was pretty awesome for me, but 2014 could end up being a dud. Lol. You just never know.
So instead of setting goals I'm just going to let the year unfold as it may and be happy for what comes, whatever it is. I don't need to reach all my goals in 2014, I (hopefully) have 2015, 2016, etc. I'm going to keep working for all my long term goals until they come. :)
Since you can't control actually getting an agent, just set a goal of how many queries you'll send out a month. That shouldn't be too scary. Right?
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to fail! I find that when I set goals I don't reach, I actually look back with a better understanding of myself, and that's a gift. I like to encourage people to write down goals because even if you fail, your much more likely to succeed. And success comes in different ways, not just meeting an expectation that might not be realistic. Whatever happens, I'm sure you'll be amazing, but don't be afraid to push beyond your limits :)
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling the same way - 2013 was one of my best years ever and now I'm thinking 2014 will end up a dud. I always have to find something to worry about LOL. I think your plan of letting the year unfold is a good one - I hope when December comes around you will have lots of great things to look back on.
ReplyDeletekeep writing and come what may - sounds like a great plan!!
ReplyDeleteand i love when my hub tries to solve my dilemma with a casual, just do this, statement =) if only life were that easy!
Meh! Forget the querying. Go straight for contests and conferences. That's where you get real results--and to meet other really awesome peeps.
ReplyDeleteHere's to the long goal and overcoming all obstacles!
I try to focus on goals I can control. I can't control if I get an agent, but I can control how many queries I send out there, etc. Good luck in 2014!
ReplyDeleteJust focus on goals you can control. Like finishing a MS, querying a MS, etc. Whatever happens in result to that is just gravy :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent last paragraph! I'm sure that attitude is the key to your success. I don't like to set goals I know I can't achieve either!
ReplyDeleteIf you want an agent, I think you should make it a goal, but maybe one without a timeline so that you don't feel like you've failed if you reach 2015 and it doesn't happen. Maybe make that a big goal and then set up smaller achievable, controllable goals designed to help you reach the big one.
ReplyDeleteI have the hardest time setting goals, especially with publishing and writing. Sometimes, books come easily. Sometimes... well, we try to keep our hopes alive.
ReplyDeleteI like that you're going to let 2014 unfold. I'm going to focus on stuff I can control (and cross my fingers for the stuff that I can't).
Just don't limit yourself, unexpected things can happen for you. I'm glad you have plans for the year whether you set goals/resolutions or not. Good luck Rachel.
ReplyDeleteYou'll never hit if you don't try. Just set small goals to reach that step and it won't seem so scary.
ReplyDeleteI didn't set resolutions either, but I did pick a theme of: Fear Not. I'm hoping it will guide me personally, spiritually and with my writing to stretch beyond my comfort zone, no matter the goal in front of me.
ReplyDeleteThis is your year girl. I think 2014 will surpass your 2013 for sure. If you have anything you want me to look at, I am available. I need to get back in the swing of things, that's for sure. I'm slowly working my way back into the writing world. Here's hoping 2014 will be my year too. Cause 2013, yeah, not so much. LOL
ReplyDeleteSo your 2014 goal is to go w/ the flow and see what happens? Sounds good to me! =D
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteKnow what I would do if I didn't want to set any official goals....look for a trusted CP or Beta reader who is in a similar boat and feed off each other (not literally... that's a big no-no :) but pick a day in the week or month and send each other pages to review or updates to cheer...
Before you know it, you'll have something ready to query when 2015 rolls around :)
(I'm walking the walk, so check in with me next January :)
I really don't have much of a goal either. I'm kind of a second-by-second person when it comes to making plans for my life :D
ReplyDeleteWho knows? This could be YOUR year!!
I've decided this should be the year of my agent search as well. Get writing and submitting, and I'll do the same. We'll meet back here in 51 weeks, yes? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've never been a fan of New Year's resolutions. Life can be so unpredictable, I feel it's more manageable to concentrate on weekly goals instead of yearly ones!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fantastic 2014, Rachel! :)
I agree with Alex, you can't really set a goal that involves someone else, but you can set goals that have to do with you.
ReplyDeleteGoals can change as you change, that's what I like to focus on. :) A year is 365 opportunities to alter the plan a little, and do things that you can control. <3
ReplyDeleteKeep pushing, Rachel. The incredible thing about this whole journey is that when we keep trying, keep pushing, miracles do happen. 2014 is going to be a great year, and I can't wait to read about your journey!
ReplyDeleteI seriously think this is the best way to approach the year. I kind of hate resolutions and massive goals I know I'm never going to fully check off my list. I have stuff to work toward, but I totally don't need to "guilt" I give myself if I don't reach them. Anyhow, I hope you have an awesome 2014 and everything unfolds to the absolute best of its potential!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about letting things unfold how they should. It is so disappointing when you pigeon hole yourself with a clear cut expectation. Getting an agent can take SO long. Working towards getting an agent would be a more realistic plan. Everything you do in your writing is gearing toward that.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in 2014.
Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )
I have the same insecurity! I loved 2013 for all its ups and downs, but decided I'll be proactive and make sure 2014 doesn't fall to a dud :) good luck!
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's why I don't set goals either...this job is frustrating enough without seeing the failure on paper!
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