New Year, Same Doubt (Plus a Free 2018 Writing Goals Worksheet!)

Here’s to a new year! I hope it’s filled with books worthy of later bedtimes, hot tea, and accomplished writing goals.

Every year, I write down my personal and writing goals, typically in a my new planner and very seriously—yet I take those goals less seriously as they year goes on. My job becomes more hellish than usual. My to-dos overshadow going to the gym or working on my WIP. Something shitty happens, and my goals are forgotten in order to survive.

But, if I’m being honest, it’s not about survival. It’s about comfort.

It’s easier to sit on my ass than to meal prep. It’s easier to waste time on social media than to outline my novel. It’s easier to relax after a long day at work than to write.

Shit happens, but I should expect instead of be surprised by it. Because even more bothering than shit is doubt.

Doubt is when I decide it’s okay not to write a blog post. Doubt is when I attend a writing conference but never query the requesting agents. Doubt is when I stop in the middle of a writing project.

Shit and doubt happens to all writers. But it’s the writers who persevere that become published authors.

This year, I want to be one of those writers.

But first, time to pat myself on the back.

1. I completed my first-ever round of beta readers.
2. I hired a sensitivity reader for the first time.
3. I attended a writing conference for the first time. (Blog posts to come!)
4. I attended a Pitch Slam, and 5 agents requested my book! (Blog posts to come!)
5. I became the leader of a writers group.
6. I started a writing graduate program!

Now time to look ahead. (Download your own 2018 Writing Goals Worksheet!)

What are your writing goals for 2018? Do you have any tips for sticking to your goals? Let me know in the comments below!