Let’s Set Goals {January 2021}

My writer productivity skyrockets when I set monthly goals. At the beginning of each week I break them down into daily tasks that will work within my current schedule. Do you know how great it is to finish projects? Of course you do! For me, setting monthly goals makes it all possible.

Every month I share how I did the previous month as well as my new goals. Let’s get to it!

How Did I Do? Jill’s December Goals

• Writing
• Revise/submit non-contracted novel to my agent. CHECK!
• Determine overall goals for 2021! CHECK!

• Health
• Exercise 5 days/week. CHECK!
• Keep mini-habits: add one vegetable and one fruit each day and get off the couch for one minute in the evening. MOSTLY CHECK–I missed a few days over Christmas break.

• Other
• Enjoy Christmas season. CHECK!
• Continue reading fiction for a minimum of 20 minutes every weekday. NO CHECK. Once again I downloaded a game app on my phone in late December that took over my life. I’ve since deleted it. I don’t want to give into easy, mindless entertainment that crowds out things I enjoy.

December was a good month. Low key. Met with a few friends for coffee dates. Baked cookies. Wrapped presents. Planned 2021. That’s it!

Jill’s January Goals

• Writing
• Draft rest of Wyoming Ranchers Book 2 (roughly 42,000 words)
• Outline nonfiction book for writers
• Prep for speaking engagement
• Set up promo for Hers for the Summer (releases February 23!)

• Health
• Exercise 5 days/week
• Keep mini-habits: add one vegetable and one fruit each day and get off the couch for one minute in the evening. I’ve been doing this for two months, and it’s been great!

• Other
• Continue reading fiction for a minimum of 20 minutes every weekday
• Continue online class for drawing (a primer/basics tutorial with assignments)
• Clean out file cabinet

It’s cold and gloomy and dark and blah here. I’d say it’s perfect for writing, since there’s literally nothing that makes me want to go outside, but it’s also not motivating. I could easily sit in pajamas, sip coffee and do nothing all day. I won’t, but it’s tempting!

How did you do last month? How do you feel about this month’s goals?