Do you have an inventory of almost-done writing projects? (Most of us do.)
If you're up for today's take action challenge, go ahead and grab a piece of paper and a pencil. (Go ahead, I'll wait!)
Here's a funky monkey to get you in the right frame of mind. :-)
1. Now...quickly jot down a list of open projects.
- That "just needs a polish" personal essay? Write it down.
- Same with your unwritten ebook.
- Add your "send more queries" project to the list.
- And don't forget to include your poems, short stories and other creative writing projects.
2. Review your list for anything you've left out. (You might want to get up and thumb through your file cabinet for a minute or two to jog your memory.) At this point, most writers are surprised at the number of items on their lists!
3. Take a look at what you've got. I'm guessing you've got one, two or more very important writing projects on your list, right? Circle them.
4. Now jot down a phrase or two to describe the benefits you'll enjoy when you wrap these projects up. For example:
- Add a new income stream to my freelance business.
- Publish my story in a magazine I admire.
- Earn more money / get more writing assignments.
- Use my talents to do what I'm meant to do (creative writing).
5. Circle all the projects you're actively working on in a given week.
6. Now choose one project -- a single, finish-able project -- that you could realistically complete before December 31st.
- What would it feel like to have this project wrapped up and done?
- What new opportunities would it open up for you?
- What challenges would you need to overcome to get it DONE?
7. Jot down two simple actions you can take this week to start working on -- and finishing -- that important writing project.
8. Write down a few simple steps you can take to get the help you need. Some suggestions:
- Call a friend or colleague and arrange to be each other's accountability buddy.
- Clean your office. :)
- Join an online forum to meet new writers.
- If you need more writing time, get your hands on my free "Making Time to Write" ecourse for writers. I'll lead you through 5 simple lessons designed to help you start shifting the way you think about time and writing.
- If you need help prioritizing your projects and following through, get my simple, easy to implement strategies to help you get your writing done. Join me tomorrow for a free productivity teleclass for writers. (Details below.)
Chip away at your 6-week writing goal with simple, consistent actions. You'll feel great knowing you're writing what matters most and if you follow through with your plans, you'll have a completed writing project and a sparkling clean slate for the new year.
You can do this!
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FREE TELECLASS FOR WRITERS:
"Get It Done: 3 Keys to Following Through with Your Important Writing Plans"
In this free, one-hour class I'll share practical tips and strategies to help you:
- finally stop postponing your big-picture writing projects
- follow through with your writing plans in 3 simple steps
- create serious writing momentum and jumpstart your writing project (making you feel GREAT again) -- even in the midst of a busy professional life or freelance writing career
I'll also set aside time at the end of the call to answer your questions about the class content and my upcoming "Two Days to Write" coaching and writing intensive.
Details about the teleclass:
- class meets Thursday, November 17 at 11am PT / 2pm ET
- if you can't make the call, you can still listen in by registering below for an MP3 recording (free to download and keep)
- save on long-distance by dialing in via a local number, Skype or webcast
Get It Done: 3 Keys to Following Through with Your Writing Plans
Note: I respect your privacy as my own. Your registration includes a complimentary copy of my monthly email newsletter, The Relaxed Writer.
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