2018 WRITING GOALS: ACHIEVED
This was one of my best years as a writer since it saw the first publication of one of my books through a traditional publisher. ROAM was released by NineStar Press in October and I signed the contract for the second book in the series to be released next year. Prior to this, my books had been self-published. I had also set forth to complete the second book in my YA series, THE DEAD OAKS, and succeeded in getting it out into the world. I would say that I even went beyond my own expectations by managing to get halfway through the first draft of another novel. Overall, I'm extremely proud of what I accomplished in this area in 2018.
2018 ART GOALS: ACHIEVED-ish(?)
I began this year intending to sell more art than the previous year through my Etsy and Redbubble shops, which I did. A design that I created of "Call Me By Your Name" sold more than any other piece of art that I've produced in my entire life. That being said, I don't think that what I accomplished overall was quite what I'd pictured at the beginning of the year nor was I left with the feelings that I'd intended to have. So, while I was successful in my goal on paper, it has all left me thinking differently in a way that I will delve into more as I reveal my 2019 goals.
2018 PERSONAL GOALS: FAILED
Of course a writer would fail in this area! Bring on the ROTFL emojis! I was terrible at pretty much all of these goals. Eat Healthy And Exercise: NOPE. Learn To Relax: NOPE. Not Push Myself So Hard: NOPE. Read At Least 20 Books: NOPE. In fact, the only thing I did do right was go on the vacation that we had planned in advance; which I am insanely thankful for because I definitely needed to take a break and reset. Hopefully, I'll do better this coming year to take time for my personal goals. Now that I know I have an issue with that, I can make it a point to prioritize it.
Now that that's out of the way, here's what I'm feeling heading into 2019. I stated that my theme is "mindfulness". My intention with this is to have a constant reminder that I want to "act intentionally". Everything that I put time and effort into should be of value to my overall life vision. If it hurts it or doesn't fit it then I'm not wasting time on it. A decluttering of the soul and mind, if you will.
2019 WRITING GOALS
A huge thing I'm looking forward to is the release of HUNTER through NineStar Press in the Spring. My goals for this year are to finish writing the third (and final) book in the ROAM series and to write the next DEAD OAKS book. After these, I hope to start working on a new novel. I also have some ideas for short stories that I might release periodically throughout the year. Two lofty goals are to attend some sort of convention (maybe...) and toy with the possibility of finding an agent. This is a lot for one year, I know. I hope to achieve at least two to three of these things. Wish me luck!
2019 ART GOALS
NONE. Zip. Zilch. Can't and won't be bothered. Contrary to the picture above, I have no real art goals. This doesn't mean that I won't create art. I know myself better than that and I do have some little things that I'd like to work on. I also have some new art interests other than just drawing that I'd like to explore but I'm viewing this area of my life as more of a "leisure" category this year that will probably morph and change quite a bit. No need to place expectations here.
"Don't half ass two things. Whole ass one thing." Thanks, Parks & Recreation! That quote has also been stuck in the back of my mind for quite a while more than I'd care to admit. A big reason that I'm changing my attitude toward my approach with art is that I want to be able to mainly focus on my writing because that's where my passion lies! Drawing is fun and a great way to defrag at the end of a day which is why I'm viewing it more as a hobby now.
So, after I made this list, I realized there was no need for art goals starting out 2019.
2019 PERSONAL GOALS
Okay! This area has to be more of a priority this year as I had mentioned. I don't want to be a failure at it again. :) I really will try to be healthier (*cringe face*) and I'll let myself have time to relax (even if I have to literally schedule it in); in conjunction, during that relaxation time, perhaps I'll actually manage to read 20 books. A simple goal I have is to get the house organized from top to bottom; I'm sure that will take all year.
Another big goal is: Cultivate Healthy Friendships. Some of you are great friends already and I plan on keeping you around, don't worry! But that isn't the case for everyone in my life. . . Nor have I freed up enough time for some of you. So, I want to focus only on the friendships that I have (and that have been seeking me out) which really add purposeful and positive value to my life. Without getting too personal and wordy, I'll just say that my goal is to make time for the people that I think actually deserve that time.
Well, there you have it! My 2019 vision. Basically, I just want to write and chill and share worthwhile conversations with worthwhile people. Hopefully that's not too hard to live up to.
Have you shared your goals for the new year? If so, leave a link in the comments so I can check them out!
Have a Happy New Year!!
Mindfully Yours,
- Dez -
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenn! Happy New Year to you too!! <3
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