Setting a goal, or creating a little reward system to go along with that goal?
I know people who can set a goal and the satisfaction they get from achieving their goal is reward enough to keep them going. But then there are people like me.
Writing a thousand words a day is definitely satisfying in and of itself, but to make me eager to prioritize that goal, make it tops on my long list of to-do's, is to attach a little reward to it. I love it when I have a book on the go that screams for my attention. Like I do now.
Sometimes it's a craft book that helps me hone my skills, and other times it's a novel that I'm either reading for pleasure (love it when I get so engrossed in one that I don't get caught up in critiquing it. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen often to writers. I'm no exception.), or to review as a volunteered influencer.
As I multi-task throughout the day, interspersing my writing duty, laundry, dishes, scrubbing, dusting, vacuuming, supervised potty breaks for the canine friends, various errands that must be accomplished, blog visits, blog post writing, paying bills, supper preparation, eating, I work toward one simple reward and the sooner I finally accomplish my daily goals, the longer I have to cozy up to my chosen book. See, I make my rewards inexpensive--very important in this economy.
Some days, more often than not, I don't reach that reward until my head hits the nighttime pillow, and through burning eyes I strain to get a chapter in, but on lucky days, I actually get a little more time to enjoy my reward. Either way, though, knowing that that story is waiting for me, helps me strive to scratch each item off my list of to-do's as quickly as possible.
Do you use a reward system? If so, what's a typical reward for you?
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
11 comments:
LOL Reward system? No, I'm rewarding myself all day long with chocolate. Hehee.
Actually, achieving the goal is usually good for me. Sometimes though, if I really don't want to write, I'll promise myself a show if I write a certain amount of words.
I haven't set up a daily reward system, although I like Jessica's. CHOCOLATE! Maybe I should consider buying myself a new book for each week I meet my word count goals! My husband would just love that! :)
I have promised a reward to my family once I get a book contract. I told them I'd buy the entire family a gift as a thank you for helping me and encouraging me on this venture. I remind them of this on the days I'm especially preoccupied with writing!
BTW, I like your new side bar addition on the progress of your WIP!
Hey, Ladies, I'm just quickly responding between my tithing time and writing time this morning. I won't be blog visiting until I reach my word goal--my little incentive for today (and, yes, that story is still going, so today I have two incentives to write His leading.
Jessica: Chocolate all day! LOL Think how many more words you might get in if you made yourself EARN that chocolate fix. Just being the devil's advocate there--sorry!
Jody: A new book sounds great. It serves double duty, too. Pleasure, and absolutely every book serves as a learning experience for writers. Even the ones we don't connect with. From them we learn what we don't want to do.
Funny you should say that you've promised the kids a gift once you make a sale. Mine have hinted that I should do just that, they have horses in mind, so knowing how little the renumeration is for new authors I decided it best not commit. They know, though, that if I ever become multi-published, I would love to help them purchase some land for them to house their own horses on once they're adults. That seems to keep them pushing me to write on.
And, Jody, I'll be over to your blog later today to give my word count update. I'm still hoping to reach my goal, but I have 1500 words to go after scrapping a bunch from the ms earlier in the week.
Jody, I had a system generated tracker up before, but I never kept it updated and forgot my password. I saw one manually created on one of the blogs I visit (was it yours, even, maybe, or perhaps Sherrinda's) and liked how much more detailed it is than the system ones, so I decided to go this way. Anything to keep me accountable.
Your list of things to do is exhausting me ;-)
I think I just like reaching the goal, because when I don't I feel icky. The idea of rewards is fun too, but I usually save those for completing the book. Last time is was a massage. Ahhh.....
Doesn't it exhaust every mother, though. It boggles my mind, much like some head-hoppers do in books, all that we try to fit into a day.
BTW (what does this mean anyway, I just put it in because it seemed appropriate) I read for over two hours last night once head hit the pillow. I'm dead tired now, but, oh, I'm so into this story. Looks like I'll have to wait until slumber time tonight, again, before settling into it, though. Life really is full!
BTW=by the way.
LOL!!
Thank you, Georgiana!
Can you tell the color beneath my blonde highlights? Showing my age, I know!
I visited your blog because I really think I probably will always write romance instead of any other genre even though it isn't what I want. But I love romance!I plan to look around here and learn! You DO have a busy life!
Terri, it's wonderful to have you visiting here and I hope you find some useful posts in the archives, too. The run on Studying Writing The Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin might be of most relevence. I also found the interviews helpful. Some day I hope to resume those when time permits.
I'm curious about your writing romances comment: "even though it isn't what I want". Why is that? Just my curious self as always, asking.
Thanks again for stopping by, and I'm enjoying catching up on your posts, too.
I'm wondering
Post a Comment