Happy December!

Let's get ready to set goals

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Confucius

Dear Writers,

This time of year, I always set goals for the next year. But first, I look back. I take stock in my year, in the wins, the losses, the ups, and the downs. Looking back doesn’t just help me set goals. It also helps me validate my progress and feel better about what I’m doing.

So let’s take the first step. Okay?????

This year, let’s start by taking inventory.

What did you accomplish this year?

Did you try something new? Did you take a class? Take a risk? Write something you’ve never written before? For me, being creative is ALL about taking chances, falling down, and trying again. So how did you fail?

What were the highlights of your year? Your humble brags?

Did you launch a book?

Did you sell a book?

Did you come up with an idea?

Did you start something exciting?

Did you do something that makes you uncomfortable?

Did you take a chance that made you happy?

What did you do this year that delights you?

Write down everything you did. Then write down things you didn’t get to. Things that didn’t work out or you took off your plate. Those actions are important, too. What did you prioritize? What did you put off? Acknowledge milestones and events that took up time and energy. Did you celebrate something? Did you lose someone? Did your situation change? Can you give yourself credit for persevering? Can you find an example that makes you proud of yourself?

What was the highpoint of the year?

What is the thing you never want to revisit?

Are you ready to reach?

Take a look at your inventory. Look for patterns and preferences.

Is there something there that you want to build on? An idea or project you are ready for now…something that felt too big before? Can you merge two ideas into one?

Ask yourself: what is the next step I want to take? What genius does last year offer you now? Your inventory can also include events, emotions, rejections (they’re connections) and old ideas that you aren’t sure what to do with.

Write down the title of the most exciting idea. Or the character. Or the theme. Whatever makes you most inspired. Whatever makes your brain swirl.

Then start a mind map. Write down everything you can think of. Let your intuition take charge and let one word lead to another. If you get stuck, circle the last word you wrote. (I think it’s important to keep your pencil moving.) This kind of exercise always helps me organize my thoughts. It helps me set up a new project. It shows me what I want to write about.

By taking inventory of last year, you can begin to set up some new idea to build on in 2026!

Have a great writing week!

xo Sarah