Goal-Setting

I read an article about setting resolutions by Rachelle Gardner. She said she focuses on the impetus for her goals and used the example of weight loss. She suggested that having a resolution of weight loss really uncovers a desire to feel good, be healthy, look nice. I totally get that. And most people do settle on resolutions about now. However, resolutions and goals are a little different.

Resolutions, to me, are lifestyle changes. Attempting a resolution is like deciding to change a career, or a daily pattern, or a name. Oh wait, I did
all that this year. LOL! But if resolutions are alterations in habits and the way I live my life, goals are the practical steps that I use to get me there.

So if I have a goal to avoid white flour products and another one to walk three times per week, those together with getting 8 hours of sleep each night (yeah, right) will work me toward a weight-loss or get healthy resolution.

ROW 80 works perfectly into this time of year. I'm not much of a resolution maker, but I love making goals with the support that I've met through the program, Round of Words in 80 Days. Not only can I make my writing goals - feasible and dreaming ones - I can also make life goals about exercise, blogging, and other projects.

I'm not nearly as prepared as I was during the last round, but then a new novel isn't part of my goals, yet. I have one that needs drastic revisions and another that begs for some wordsmithing. I hope to complete revisions on both by March.

In addition, I'm working on a website that requires blog articles and research on medieval and renaissance customs, stories, and daily life. Balancing that with my teaching and exercise goals fills my plate completely.

My goals for the next 80 days, at least as a start, include:

• Get two of my novels ready to share.*
• Work through Susan May Warren's Book Buddy set of books.
• Read 8 novels and review each.*
• Blog at least 4 times per week.
• Create at least 1 vlog per month.
• Add at least 1 new blog article to a medieval website per week.
• Catch up and maintain grading.
• Tweet and Facebook at least twice daily.
• Visit 2-3 blogs per weekday.
• Spend 1 1/2 hours in exercise per week. 
• Eliminate fast food.* 

I think that about covers it. At least I hope it does.

*So what does your slate of resolutions or goals include? Which ones have you the most worried? I have a few that are worrying me and I starred them above.