Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Goals are Good, and Plans Make them Happen.

Goal setting isn't one of my favorite things as I often fail at achieving them. At least, I don't succeed in the time frame I initially set out usually.

But, that needs to change.

I have just under one month before attending the Canadian writer's conference, and I'm setting a goal to have my current wip's first draft complete by the time I start my engine to drive to Guelph. With that goal in mind, I suppose I need a plan.

Plan #1: Go go-carting. Seriously, I need to for research for this wip if I want the go-carting scene to be realistic and jump off the page.

Plan #2: Get my bible reading, devotions, and writing in each day before I enjoy blog visiting. So, I may not comment as often, but know that I am enjoying all the encouragement, life sharing, and practical advice everyone is offering. And if I do get to comment I'll likely be the last one of the day. I hope to do more scheduling of my own posts to avoid posting so late, too.

Plan #3: Teach my girls to pick-up and learn how to run the washing machine. It's about time they start earning their cell phone plans!

Plan #4: Keep my writing duties during school hours or sleep so family still comes first when they are home and about.

I'm sure this list will grow, and maybe faster with your help. So, how do you achieve your goals on time?

Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

10 comments:

Erica Vetsch said...

Good morning, Eileen. These are great goals, and doable! And how fun to be anticipating a writer's conference just around the corner.

I'm big on goal setting. I post my goals near the beginning of every month on my blog, evaluating how I did on the previous month's goals at the same time. It sure has helped keep me focused, having that accountability.

Georgiana Daniels said...

I used to be ruthless with goal setting. This year...not so much! Wish I had some advice, but I'm interested to hear what others are saying.

One thing I am working on is the same as you: not stealing family time.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Great goals!

I'm a list maker. I love lists. That helps me. There's something so satisfying about checking off stuff I've accomplished throughout the week. :)

Keli Gwyn said...

I'm part of a Writing Goals in a Month group run by one of my 2008 Golden Heart pals Amy Atwell. We post annual goals as well as weekly goals and recaps. Knowing I'm going to report my progress (or lack of it) to the group each Monday morning helps me write more consistently.

Kudos to you for posting your goals here so we, your blog readers, can serve as accountability partners and encouragers.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I liked how real life your goals were and how you were going to go to God before blogs...good one. I think I prioritize and the most important things usually get done. Haven't held a vacuum in awhile though. :D
~ Wendy

Jessica Nelson said...

Those sound good to me. I don't like too many goals because they make me feel constricted, but yours are good. They seem more like you setting your goals into a priority list.
I hope you succeed with the washing machine and the girls. LOL

Katie Ganshert said...

Those sound like wonderful goals! I think it's great that you are prioritizing God and family and writing before blogs! I know they can be quite addictive!

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Great goals! I had some, but they are falling by the wayside during this crazy season at work. End of year stuff...aarrggghhh! But..I will have the summer off! whew!

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Hi, Everyone:

It's been tough with family visiting, etc. to keep up with the blogging and email. I had 197 new emails in my mailbox this morning. Whew, makes me wonder if I should ever take a day off again? But it's not everyday you get visitors from Dubai.

Anyway, I'm doing my best to get back into carrying out my goals and thank you all so much for your encouragement, even those who emailed because they had trouble with my comment option. I guess it likes to act up every now and then. I've gotten a few emails letting me know it's been down.

Take care all, and I hope the sunshine is reaching each of you like it is me! Just glorious!

Jaime Wright said...

You'll love go-carting! It's a blast! isn't research fun? ;)