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Goal Setting

doradora
edited April 2008 in - Writing Problems
I am sure there must be a thread about this somewhere already, but how do you go about this? How to you keep a note of short and long term aims, and make sure you keep to them? I have lots of ideas and plans to do this and that, but remembering them before the deadline looms, sometimes is a chore I can do without, specially as my brain picks and chooses for itself what it wants to remember. Oh and my diary? I've forgotten where it is.

Comments

  • Stan2Stan2
    Why not keep a to do list in a Word document on the computer? I keep of list of articles submitted, when and where, and of articles I intend writing or have been asked to write. I also keep a list of articles published, when and where - it's encouraging when you add to the published list.
  • Stan2Stan2
    The above system works for me!
  • midiamidia
    Hi Dora,
    I do similar to Stan, but at the begining of the month I write a list of things I wish to achieve before the month is out and then I print out a weekly calendar and break up my main list into four/five weekly slots, which I pin up by my desk. For example; April - week one - write one new chapter on novel, research article on such and such, submit invoices, etc. I find this easier than setting long term goals, such as 'complete novel by July' because I like the idea of ticking them off quicker:)
  • mcbemusedmcbemused
    If you have Microsoft Works, there is a calendar feature. Fill out what your goals are in the week you want them completed by, set the reminder for up to a week in advance, and every time you switch on your computer a reminder screen pops up. You can delete stuff as you do it. You can also print out a copy if you want something to look at and lose! :)
  • megrosemegrose
    That sounds good Midia. At the moment I just write out weekly goals - and then carry those forward I haven't achieved! But I like your idea of monthly goals broken up into weekly slots. I write my goals in a notebook - entitled 'Weekly Goals' - so, you're quite right, McB, that gives me something else to lose!
  • Stan2Stan2
    These are all good suggestions.
  • ambolineamboline
    There's also the thread "Goals for the coming year..." in Writers' World, which may or may not be of use with the longer-term planning...
  • Stan2Stan2
    .
  • Jay MandalJay Mandal
    Stop it, Stan!
  • Stan2Stan2
    Stop what?
  • doradora
    Giving my thread acne! Stop it Stan.
  • Stan2Stan2
    ...
  • doradora
    I shall join those dots up soon if you carry on.
  • Stan2Stan2
    You will? :P
  • doradora
    No actually, I'm too busy reaching the goals I'd set earlier this month.
  • Stan2Stan2
    Good you for dora.
  • doradora
    In fact, I've met those, and now I am starting some more.
  • Stan2Stan2
    Even better dora.
  • doradora
    Thanks for your ideas everyone. I have MS Works McBemused and will try that but now I am off to the other thread amboline mentioned
  • Stan2Stan2
    Hi dora!
  • doradora
    Hello Stan 1 hour late
  • Stan2Stan2
    I is still ere! :P
  • doradora
    Is yer? well I int. I is off.
  • WordyWordy
    Bit late responding to this, Dora. I have a large sheet on which I write down everything that needs doing, both short and long term and including my writing. Each day I write down anything that has to be done that day - keep a dental appointment for example - and things from the list to total five. There are few days when I cannot fit in five different tasks and generally manage more, taking something else from the list if I still have time to spare. The writing tasks are broken into smaller units. For an article I would have research for one heading, 1st draft, edit and final rewrite for example. If photos ae required this would be another heading.

    I could do this on a spreadsheet or a Word page but prefer the satusfaction of physically crossing completed items off the list. Not sure how this would fit with longer pieces of work but it works for me as I don't spend ages deciding what to do next. Each evening I select the items for the next day and add any new asks to the list. Would love to know if anyone else works a similar system.
  • Stan2Stan2
    Sounds good Wordy.
  • doradora
    and I will consider it ... many thanks
  • Stan2Stan2
    edited April 2008
    Hello dora. :P
  • doradora
    Hello Stan
  • Stan2Stan2
    :D
  • doradora
    Hey McBemused I've used that reminder system in Microsoft Works thanks and it works.
  • mcbemusedmcbemused
    :)
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