As the New Year is now upon us, what goals do you have for this new time of opportunity? What are your passions? What inspires you? How can you do things differently this year than the year before? Let’s take a look at a couple of ideas that could help you accomplish your goals that maybe you have not tried yet.
1. Make deadlines for yourself.
Do you want to finish writing that novel you have been working on for months? Maybe start and finish a new painting by February? How about making that photo journal for a loved one before his or her birthday? Let’s face it – sometimes we all need a little motivation to get things done. This is where making a deadline comes into play.
If you are like me, if I have ample amounts of time to complete something, with no guideline for when it needs to be done, I will wait a while to do that task. I have learned over time not to procrastinate too much anymore, but sometimes it just happens. So my suggestion for a new goal this year, is to make a deadline for when it has to be accomplished or when a certain phase of it needs to be accomplished. Don’t overwork yourself and forget to eat, breathe, or spend time with family and friends. Simply set a date or a number of dates in which you want that task to be finished by.
For me, one of my goals is to travel to Europe this September. I plan on having my ticket purchased by the end of February. Once I do that, it’s smooth sailing from there.
“I am one of those people who thrive on deadlines, nothing brings on inspiration more readily than desperation.” – Harry Shearer
What goal are you going to make a deadline for this year?
2. Start a blog.
Before you get overwhelmed with how daunting a task this may appear, think about it for a moment. Writing down your ideas, sharing them with others and getting their input can lead to boosting your creativity. I know that since I started blogging this year, my creativity has been stretched beyond what I could have ever imagined. I will be honest here – having to write weekly about creativity stretched me creatively. Sounds a little funny, right? But, it is so true. I have done almost as much research on creativity as I ever did for one topic in college.
Starting a blog may be just that push you need to broaden your horizons and try something exciting or adventurous! In this article titled, “Nurturing Creativity”, one of the competencies that Robert Epstein, PhD, expresses is that one must obtain broadening. He says, “Some describe creative individuals as endlessly curious. But, their creativity goes beyond mere curiosity as they push themselves to read, explore, and experience things outside of their expertise, training, or even comfort zone.”
With that being said, would starting a blog be outside of your expertise or comfort zone? If so, that may be just the push you need to help you reach your goals and passions in life. Your new blog could be a creative outlet to release your ideas, spark new interests, or get motivated through others about your goals. When we put pen to paper, or fingers to keys on the computer, our idea then becomes real – it comes alive – it now exists not only in our minds, but in reality.
“Reduce your plan to writing. The moment you complete this, you will have definitely given concrete form to the intangible desire.” – Napoleon Hill
Adam Smith says
Great post, Vince. My main goal for this year is to finish my first full-length book. It will stretch me tremendously and it already has done so.
Vince says
Thanks, Adam. That does sound like an amazing goal & one I know you will accomplish. It’s going to be a great year!
Hal Baird says
Adam: Let me know when you finish it. I consider it an absolute “must” read.
Adam Smith says
Will do, Hal. Thanks so much.
Jon Stolpe says
I have a couple of writing projects on my goal list. I want to launch a print book this year. I also want to put out an eBook or two this year. Deadlines are definitely key to making this happen.