Setting Goals

I've seen quite a few people talking about setting goals lately. I know that making goals specific and time dependent increases our chances of meeting them, but that isn't always so easy to do. And what if those don't encompass what you really want? I'd like to propose a revised 6 point goal setting model. Indulge me for a moment and then let me know what you think.

1. Acknowledge what it is you REALLY want. Sometimes we disguise our loftiest goals from even ourselves. What are you after? Don't worry - no one's going to hear it to judge you. Do you want traditional publication? To hold your book in your hand? What is it that would really make your wildest dreams? Being on the best-seller list? Go ahead and say it. At least to the mirror.
2. Look yourself in the eye (yeah we're still using the mirror) and tell yourself that you CAN accomplish this. Let yourself know that it's going to take a LOT of hard work and perseverance, but that if you are willing to make sacrifices and keep at it, it IS possible. 
3. Tell yourself there is no time limit on this ultimate goal. That as long as you never give up, it is always possible. Then...
4. Prepare yourself to streamline your path to success by making a series of smaller goals that naturally build toward the BIG ONE. E.g., "I'm going to finish a rough draft by November." Or "I'm going to complete my edits by my birthday." Or "I'm going to attend X conference and query 7 agent next month." Things like that. Those are your specific and time oriented goals, but now they mean more because you know where they will lead. 
5. Write down each item as you accomplish it. Because why not take a look at all you've done? Sometimes we see only the failures, so why not take a good honest look at our successes too?
6. The higher you aim, the higher you reach. Finally, I've found that if I shoot for the stars, I can reach at least the moon. But if I reach for the moon, I may not make it out of the atmosphere. Get it? This is important, so I'm going to give a personal example: In school I thought 4.0 was impossible, but maybe I could get a 3.5, which I barely reached. Then I transferred to another college where, starting over I decided to try for the 4.0. I graduated with above a 3.9.

So what do you have to lose? I'll tell you what! Your dreams. If you give up, you've lost. But if you keep reaching for those "crazy" goals, you just might get somewhere.

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