How to Keep your New Years Writing Resolutions

Have you made a writing resolution for 2010?  Have you thought about how you are going to stick to it?  Here is the best advice that I have garnered from gurus, psychology studies, several inspirational (and some not so inspirational) books and other writers over the years...

Tell Someone

Whatever your writing resolution you have a much higher chance of sticking it out and seeing it through if you tell someone about it.  Experts put this down to the fact that the people you have told will act as your witnesses and keep you accountable, so make sure the people you tell are good enough friends to keep nagging you about your progress! 

Verbalizing your resolution can also make it seem more real and you will probably feel a renewed sense of commitment each time you say your resolution out loud to someone.

Write it Down

Interestingly enough, psychologists have proven that people who write down their goals are more likely to accomplish them than those who have simple talked about them.  However, the key is not to just write down the goal or resolution, but to write about how it can change your life. 

Set aside some time to write about what your life will be like in six months and a year's time if you have stuck to your resolution.  If you want to finally clear out that junk room and turn it into a writing studio, write about how it feels to walk into that clean space each day and feel a sense of focus and peace while you work.  If you want to sell more articles describe your daily routine as you finish up assignments, pitch editors and check your growing bank balance. 

If you feel your resolve weakening, or you find yourself off track throughout the year, think about how you will feel and what it will mean to your work life if you carry out your resolution to it's conclusion; then write about it!

Break it into pieces

Sometimes a huge goal can seem like too big of a mountain to climb.  Give yourself a hand by creating some rest stops along the way.  Not only will this make your goal more achievable, but it will help you to stay motivated as enjoy a sense of accomplishment at completing each step. 

For example, if your resolution is to finally complete your novel,  give yourself a weekly word count to finish.  Or create a schedule for first draft, re-writes and submissions and stick to it.

Make it real

Out of sight is out of mind, so keep your resolution firmly in view.  Remember that writing exercise you did about envisioning your goal?  Choose some key quotes from it and hang them near your desk. 

If your resolution is quantifiable, such as to earn more money, or write more then make a chart and track your progress.

Most importantly, don't let a slip or a set back cause you to abandon your resolution entirely.  Give yourself a break and then put yourself back on the path to success.