[Image credit: meepoohfoto]
What you have to do and the way you have to do it
are incredibly simple. Whether you are willing to do it
is another matter. ~ Peter F. Drucker
In my recent post, Taking the first step, I mentioned I’m writing a book. Recently, a friend of mine turned me on to a study guide by Victoria Lynn Schmidt called, “Book in a Month.” It includes a plan on how to — you guessed it — write a book. In 30 days. Schmidt includes steps for overcoming resistance, which make sense for anyone with a goal.
- Create an outline. From start to finish, how are you going to get where you want to go?
- Break your goal down into small, realistic tasks.
- Hold yourself accountable; gather support. Join a writer’s group, fitness club, weight loss program.
- Visualize the entire goal from start to finish. Stay focused.
- Create a deadline.
- Celebrate your successes.
- Make it a habit.
What are you willing to do to get where you want to go?
Jan 08, 2013 @ 17:57:36
Writing a book in 30 days sounds very ambitious. However, my busy lifestyle (i.e. work!) means I’m committed to the tortoise route rather than the hare – writing steadily with a thousand words a day. Nevertheless, whichever road is embarked upon, Schmidt’s steps are well worth taking on board.
Jan 08, 2013 @ 18:31:04
~ thank you, Andrew! When I mentioned my frustrations to the friend who introduced me to the book (relating to the stress I felt at completing all the worksheets *and* writing daily, which for me takes away the joy in writing), she suggested I tailor the guide to fit my lifestyle … also busy with work, family, fitness and other outside commitments. This doesn’t negate the importance we place on our writing, of course. It just means we have to be okay with arriving at our destination a little later than the hares 🙂