Welcome to 2022- the both literal and figurative new chapter of our lives. Though as my little brother told me, “time is not a staircase,” it does in fact feel that there is a step up or beginning of sorts. I like to think of it as turning a page; there are some already written, scribbled on, and edited in a stack next to you waiting to be learned from and reminisced upon one day, but for now it’s you, a pen, and endless opportunity. A chance to write something new!
This year is a big one for me as it is will hold a college graduation, hopefully a job, and the start of my “real” adult life. Knowing it’s going to be one for the books in more ways than one, it got me thinking about the kind of goals I can foster in order to be proud of my work at the year’s end! Though that means a few things in my academic, social, and personal life, I wanted to share the most relevant with you all so I can remain accountable as well as give you some ideas if you need them!
The first is that for the first time, I want to set a reading goal. I used to be obsessed with my Accelerated Reading goals (did anyone else have those?) as a kid, but completely forgot about reading in the same focused way until this year. Thanks to friends, bloggers, bookstagrammers, and others, I have decided to give it a go this year! I am going to work towards reading, by the time the clock strikes 2023, 100 books! It might be ambitious, but given that my life and schedule will change as I graduate, I think this will help remind me that I can always turn to a book.
I have always said to my friends and family that carving out intentional time to read or planning moments to open a book are the most important. Many people, including myself, love to read but struggle to find the time! The answer to that problem, in my experience, is to MAKE time. If you don’t set out to do something, you can’t simply wish it into existence. Tell yourself that it is a priority and then hit up your local bookstore or library! I believe in you!
The second important goal begins with the month of January. Since I won’t have any class to take up my time this month, I want to create a consistent practice of writing my WIP each day (or at least most days!). I love finding quiet and designated times to sit at my computer and live in the world inside my head, so I know I will benefit from it in joy and in progress on my favorite story. With this month as a stepping stone, I intend to finish my novel by the end of the school year! It sounds crazy to type, but putting it in words is the only way to put it into action. I have the added pressure of my desire to use it for my capstone project (thesis, for you non-creative writing majors out there!). To complete this goal would fill me with such passion and pride!
When setting goals, it is important to note that they should always be clear and within your abilities but still enough of a reach that you’re challenged. You might have heard of setting a smart goal- specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time bound. Though I wouldn’t recommend getting too in the weeds about hyper specific resolutions, I do believe that in one’s writing life and practice that we ought to create some sort of structure for ourselves. Forget about how long all of those famous authors tell you to write in a day and create the encouraging environment that you need to foster progress. I have time bound myself by the days remaining in January, the school year, and the calendar year which allows me the chance to plan out my steps in between as well as track my progress. By giving yourself mini deadlines, you too can pace yourself in the pursuit of your goals!
This entire entry may be full of rambling- I confess that I am writing it in line for a Starbucks at Disneyland- but I can’t contain the excitement and focus I feel for being the best writer and reader I can in 2022. I know there will be a fair share of trials and tribulations, but as one of my favorite books, Little Women, says: “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
I hope that you are able to set your sights on something positive this year and chase your goals with me. We can keep each other accountable along the way!
Happy 2022 and I will write again soon!
P.s. Isn’t this typewriter just gorgeous? It’s from 1958 and works like a dream. This was one of my favorite Christmas gifts and comes from Unplug. If you are looking for a way to write without the distraction of the internet while surrounded by the melodic clacking of keys, I cannot recommend them enough!
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